It was a lovely winter's day today, 50 degrees and sunny. The cold temperatures are coming tomorrow so I decided to get out of the house since I've been non-mobile for a while due to foot surgery.
I've wanted to get to Starved Rock in the winter to see the bald eagles. The eagles are starting to arrive to their winter home. I hope to get back in January when there should be hundreds of them by then. They are closer on the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center on the north side, but the sun was not being helpful for pictures. These were taken on the south side of the river, on the Starved Rock side.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013 Finally! Fall Colors at Shabbona Lake
First time to Shabbona Lake State Park up in DeKalb county today. More colors up north than around home. Grass and dirt (mud) trails. Nice area. Saw lots of Canadian geese on the lake and one blue heron but it was too hard to get a picture of the heron. The trail is well marked, but would have been nice to have mile markers on the posts.
There is also a campground with 150 sites, all with electricity, but the prices seemed a little high for a state park campground.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 You can go home again - but it's different
Different but the same somehow. Fall colors in northeast Illinois have been bad this year due to the lack of summer rains. Very few vibrant reds. Mostly dying green going to brown. The spring rains helped with the drought, but the summer itself was pretty dry. Today was a day for staying a little closer to home, so to speak. Back to the horse trails in Palos Heights by the first stable were I used to ride for 7 years. Unfortunately, for the horse people, the trails are still heavily used by mountain bikers, but now there are also more walkers and runners.
First stop - Forty Acre Woods & over to Swallow Cliff.
The old Swallow Cliff toboggan slides. Long removed by the forest preserve due to liability reasons. The forest preserve is slowing taking over the hill. The only remnant left is the stairs which are used by a lot of people. The old toboggan shack is at the top.
The forest isn't as thick as it used to be. Many trees are marked to get cut down due to being an invasive species. Signs said it's done so the oak have a better chance. You can see how many they have culled in past years.
Last stop of the day, the Little Red School House - which isn't red anymore! Now an ugly shade of brown and closed, but they have built a new, large nature center with some live critters inside and story boards of the animals in the area. They have also created trails (separate from the horse trails). Nice for the little kids.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2013 Wild Turkeys & Fall Colors at Matthiessen
The quiet in the dells area of Matthiessen SP was broken by the crack of rifles during the early hours of this overcast fall morning. It's Illinois turkey season.
The fall colors in northeast Illinois are not the best this year. Not enough rain during the summer months to really bring out the fall colors in all their brilliance and any rain at this time of year, just pushes the leaves off the trees.
Parking in the circle lot was empty when I arrived at 9 AM. Headed down the stairs, over the first bridge and went south to more stairs, down to the lower dells area. The waterfall wasn't running. The trails were muddy and the fallen leaves were slippery.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013 Ziplining in Marseilles
I can check zip lining off the bucket list!! I saw an ad for zip lining in Marseilles a few weeks ago, then saw a billboard so I went to check it out. Mentioned that I wanted to do this, and Gloria from work and her husband Brian wanted to go also, so we reserved our spots.
We headed out to Marseilles on a overcast humid Saturday to Zip Chicago. We only signed up for the short tour which consisted of 2 zips and 2 bridges that lasted an hour since weren't sure if we'd like it. Now we want to go again! A full tour is three hours for 8 zips. The first zip starts from the second floor of the building, and then you zip through the trees from there on. Gloria & Brian did really well. Guess I can't steer, because I kept going backwards.
These are the two suspension bridges we had to walk across. Twelve of us in the group walked to the platform and we all hooked up for safety. Once we were all on the platform, we walked to the next platform for the second zip. The entire time you are tethered to something, so very safe. I'd recommend everyone should try it. Our group was actually very quiet - no screaming :-)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 Goose Lake Prairie Natural Area
Another beautiful fall day in northeast Illinois. Too nice to do yard work, which will always be there. Did a couple of local walks. If you consider a local walk in the next county.
Started at Goose Lake Prairie State Natural area. Saw evidence of deer and raccoons on the short 1/2 mile trail. Also found a few butterflies. I found this guy hanging out by the visitor center. "You looking at me?"
The saying is that if the bees all die, so will mankind. Nice to see our pollinators are still hard at work.
This nature area has a nice little visitor center to learn about the prairie. According to signs, this is the largest natural prairie east of the Mississippi.
Then back to Plainfield for a stop at Lake Renwick Preserve. This is a heron rookery and reserve. I've ridden my bike there before, but always when most of the rookery trails are closed. At this time of year, all trails are open.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 The Metamorphosis Has Begun
Sometime, for some reason, at some point, everyone thinks about retirement. My retirement travel bug started about 10 years ago when a coworker started planning to retire at age 55 and knew exactly what she wanted, which was to move to Colorado to be near family. Six years later, she retired and followed her path.
I, on the other hand, had no clue, and believed I would just work till I dropped. Somewhere, the seed was planted, or should I say the egg was laid for my butterfly travel bug. So far, it looks like I am following the life cycle of my travel bug (egg, larva, pupa, and adult).
My egg stage was basically the decision stage. What do I want to do? Work until I drop? Go back to school? Take hobby classes? Live somewhere really cheap so I can get back into the horse life?
Somewhere between discovering the Motion TV show on the Livewell network, and the release of the movie The Bucket List (2007), I soon realized how much I wanted to see all of the beautiful places in our country and began my own bucket list. From there it was a sort leap from how to do this, to the point of get an RV and go in any direction the wind blows.
Right now I’m somewhere in the larva, or caterpillar stage, but instead of eating and eating and eating; I’m researching and researching and researching.
After going to the 2013 Chicago RV show, the first bit of research and decision was what kind of RV do I want? An RV to drive or an RV to pull with another vehicle? Driving an RV meant possibly having to tow another vehicle like a car or SUV (which I’ve come to learn is called a dingy or toad (so much lingo!) and having two vehicles to insure. But pulling an RV (more lingo – a travel trailer or TT) gives you a vehicle for use when the RV is parked.
Then the online research began. Finding RV websites, watching RV videos, trying to find people that RV, joining an RV forum run by and for women, and going to more RV shows and dealers.
A decision has been made! Drumroll please ~~~ buy an RV I can drive! For my needs, to travel and not stay in one spot makes sense. Plus if a runaround car is needed for any extended period of time, I’ve learned some people just rent a car in those cases. Makes sense to me. Later I can always decide to pull a dingy, but first things first.
"Now what?” turned into going to more RV shows and RV dealers to determine what floor plan and amenities I’d want to have. At first I thought, the smallest for the cheapest price, but soon realized that if the RV were to become my home (no more sticks and bricks for me), I’d want a little more room and a few more luxuries. Okay, I’ll do without the ceiling fans, fireplaces, and washer and dryer because I’m not rich, but something homey.
Decision made (kind of)! Sounds easy right? NO! For something so small compared to a house, there are so many that are similar but different in layout. A or C class? How many slides? What size are the slides? Where is the bed located, how is the kitchen laid out, how much kitchen storage and counter space? Does it have a couch? Should eating area be a dinette, or U-shape or table? How many does it sleep? Where is the shower? Are there electric steps or a step well? Is an over cockpit bed needed or should it be an entertainment center? Is there pass through basement storage? Is there under bed storage?
Then there are the mechanical aspects to learn. Black water tank, grey water tank, generator, inverter, batteries, emergency battery start capabilities, self leveling, rear view and optional side view cameras. What constitutes a four season rig? Outside TV? (Really? If I’m watching TV, the weather is bad so doubt I’d be outside). Most of these decisions mean a longer and longer RV.
So, after 2 trips to Rockford, and other trips to Pontiac, Peoria, Orland Park, and Barrington, IL plus Indiana (twice) and an overnight trip to Forest City, IA to the Winnebago factory, if I were to buy today, the winner is an Itasca Cambria 30J (maybe).
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 Last Day of Summer 2013
It's the last day of summer 2013, weather is a beautiful 65 and sunny. Since I didn't get too far in Kankakee with Zorro yesterday, decided to go to Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve after meeting Dad out in Elwood for breakfast.
This preserve surrounds Argonne National Lab. I've known about this preserve since I was a teenager. Some people from the old stable hauled horses there for the trails. Only saw 2 horses in a side parking lot. Since I know by heart the Palos FP trails from 15 years of riding horses on them, I figured it was time to see Waterfall Glen from outside of a car.
Argonne has a herd of white deer, but in (mumble mumble) years of driving thru and past the preserve, I've never seen any, but they are still there.
Took the wrong way off the trail head so ended up on the north side of the loop. I really need to read trail maps better. This side of the trail was pretty boring. Nothing to look at, the trees are right up to the path. Walked about 4 1/2 miles round trip from the trail head to Westgate Road. After this walk, drove around the area to refresh my memory of other parking areas. If there is a next time, I think I'll get there early (very little parking there) and park by the outdoor education area. From there the south loop would be a short walk towards the waterfall.
The preserve has well maintained gravel/limestone paths that are easily walkable. The nice weather today brought out walkers, bikers, a couple of running groups and families with strollers. No major hills, but just enough of a incline is some spots, to stress out the bad knee, which in turn, causes the bad back to act up, and then caused some funny walking. Didn't get any blisters with the new hiking shoes, but felt one would start. Good thing I turned around when I did instead of doing the entire loop.
This section of the loop was pretty peaceful, enough to be alone and gather my thoughts and look for wildlife. One lone squirrel and 3 robins. With the gravel path, the only noise heard was the trail traffic coming or going, and basically white noise from I-55.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 Kankakee River State Park
Living in what is affectionately (?) called by me JoShoreField (Joliet utilities, thisclose to Shorewood, and a Plainfield address), and what is in close proximity to I-80, I-55 and I-57, I took a quick one hour ride to Kankakee River State Park.
I haven't been there is 25-30 years, so it was time to take another trip. Took Zorro, aka Tubby, with me. He hasn't been out with me for a few years, since Molly had her knee surgery in March 2011, so it ended up being two 1-mile walks, not a longer hike.
The park itself is quiet and not as crowded as Starved Rock, for example. Lots of different named areas, all with easy access to the bike trail. The paths are paved, so it's a good place to bike. hmmm, maybe another trip is in order with the bike instead with Zorro. There is a campground, but I didn't inspect it. Reservations can be booked thru Reserve America.
The first walk was from the river bluffs area to the trail head. The second walk was from the suspension bridge over Rock Creek to the pedestal. Being a typical male, Zorro thought he had to stop at every tree, every branch, every weed, etc, but finally got into the idea of walking, not stopping. The walks themselves were a good start to breaking in the new hiking shoes.
According to the park's pamphlet, there are 10.5 miles of biking trails, a 3 mile hike on Rock Creek leads to a waterfall and canyons (thanks to Tubby, didn't make it that far), as well as snowmobile trails, 15 miles of cross country trails, and a 12 mile equestrian trail (or as we call them, bridle paths). Another bucket list item, whenever I retire, get back into horse back riding, maybe renting livery thru the national parks.
A little Zorro history ~~~ not quite sure how old Zorro is, maybe 12 at this point. Adopted him from Chicago Animal Control when, they thought, he was about 1 1/2 years old. He was a stray that they knew about, but couldn't catch for 6 months. Saw him at a pet expo at Navy Pier and with so many people and other dogs, he was as calm as could be, the perfect opposite for Molly who always wanted to play and be busy. Dad always says "he's a good dog for an old guy". Nothing bothers Zorro, not fireworks, thunderstorms, etc. He does however, not seem to like German Shepherds for whatever reason. I think he may have tangled with one when he was a stray. He's got a round scar on his nose that looks like a bite mark.
Anyway, during the walks at Kankakee today, he was a perfect gentleman whenever any other dogs went by, including a little dog in a bike basket that threw a fit when it passed. A gentleman that is, until 2 German Shepherds walked past. Zorro was ready to go at them. Hair up on his back included. Sure wish he could tell me what happened when he was a stray. It's his only odd flaw. Well that and his weak belly. No table scraps for him.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 Starved Rock SP Bluffs & Canyons
Back to Starved Rock state park today for a round trip hike along the Illinois River. Avoided the rock and kept heading east along the river to the canyons. Round trip about 4-5 miles from the visitor center to the LaSalle canyon loop. Past the rock the crowds thin out. Clean trails, but lots of stairs to get to the bluffs, so maybe difficult for some hikers.
Too early for Fall color changes, but couldn't pass up the nice weather. Couldn't hear the quiet of the woods due to a Boy Scout troop screaming through walkie talkies. Just walked faster until I heard peace & quiet again.
Wildcat Canyon The waterfalls weren't running, but still the canyon was impressive.
Just thought this fallen tree was interesting. Do you see a deer or dog?
Since the plan is to retire & RV full time, I took a ride to the campground to check it out. Mostly tent campers, but some RV's. About 1-2 miles from Starved Rock and the rivers. Some sites with electric. I like Illini SP campground much better. Sites with electric right on the river. Both campgrounds have mostly gravel sites, but a few concrete.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 Weber House & Garden
Another day - another day trip, this time to Streator, Illinois to visit the Weber House & Garden. Although late summer is probably the wrong time to visit, Spring would be better, there were still flowers blooming. Brought back some memories of gardens I visited while in England.
I believe he said the house itself was originally built by his father and he has been building the garden since the 1980's. The home has painted hardwood floors, period furniture, and most interesting - lighting is still candle light! (although some electricity exists). Visit the website to see photos of inside the home (it felt a little invasive of me to take my own).
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 Buffalo Rock SP &
Middle East Conflict Memorial Wall
Along the I-80 corridor in Illinois, runs the I & M Canal. This canal was a manmade link between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan by way of the Illinois River, Chicago portage and the Chicago River. Boats were pulled thru the canal by mules on shore.
The I & M corridor contains many state parks including Buffalo Rock state park in Ottawa, Illinois. This SP was once a mine. When the park was designated in 1983, Michael Heizer was commissioned to create a natural feature call the Effigy Tumuli. The feature contains figures of a snake, turtle, catfish, frog & water strider. I could not see the figures as much as I tried. Maybe they are really only visible from the air.
Not far from Buffalo Rock SP is the city of Marseilles, IL. Located along the Illinois River is a memorial to Illinois service men and women killed during conflicts in the Middle East. There is also a small museum which contains personal items from some of these soldiers. An emotional site to see. While there, I met an Illinois State Trooper who was traveling from Peoria back to his district in Chicago. He was getting a etching copy of his brothers name from the wall. It was his first visit to the wall, and didn't have time to visit the small museum, but I'm sure he'll be back in the future. He mentioned bringing a few bottles of beer for his brother, since other visitors left some by the wall also.
The museum in small for now. They are still recovering from being flooded out in the rains this past spring, but are slowly getting the displays dried out and back in place.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013
By the rivers gently flowing Illinois, Illinois
Being from Illinois my entire life, day trips are easy to do. Over the years, these are some of the sights.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013 Rocky Mountain High in Colorado
When a former coworker planned on retiring to Colorado Springs to be near family, she bought a home early. After 4-5 yearly trips with her to move things, she finally retired. During the trips, some sightseeing was done between 2004 thru 2007.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013 Where the bug has brought me so far
When I decided to start this blog, it seemed a good idea to determine where the butterfly fluttered by to date.
1971 Orlando, Florida (Disneyworld)
1975 Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
1980 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
1980 Bahamas
Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica
Freeport, Jamaica
1982 Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1983 Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
1983 West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
1983 Vermont, USA
1983 Maine, USA
1983 Boston, Massachusetts, USA
1989 Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
1989 Maui, Hawaii, USA
1991 Cozumel, Mexico
1991 Ocho Rios, Jamaica
1995 Seoul, South Korea
1997 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
1998 Birmingham, England1998 Ireland (Dublin, Waterford, Dingle Shannon)
1999 Dallas, Texas, USA
Colorado - 2004, 2006, 2007
Boulder, Colorado, USA
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Divide, Colorado, USA
Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA
Manitou Springs, Colorado, USA
Vail, Colorado, USA
Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Canon City, Colorado, USA
Denver, Colorado USA
Monument, Colorado, USA
Black Forest, Colorado USA
San Isabel National Forest in southern Colorado (Bishops Castle)
2005 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Illinois
Chicago (every now & then)
1978 Springfield
2009 Galena
2013 Rockford (Anderson Japanese Gardens)
2013 Oregon: Rock River & Castle Rock State Park
2013 Ottawa: Buffalo Rock State Park
2013 Peoria: Wildlife Prairie State Park
2013 Utica: Starved Rock State Park
2013 Marseilles: Buffalo Rock State Park & Effify Tumuli
2013 Streator: Weber House & Garden (English garden)
Indiana
2004 Idaville (Great Cat Rescue) Indiana, USA
1974 Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Shipshewana, Indiana, USA
2013 Forest City, Iowa
Michigan
Warren, Michigan, USA
Holland, Michigan, USA
Paw Paw, Michigan, USA
Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
1967 Mauston, Wisconsin, USA (Woodside Dude Ranch)
1963 Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, USA
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA (multiple trips)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2013 What does a travel bug look like...
... Or I think I've been infected since birth.
People are either born as explorers, travelers, sightseers, or stay-at-homes. I've always enjoyed, flying, driving, & sightseeing, so to me, a travel bug is like a butterfly, going here, going there, but never it seems, in a straight line, but always reaching it's destination.
So, yes, my travel bug is a butterfly.
Why start a blog? Why not? Is it a journal? Am I trying to make money from it? That's doubtful, although it can be done. Maybe someday when I need $$$ or if someone thinks it's interesting enough.
I'm starting this blog mainly as a journal for myself and to share with family and, God willing, I live long enough to retire and do something interesting finally. The hope is that one day, I'll be able to (sing the Dinah Shore song ) "See the USA", but not in a Chevrolet, but in an RV.
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