Giant City State Park Riding Stables

Giant City State Park Riding Stables

     I had never gone horseback riding before. I’m 47 years old and probably only been on a horse 3 times in my life. Two of those times I’m assuming happened when I was a child, although I cannot remember it. The other time happened as an adult when I was helping a friend round up some horses that had escaped. He needed me to get on the horse and chase the other horses. I climbed on board and told the horse to “Go”. He or she did not understand English apparently and did not move. I said “Go”. The beast still did not move. I utterly refused to say “getty up” or click my lips at the large critter. Needless to say, my first horse experience ended in laughter; at me, not with me.
    
      I have driven past the Giant City Stables many times on my way to hike trails in the Giant City State Park, and had always been curious about them. I told myself that I was going to go there and ride a horse one day.  So, after hiking the Cove Hollow Trail, which is a part of the Cedar Lake Trail System I decided to do it.
      
     I called the stables to make a reservation. They need to know in advance that you are coming and they have set times when the horses are taken out for a trail ride. I gave the lady who answered the phone my information. She was very nice and helpful. Then, she asked for a credit or debit card number. I’m more of a Stone Age type of guy and don’t have those fancy doo dads. I still have my flip phone, and love it. Chicks dig the flip phone.
      
     Anyway, I told her that I don’t have a credit card. “Do you not take cash?” I asked. She said “We take cash, but we cannot guarantee your spot.”  I told her that was fine.  I’m used to that sort of thing because of my weird lifestyle, and I’m happy with it. She took my reservation and we hung up, after she told me about what time the ride would begin, and that I needed to get there at least 15 minutes early to watch a short video on how to ride a horse. I didn’t tell her that I might need a little more than a short video.
      
     While I waited I decide to check out the awesome Farmer’s Market in the Murdale Shopping Center parking lot, on the west side of Carbondale. It is the biggest and nicest Farmers Market, that I have seen in the Southern Illinois area. If I find another, I will eat those words. I honestly wish we had more of these and we need them. More and more communities are realizing this and they are springing up everywhere. Now, if I can just get them to realize that adding a flea market aspect to the farmers markets, would bring in more customers, and more people who desperately need to be exposed to healthier living. But, often times the Farmers Markets and Crafts Fairs want to maintain a purity of some kind. I get it. But, there are higher ideals at stake sometimes, and I’m sure with the proper rules, any problems could be resolved.
      
     After the market, I drove out the stables and was very excited. I have not been this excited in some time actually. It was a beautiful day, and I was all smiles. I filled out a form that explained the legality of everything, and protected the Stables from blame should anything occur. Then, I watched the video of controlling the horse. It was fairly simple according to the video, but I still had visions of being dragged through the woods, by one foot, as my horse stampeded through the brush.
     
      I was given the option of wearing a crash helmet or not. I chose to wear one; it might help me to survive the stampeding beast. Honestly I don’t trust anyone, and I certainly do not trust animals. Deep inside, these beautiful creatures are still wild animals. That is true for all beings. I know, I know, all the animal people will hate that I said that. But, I grew up around animals, and things can happen. It’s a fact. Course, I was one of the only ones in my group who wore a helmet. So yeah, I’m a goof.  But a safe goof.
    
     The wranglers who were to lead our group on the trail ride were finishing up helping kids ride, and doing therapeutic rides for people with special needs. I think this is awesome and I hope it continues.
     
      When it was our turn to go on the ride, we were taken to a large corral inside the barn to meet our horses. Our group had about 6 people, plus two wranglers who were in front and back of the group. I was going to be riding a large draft mule, named Ruth. She was a sweety. At least that’s what I kept whispering into her ear so she would not drag me to my death through the forest.
     
      I was last in the line of riders, as we headed down the trail into the woods of Giant City State Park. As stated before, there was a wrangler in front, and one just behind me, so the ride was very controlled and safe. As a matter of fact the wrangler behind me was a very cute college student, so I felt even safer. I struck up a conversation with her, as we rode. No, I’m not a creeper.  I’m friendly.
      
     I did not get dragged to my death. The ride was wonderful. Often we get thoughts in our heads, but the reality is rarely what we think. Each ride takes about an hour and costs $45.00 per person with a discount if you bring 6 or more in your party. I felt that I got my money’s worth. I learned more about horses, and mules, and spent more time relaxing in nature.
    
      I will definitely go back to ride again. It would be a great place to take kids, a youth group or a date. Also, remember that the Stables have therapeutic rides available. This is a fabulous thing that could help many. Call and ask about it.

https://www.facebook.com/Giant-City-Stables-189836797788935/

Seasoning Bistro: Benton, IL

Seasoning Bistro: Benton, IL

    

     I was in Benton, Illinois meeting up with a friend who was telling me about essential oils, when I decided to go to the Seasoning Bistro for lunch. I like trying new places, and I had driven past this newer restaurant, on the Benton Square on many occasions. It was now time to give it a try.
    
      I went in and sat down at one of the tables. The waitress immediately appeared and I ordered water. Then, I ordered the Portabella Sandwich, which is a grilled portabella mushroom, pimento, basil pesto mayo, and foraccio. It came with pickle, and potato chips. It was $7.50, and it was delicious.
      
     The waiting staff was very quick, polite, and knowledgeable. They seemed to care. You know you sometimes go to restaurants where the waiting staff look dead in the eyes and just go through the motions. Not here. They were well alive and cheerful.
     
      The atmosphere was relaxed, and I felt comfortable reading my book. It was quite busy, but not rushed. It was very pleasant. I was also glad that they brought me extra napkins without asking. It bugs me when a restaurant only gives me one napkin that is used to wrap my silverware. So, after I unwrap the napkin I have to put my silverware on my plate, because I don’t like setting it on the bare table. But, the Seasoning Bistro gave me the extra napkins I needed, without asking, for which I am grateful.
      
     After, eating I went back to use the restroom. Sometimes smaller restaurants will look nice in the front, but when you go back to the restroom you must pass through the storeroom and trip over crates, on the way. But, the Bistro maintained their décor all the way to both restrooms. After entering the men’s room, I was pleased to discover that someone had placed man stuff in the room; cologne, lotion, beard oil, hair gel, things like that. It was a nice touch, and is something you don’t see very often.
     
      After I paid the bill I left, and went shopping around on the square. I talked to some of the shop owners and told them I had just eaten at the Bistro. They all gave glowing reports, of the restaurant. I was even told that the owners Troy and Katie, use local produce, and are health conscious with their menu. I was happy with this. Because, I think the people in Southern Illinois, need to turn more local; to support our economy and increase our tourism. And of course, Americans in general need to grab a hold of living a healthier lifestyle. I think having business owners who make it easier for consumers to live a healthy lifestyle is a key aspect to this.
    
      I thoroughly enjoyed eating at the Seasoning Bistro. The food and atmosphere was great, and they have a wonderful vision of our community.

Lake Glendale

Lake Glendale

     Lake Glendale is a fantastic family getaway spot in the Shawnee National Forest. Of course, it doesn’t have to involve your family if you happen to be someone who doesn’t like having irritating people around. But, it is a place the whole family could enjoy if they chose.

    

      There’s fishing on the lake in boats of all kinds from kayaks, to canoes, to row boats, to boats with up to 10 horse motors. There’s camping, both primitive and RV. There are also picnic areas with large beautiful shelters.

     

      The lake has a rather large beach and hiking trail that goes around the lake. It is a gravel trail mostly with several bridges over creeks, and low areas. The trail is well used and goes through several camp areas. It is used by hikers and cyclists, with several trails that lead away from the main trail.

      

     The lake was created by damming a creek sometime in the 1930’s, and has a well made concrete spillway, and retaining wall for the creek in the woods. I went and explored this area below the spillway, remembering my childhood days,  fishing below the spillway at the Du Quoin City Lake.

      

     Camping costs $12-$44 depending on whether you want electricity or not. The Beach is $5 for adults and kids are $3. There’s boat rentals, $3 for paddle boat, $5 for kayaks and canoes.

     

      These fees are pretty cheap. I cannot promise how up to date they are. A lot of places nowadays will claim to rent boats, but quit doing it because of insurance. I did not see boats for rent when I was there. But, it was before Memorial Day, and early morning, so it wasn’t open for business. But, the beach looked great.

     

      Lake Glendale looked wonderful and I enjoyed the hike. I plan to go back and camp. 

Cycling Pyramid State Park

Cycling Pyramid

     Pyramid State Park  is one of the most beautiful parks in the state of Illinois. It is also the largest state owned park in Illinois. It is built on the remains of an old coal mine, and has added large tracts of land from other newer coal mines.

      

     Pyramid has primitive camping, fishing, hunting and hiking. The trails are open for foot traffic, equestrian, and cycling. I have hiked Pyramid many times, and use it as one of my places to workout. It is serene and quiet. It currently is not full of RV’s and tons of people. But, there is a movement to try to make more use of pyramid, by putting in electric campsites, and cabins. However, I feel we should promote the old Pyramid as a quiet place to escape, and use the newer part for more modern conveniences.

      

     Then, there is cycling. This could be a good thing for Pyramid Park. With roads for adults and kids to ride on, and trails for mountain bikes. I cycled Pyramid Parks, 10 mile trail one morning in the late spring after the trails opened up for cycle use.

      

     I loaded my mountain bike onto the ladder that is on the back of my van, and bungee corded it there. I hopped in the van and drove over to Pyramid, which is about 15 minutes from Du Quoin. I parked the van at one of the trail heads for the 10 mile trail, in Heron camp ground.

     

      I put on my helmet, and threw on my small backpack that holds water, snacks, first aid, tools and survival kit. I unloaded my bike from the back of the van and headed out.

      

     The sun was up enough to give plenty of light, but it was nice and cool with misty air. I pedaled down the trail till I hit a downward hill, which I flew down, zipping past trees, and I loved it.

    

      I pedaled up hills and flew back down them again, racing on the flat lands. I saw squirrels, rabbits, and deer crossing the trail ahead of me while the birds watched from trees, chirping as I rolled by.

     

      I rode through swampy areas, not caring about my wet legs and back. I even pumped the pedals through a flooded area of trail where the water was up to my calves. But, who cares? It was freedom.

      

     The trail ended with a steep downhill ride which came out in a parking area. Then the rest of the ride was along highway 152/Pyatt’s road to the entrance of the park, past the Ranger station, and back on a mile of roads to the campgrounds and my van. I have hiked this trail and it took about 5 hours. This time, I did not keep track, but cycling the 10 mile trail took 2 hours or less, estimated.

      

     Cycling Pyramid was very exhilarating and was one of my first experiences mountain biking. It was not difficult, and it was fairly safe, with some thrilling hills, and turns, but nothing too extreme. There is also a campsite halfway if a person wanted to camp.

    

      Pyramid is a great place to get out and enjoy nature, spend time with God and family or friends, while having an adventure.

Cahokia Mounds and the Contemporary Indian Art Show

Cahokia Mounds and the Contemporary Indian Art Show

     The Contemporary Indian Art Show at Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site was a wonderful taste of Modern Native Art, from around the United States.

     The event was held within the visitor center at the Cahokia Mounds Park near Collinsville, Illinois. The Cahokia Mounds website states that Cahokia was “bigger than London in 1250 AD.”

     It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Well, the website states that “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning protection of the world cultural and natural heritage adopted by UNESCO in 1972.”

     This World Heritage Site is one of several located within less than a day’s drive from Southern Illinois. These include Cahokia Mounds, Mammoth Cave Park, The Great Smoky Mountains Park, and a few of the Frank Lloyd Wright Architectural locations. Frank Lloyd Wright has architecture, in St. Louis, Decatur, Springfield and Chicago, among many other places. These are important natural and cultural sites recognized by the world. It would be compared to the Seven Wonders of the World. We are blessed to live in such a place that has these sites nearby.

 

     Cahokia Mounds is a great setting for the Contemporary Indian Art show, where around a dozen Native American artists displayed their work. The types of art presented, ranged from paintings, to pottery, to jewelry, and sculpture. Native flute and drum music played as patrons loved the art and the artists. Not only was there visual art, but there were CD’s of music, drums, and prayers; along with incense and books written by many of the artists.

 

     The jewelry was silver and shined to perfection, with bead work of all kinds. There were earthen vessels, with sculptures and masks, surrounded by beautiful feathers. They were all celebrating native culture and history. The natural world, native spirituality, and the destruction of the tribes were remembered throughout. A testimony to a blood line going back through the mists of time, to when the Creator molded humanity into existence.  And He loves us all.
 
     There is an art show at Cahokia several times a year. The painting displayed in the article is by native artist and writer, Mitch Battese. Who lives in Lawrence, Kansas.

Fult's Hill Prairie Nature Preserve

Fult’s Hill Prairie Nature Preserve

     Fult’s Hill is a small nature preserve and trail located on the Bluff Road that goes through Prairie Du Rocher, and Modoc, Illinois.

      

     If you are flying down that beautiful scenic road, you will zip past it, like I have done a thousand times. Every time I do it, I catch a glimpse of the parking area and the sign and I say to myself. “I need to stop and check that out one day.” But, I never did, until today.

      

     First, you must find the Bluff Road, which is Illinois Rt 7. If you are on Route 3, in Ellis Grove, you will find Roots Road. Turn on to it, heading west. You will cross the beautiful Kaskaskia River, and then Roots Road will turn into the Bluff Road.  You can also access the Bluff Road from Ruma on Rt 3, by going west down Illinois Rt 156 till you hit the Bluff Road, at Prairie Du Rocher. Head North on the Bluff Road. There are directions on the website from Waterloo and Belleville, as well. Or simply follow the location link on this blog post.

      

     The Preserve has a small parking lot that will hold about 5 cars. There is a stairway that begins the 1.4 mile trail through the preserve. And that stairwell is a killer. It is the never-ending stairway of death. It was a great leg workout, but very surprising in its eternal ascending length. The entrance sign describes the difficulty as “Extreme”.

      

     But, the view from the top is spectacular. If you are out of shape however, take a few moments at the top to breathe before approaching the edge of the cliff. If not, you might start seeing flashing lights, get vertigo and tumble over, taking the fast way down.

      

     Fult’s Hill gives wonderful views of the Mississippi flood plain and the prairies that used to fill Illinois. It is a gem, which typically you will have to yourself.

      

     After checking it out, you could take the ferry at Modoc over to St. Genevieve, Mo. Or go up to Maeystown and see the German village. Or go check out Fort De Chartres near Prairie Du Rocher, while seeing the historic Creole House in town.

      

     This part of the country is full of wonderful places to visit, and explore. It can be a day trip or a whole weekend, spent at the various bed and breakfasts in the area. Check out the Great River Road. I have been working on driving it for years.

Hiking in Southern Illinois

Hiking in Southern Illinois

     I love to hike. I have done it for beauty, exercise, for spiritual reasons, and for fun. There’s nothing like getting out in nature and letting go of what ails you. Southern Illinois has many great hiking trails that will suit your needs, no matter what you are seeking.

      

     If you want short trails, that are good for kids, try Giant City Park, Pyramid Park, or Eldon Hazlet Park on Carlyle Lake. The Rend Lake Bike Trail is paved and is great for small kids, strollers, wheelchairs, as well as bicycles. It can be done in short chunks, or turned into a long trail.

      

     If you want beauty, try the Little Grand Canyon or Rim Rock, with Pounds Hollow. And of course, there’s Giant City, Ferne Clyffe and Garden of the Gods, just to name a few. There are so many to choose from.

     

      If you want distance with camping involved, then try the 10 mile trail at Pyramid Park, or the 12 mile trail at Giant City; both of which have a campsite at the halfway point. There’s also Tunnel Hill trail, which is 45 miles long, and is also good for bicycles. It’s actually a bike trail, but I always wanted to hike it, and plan to someday. The premier trail in Southern Illinois is the 160 mile River to River Trail, which runs from the Ohio River to the Mississippi. I plan to hike it as well. There are many trails in Southern Illinois which use parts of the River to River Trail. I have hiked many sections of it.

    

      If you like obscure trails that have less people, try the Cedar Lake Trails, south of Carbondale and Murphysboro. The Salt Lick trail near Valmeyer, or the Buttermilk trail near Route 3, that is along Lake Kincaid.

      

     Southern Illinois has tons of trails. I have only touched the surface. Many of these trails are for hiking, and can also be for cycling and horseback riding. There is a great website I love to use to find trails called Alltrails.com.  It has trails all over the world.

     
      It’s that time of year. Well,, actually any time of year is a good time to hike. So, get out there and enjoy what our area has to offer. Be safe, take water, bug spray and a snack bar. Leave nature as you found it. And enjoy yourself. Maybe I’ll run into you out there