Cycling Pyramid State Park: Perry County,IL

Cycling Pyramid State Park: Perry County, IL

     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.

Salt Lick Point Trail:Valmeyer, IL

Salt Lick Point Trail System

     I traveled to the town of Valmeyer, Illinois to hike the Salt Lick Point Trail System, which includes 3 trails; Salt Lick Point Trail, Johnson Trail, and Newman Trail.
      
     The trailhead is located at an old salt mine, that is on the corner of Illinois route 156 and Bluff Road. It has a huge gravel parking lot, near a sign that reads “Rock City”.
    
      I pulled into the lot and saw that there were quite a few people there to hike on this beautiful day. I changed my clothes into some hiking gear, being careful that no one saw me getting half naked. People now a days, will accuse you and video tape you for doing the simplest things they think is wrong, and then post you all over the internet.
      
     I grabbed my pack and walking stick, which I try to take whenever I hike. The weight helps make it a workout, and I will have gear if I should ever run into a need for myself or others.
     
      I decided to hike the Salt Lick Point Trail first. It is 2.9 miles straight up the bluffs, then along them and back down. I figured the climb would be a good workout and it was. The initial climb up the bluffs is pretty steep, rocky and wooded, but the views are amazing; allowing you to see all the way to the Ozark Mountains, which are across the Mississippi River in Missouri.
      
     The trail system is well marked and has many signs; such as teaching points of history, and about the landscape, flora and fauna. At the top of Salt Lick Point Trail is a sign talking about the history of salt trade in the Southern Illinois area. According to the sign, Salt Lick Point was first established by Gen. John Edgar of old Kaskaskia in 1802; others owned and operated the mine after him.
      
     Next I hiked Johnson Trail. It is a flat trail made up of rocky gravel. It is an out and back path that goes through the woods under the bluffs. It is 1.1 miles out and 1.1 miles back. It is a very pleasant hike.
      
     At the turn around point, at the end of the Johnson trail is a sign telling the hiker they can choose a trail that goes up hill and connects with the Salt Lick Point Trail, or take another trail called the Newman trail, which is 1.1 miles through the woods to the town of Valmeyer, then back for a total of 2.2 miles.
      
     So, if a person hikes everything this trail system has to offer it would be about 7.3 miles or there abouts. My mile tracker never seems to match what the signs and the websites claim, about the trails I’m on. I think it’s because I switch off running and walking. I enjoy hiking for the beauty of nature, peace and communion with God. But, I also want a workout. When I am on long trails the mile counter helps me know how close I am to finishing.  That encouragement is valuable when you’re lost…I mean…not sure how far you have left to go.
      
     After finishing my hike, I left and drove toward home, down the Bluff Road; which is a delightful drive along the bluffs of Illinois. It passes through or by many interesting small towns, such as Maeystown, Prairie Du Rocher, and Modoc, where a ferry is located that goes across the Mississippi River to the Missouri town of St. Genevieve.
      

     Get out and hike. Travel around the local area. Southern Illinois has tremendous things to see that will work your body, expand your mind, and delight your soul.

Mermec Caverns: Stanton, MO

Meramec Caverns

     Meramec Caverns is a natural wonder that exists in the Ozark Mountains west of St. Louis, Mo. It is claimed that the outlaw Jesse James hid out in these caverns after he did a train robbery. It can be seen how this place would be an excellent location to hide out in.

      

     The caves are stunning and have been shown in several movies. They have also served as a possible fallout shelter in case of a nuclear war.

     

      My wife and I traveled here recently and stayed at the hotel in Meramec State Park, which is named after the Meramec River. We practically had the hotel and the park to ourselves. It was delightful. The caverns also have a hotel and campground right on the banks of the river, but we felt drawn to go a bit further down the road to stay at the Park, so we could do some hiking as well as visiting the caverns.

      

     Our room at the Meramec Park Hotel had a balcony with a stunning view of the forested mountains behind us. It was incredibly peaceful, and we enjoyed the solitude.

      

     We hiked a couple of nature trails in the park that went into the hills, and down by the river. They were well maintained and lovely.

      

     We went out to eat, and we like trying to find local places to dine. There were all the normal places, like McDonalds, but very few local eateries. We did find a place on the interstate called the Du Kum Inn, which was delicious and brought many hours of infantile pleasure as I made fun of the name. They claimed to have the best fried chicken in Missouri, and they might be right.

      

     The caverns are a favorite spot for bus loads of kids going on field trips. But, luckily we got there early enough to go on a great tour that was minus the racket. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We had a few kids on our tour and he answered every single question they had, with patience and humor.

       Meramac Caverns is a great road trip location. It can be a day trip. An overnight get away or just part of a long distance trip. I will definitely go back. There were several trails I did not get to hike.

      

Rim Rock and Pounds Hollow: Shawnee Forest, IL

Rim Rock and Pounds Hollow

     I drove down to hike the Rim Rock and Beaver trail system at Pounds Hollow. The trails are located off Illinois route 34, and then down Karbers Ridge Road. It is a beautiful area full of trees, and hills.
      
     The trails have a very nice paved parking lot, restrooms and even a spot for a bus to park, when large groups come. I put on my pack, watch and mile tracker, grabbed my walking stick and headed out. I normally carry a pack with gear in it, both for the weight, and just in case something happens. I’m trying to be more of a minimalist, so the pack doesn’t have much, but it has enough that I could stay in the woods for a while.
      
     The Rim Rock trail is a sort of loop that is about 1.7 miles long and goes around an awesome rock structure. It allows you the opportunity to climb up on the rock and down through the rock. The trail is very well done with stone or wooden steps, and is fairly easy to hike. It would be great for kids.
      
     I decided to walk the Beaver trail first. It’s a 3.2 mile out and back trail that goes through the woods, and along a creek that feeds Pounds Hollow Lake. The trail is very well maintained and traveled. As I hiked I passed several groups of hikers dragging their kids through the forest.
    
      I reached the Pounds Hollow recreation area, which I swear I have never seen but my mom told me that I have, when I was a baby. The recreation area is a very nice paved picnic and beach area on the Pounds Hollow Lake. The lake is beautiful with the hills and trees surrounding it.
     
      The Beaver trail ends at the recreation area. I did not know this, so I continued hiking along a trail that went beside the lake. After a while I could tell that this trail was not the main trail but some kind of path used by people fishing. The corks and bobbers hanging in the trees was a good sign for me.
      
     A tall forested hill was on my right side and the lake on my left. I was certain the trail was around here somewhere, so I started to climb the hill; which is a good reason to always have a walking stick when hiking.  Get a good one and love it. After climbing the hill, I reached the road that went down to the recreation area, but still no trail. So, I decided to hike the road down to the end of the lake.
    
      I looked up the hill on my right side and saw a cool rock formation, and decided to check it out. So, I climbed up there and snapped a few pics. Then, I looked up and wondered what was at the top of the hill. So, I climbed up there to look. I saw the top of a camper and peeked my head up to scope it out. Some people gathering wood saw me, so I figured I better act normal. I went ahead and walked on up the hill and into a campground where several people were camping in campers.
     
      I waved at the guy who saw me. I didn’t want him to think I was doing anything weird, as I walked on down through the campgrounds. I figured the road looped around somewhere and went back to the recreation area. So, I walked and walked on this road. I walked past some teens who I must have busted doing something wrong. They acted kind of awkward. Or maybe it was because some creepy guy from the woods was staring at them. Not sure, but I blame them.
    
      I walked and walked till I decided that this road does not loop around. Course, later when I checked the map I discovered that it does loop around and it would have been a good addition to the hike. However, I turned and walked through an area that was the walk in camping area for tents, I assumed. It seemed to have been abandoned; which says something about the changing views of Americans on camping. Maybe tent camping is too much work.
     
      I looped around through the woods and came out of the bushes right where those teens were sitting. They looked at me like I was Bigfoot. A big creepy Sasquatch, determined to ruin their plans. They loaded up in their car and hid as I walked by. I figured I would end up as a pic on some girls Facebook page. “This guy came out of the woods and tried to get us!  Does anybody know who he is?? Let’s get this guy!” It could happen; for real.
    
      I walked back up the hill to the place where I had entered the campgrounds. I waved at the guy I had waved at earlier. Who gave me a look like, “Why are you waving at me again?” Then, I walked on into the woods, down the hill to the road and down the road to the Recreation area.
    
      I decided to swim in the lake. So, I went to a place on the beach that wasn’t sandy; and dropped my pack. I took off my shirt and shoes and went out into the water. Since it was mid April the water was way too cold for swimming; at least for me. There were some young kids swimming around in it further down the beach, shivering, faces blue. Not me.  I don’t do the cold.
    
      I waded around a little in the water, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation; then gathered my stuff together and headed down the trail. The walk back is always shorter, or at least it seems that way to me. I got to a fork in the path and went to hike the Rim Rock trail; which was an awesome trail to let the imagination soar. I always think of goblins, dragons, dwarves, and cavemen in these places. I kind of wish I could be a caveman. That would be cool.
     
      There were lots of people on the trail that day. I saw a dad paying his kid to catch crawdads in the creek, which really kind of ticked me off. No wonder our planet is full of stupid. I pulled out my camera and took a picture of them. Actually I took a picture of a rock formation, but the guy thought I took a pic of them, and told his kid to get out of the creek.
    
      I climbed up some stone stairs, and then through a crack and up some wooden stairs to the top. Everyone was coming the wrong way, and I had to step to the side several times. Course, maybe it was me going the wrong way. I blame them. I got to the top and walked down the trail and came around a bend. This guy was walking with his dog on a leash. His dog took off toward me and the guy looked at me like I was disturbing his dog. The dog quickly got to me and started sniffing my crotch. The man said.
“He won’t hurt you, he’s just playing.”
     
      The dog kept trying to raise his front paw to grab my leg. Finally he did get a hold of me and came up to start humping my leg. “No your dog aint going to hurt me, it just wants to rape me.” I thought.  The man yanked the leash and he and his four legged man-grabber waddled on down the trail.
     
      The view of the country side from on top of the rock is quite stunning. There are numerous benches placed throughout the trail system where people can sit and contemplate or rest. The Rim Rock trail in most places is made up of some kind of stone tile that was laid down during the creation of the trail. The sign at the entrance explains all of it.
      
     The Rim Rock and Beaver trail are a great place to go for a family get away. Hiking around the whole area, getting hot and sweaty, then swimming in the Pounds Hollow Lake sounds like a plan I might have to make happen again sometime soon. I might even camp.

Little Grand Canyon: Pomona, IL

Little Grand Canyon

     The Little Grand Canyon Trail is a hidden gem in Southern Illinois. It is a 3 mile loop trail, with spectacular views and delightful rock formations. The trail is well marked and well maintained by the U.S. Forest Service that protects the Shawnee National Forest.
      
     I pulled up to the parking lot at the trail on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and noticed that it was full of cars. Luckily someone was leaving, and I was able to get their spot. It was an older couple and I could hear the man telling the woman to hurry up and get in the car, people are waiting.
    
      I had driven quite a ways from route three on a hilly back road, following a sign that said the trail was 12 miles into the Shawnee Hills. The trail can also be reached from route 127, out of Murphysboro.
    
      Normally, when I hike I like to carry a small pack full of gear, for the extra weight and because you never know what you’ll run into. But, with the amount of people I saw, I opted to not look like a weirdo at this time. So, I just enjoyed the sights and did a little trail running.
      
     As I walked, I alternated between periods of walking and running. The hills on this trail make for a nice work out, and the people I passed all commented on my walking stick. Which I try to bring along every time I hike. It has been very useful on many occasions, and with the hill or slippery rocks on this trail it came in handy again. The people on the trail realized they could have really used one.
     
      I passed all kinds of people; Young college students, families with kids, older couples, and people who were greatly out of shape. The trail is not difficult, but does have places where the hiker is required to climb up and down a rock waterfall formation. You will get winded on this trail. If that’s a concern, you might want to pick a different trail. It is not very handicap friendly.
    
      I would also recommend not hiking the trail in the very late afternoon. You can get caught out there in the dark, and with the deep valleys, covered by towering hills; it gets dark quickly on the trail. Long before the sun actually sets.
     
      I saw many dogs walking on the trail. It seemed to be fairly dog friendly. However, there are places where the dog must climb or jump. If this is a danger to the dog, or if the dog is too big for you to carry in some places, you might want to reconsider bringing the furry friend.
    
      The trail first ascends through the woods along ridges, until it hits a point looking over the terrain. It then turns and goes down along the side of a hill to the first rock formations and waterfall. This trail is very narrow, and I stepped aside to let others going the opposite way, pass on many occasions.
      
     When I say waterfall, I am referring more to a water trickle, or a seep.  When there is rain it becomes more of a flowing fall, but at this current time it was just seeping water. I think water seeps are beautiful in their own way. The mixture of gray stone, moss, tiny plants, ferns and water seeps, is stunning to the eyes.
      
     As you get to the falls and start to go down, you are descending into a stone valley that shoots off before you at a great distance. It makes one think of prehistoric things; and how this would be a great place for cavemen to live, or for bandits to hide out in. The image is spectacular and of course my camera decided to crap out on me right in the middle of it. After hitting the bottom of the marvelous valley, the trail winds around through a wooded area and comes back around to another rock formation that is a dry water fall. Or at least it was dry at this time.
    
      A hiker must climb up the water fall, and then continue on a steady climbing trail till they reach the parking lot. Course, it depends on which way you take the trail. Clockwise or counterclockwise; either way I would recommend a walking stick to help climb and descend.
     
     As soon as I finished the trail and got to my vehicle, there was another car waiting for my spot. So, I backed out and let them have a wonderful time on the trail as well. I drove out of the parking lot, and instead of turning back the way I had come, I turned the other way, and drove for what seemed like an ungodly amount of time through the beautiful Shawnee Hills. I passed many sites that I wished I had time to stop for. Things like a natural bridge, and what looked like another trail.
    
      I finally came out in the town of Alto Pass, which I will need to return and check out again someday. Then, I returned on 127 back to Murphysboro and home to Du Quoin. The Little Grand Canyon is a beautiful trail that is just one of the many features of the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois.

 

Cove Hollow Trail: Shawnee National Forest

Cove Hollow Trail

     The Cove Hollow Trail is a fantastic trail. It is a 5.4 mile out and back trail, which can be extended to around a 10 mile hike, by continuing into the Cedar Lake Trail that is also out and back.
    
      I have hiked this trail, coupled with the Cedar Lake Trail twice now. It is a very good hike. The trail head is located off Route 127 south of Murphysboro, then turn on Dutch Ridge Road, to Cove Hollow Road. Cove Hollow Road ends in a dead end where the trail head is located. There are some signs that will help lead you from the highway to the trail head.
    
      The trail is very easy to follow, and I never felt lost or confused about where the trail was located. There is a place about a third of the way into the trail, where a hiker can choose to take a detour called “Wolf’s Den Trail” it loops back around to the main Cove Hollow Trail. When the hiker reaches the end of the Cove Hollow Trail, they will see the trail head for the Cedar Lake Trail, right across a road, called Boat Dock Road. The Cedar Lake Trail is also well maintained and adds about 4 miles to the whole hike, for a total of around 10 miles, give or take a mile.  My clicker never seems to give me proper numbers; probably because I switch off running and hiking the trail when I’m out there.
     
      The Cove Hollow Trail has about 3 or 4 impromptu campsites, which people have made over the years, and allows easy access to Cedar Lake. There is also a “Wow” factor when it comes to many of the rock and bluff formations. It is not a boring trail.
      
     There are a couple of creek crossings and even more of them if Cedar Lake Trail is added into the hike. The “Wolf’s Den’ bypass will take the hiker to the top of the bluffs to view the flora and fauna up top. The rock bluff tops, with lichen and stunted trees growing, are stark compared to the lush forest below the bluffs.
      
     Be prepared to take some pictures while you’re out, and maybe do a little fishing. The Cove Hollow Trail is a gem.

Opera House Bistro: Red Bud, IL.

Opera House Bistro


     I traveled to Fort de Chartres, near Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois to attend a Trade Fair that depicted period costume and items for sale that were common in the Illinois country from the 1750’s to 1790’s. Fort de Chartres is a beautiful reproduction of an actual old fort. The original stone fort was built by the French in 1753; it replaced several previous wooden forts. The current structure was rebuilt section by section over the years, and was made a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
      
     The weather was a bit chilly, but continued to warm as the day went on. Normally, I try to dress up in period costume for these events, but this time I didn’t. There were about 20-25 traders, selling their wares, and I checked out all of them trying to find new items to add to my personae, or neat do dads for the home, camp or outdoor life. I ended up buying a French Voyageurs knit cap, a scarf, and an old time looking map that I plan to frame and hang on the wall. The map details 1700-1800’s French America from St. Louis down to a little past St. Genevieve on the Missouri side, and depicting Cahokia, down to Old Kaskaskia on the Illinois side. I love maps.
      
     After leaving the event I decided to travel over to Baldwin Lake, near Baldwin, Illinois. I had seen that there was a trail there inside of the Kaskaskia River Wildlife Refuge. I like trying new places to hike and I wanted to find the trail head so I could come back and hike when it was less muddy.
      
     On the way to Lake Baldwin, I passed through Red Bud, Illinois; where I saw they had done a lot of work to their downtown area. There were several good looking places to eat, so I decided to stop and have lunch. First, I checked out an organic health food store called ‘The Healthy Nut” on Main Street. I’m always pleased to see these types of stores popping up.
      
     Next, I walked across the street to the Opera House Bistro. When I entered I noticed that it was very clean and well done. I walked in and found a place to sit along a wall in a kind of half booth/half table section, and started reading a book. When you’re dining alone, it helps to read a book. This time I was reading “Tales and Trails of Illinois” a history book by Stu Fliege.
      
     The waitress came quickly and took my order. Lamb Gyro with fries and warm German Potato Salad. If you read many of my restaurant reviews you’ll find I always try the potato salad. I sat reading and listening to the music that was playing. It was some modern pop music that was very easy to listen to and reminded me of a girl I knew, and how I wished she was there with me. Isn’t it strange how music and smells can transport us through time and space, bringing back memories?
      
     The food was excellent, and I decided to order desert, which I don’t normally do because I’m trying to be healthier. But, when you’re dining in a classy place it makes you want to splurge and live a little. The desert was called “The Whatchamacallit” and it was a crunchy brownie with ice cream, fudge and sprinkles.  It was quite good, and brought a smile to my face.
     
      After eating I paid the bill which was very reasonable and went up stairs to the museum; where an older gentleman took me around room by room showing me the things of a by-gone era. Normally, I don’t like guided tours; I don’t like feeling as though I’m being forced to talk to somebody. I prefer to do my business and leave. But, the guy did an excellent job. He was very knowledgeable and I was glad to have him along on my walk through.
      
     After leaving the Bistro I drove up to Baldwin Lake. Actually, I missed my turn just past the power plant and went all the way to the next town, New Athens.  I asked for directions, which I’m not too proud to do, and went back to where I should have been. Only to discover that the trail I wanted to hike was closed. I looked for a Ranger, but he was mowing, so I decided to mark this trail off my list because the sign looked pretty permanent.
      
     Overall, it was a great day and a great meal at the Opera House Bistro. I will put it on my list as a place to visit in the future.