Saturday, January 28, 2012
Starved Rock State Park
I chose Starved Rock as my first park in the project because this is the park in which I have my earliest memories of hiking in the woods. My folks took me here way back in the 1960’s and I remember imagining those poor Indians starving up on a stone tower. The real story is a bit more complicated, but the legend is that a band of Illiniwek were chased to the top of a bluff by two other tribes during a war between the nations. The Ottawa and Potawatomi laid siege around the bottom of the bluff and starved all the Illiniwek to death. It turns out that Starved Rock is an appropriate place to start also because it was the first home to the Illinois State Parks Commission. I decided to intentionally overload my pack for the first trip to ensure that I would feel the weight reduction as I improve my hiking gear and packing skills. It was a beautiful sunny day as I drove to the park. I got a late start, but still had plenty of time to do 3 miles. The temps were in the low 30sF as I headed up the trail and the wind was blowing steady from the west
8 comments:
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AnonymousFebruary 5, 2012 3:45 PM
This is my husband's new hobby. Please review and post your comments. He will appreciate it.
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AnonymousFebruary 6, 2012 7:28 PM
I am also a 50 something (haha). Bringing back memories. I was probably around 7 or 8 when my parents took our family to hike starved rock. It was summer and my dad had his movie camera with. We walked... it felt like forever. My Mom wanted to show us the waterfall she remembered as a youngster. We all couldn't wait. Finally, we found it, but it was only a trickle of water. It didn't matter because it was a wonderful day out in the wilderness. And the proof is on that movie film. Looking forward to your next hike. Good luck, keep it up, you'll be younger next year!
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Jim - The road to success is always under construction.February 7, 2012 11:39 AM
Thanks. You are the first poster besides my wife, who supports me in all things great and small.
I keep saying that I'll get younger, but so far, no luck!! :)
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Mark HaystackFebruary 23, 2012 3:45 PM
Hey, this is pretty cool, Jim! Great idea, great goal. Now I know why you were reminiscing abt getting dropped off in Routt Natl Forest 30 years ago! I'll keep coming back to see the years melt away!
Best to everyone at home.
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Liz - NAMASTE'February 24, 2012 4:25 PM
Jim,
Good for you. It is an inspiration to see someone actually DOING what many of us think about often---taking time for personal enjoyment and restoring joy to life.
As for your comment about getting younger--no way,been there done that who needs a repeat?! HAH! Relish where you are and where you are headed!
Much love & CHEERS!
Lizzy (yes your babysister-how many Lizzys do you know???)LOL!
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Jim - The road to success is always under construction.February 24, 2012 4:50 PM
Upon the advice of a very smart lawyer that I know, I will not comment about how many Lizzys I may or may not know now or at any time in the past… ;)
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AnonymousMarch 14, 2012 11:13 PM
Jim, great idea, hope it works out for you. May I suggest Sand Ridge State Park just outside of Havana. This park has miles and miles of trails with backcountry camping sites to choose from. It just happens to be close to me and I would be interested in backpacking it with you if you so desire. I am 52 years old and a little out of shape, but not bad. I run a tire shop in Canton and I am the Captain of the Copperas Creek Fire Department here locally. I am a hammock camper, use a WBBB 1.1 double with JRB Hudson River under and a Golite 20 topquilt most of the time. I have hiked this park many times and it is a beauty. The Rangers unfortunately are not the most hospitable, but that's ok. It is sand and pines forthe most part. It should be done in the spring or fall since the sand and heavy tree cover make it quite hot in the summer. Also, you have to carry in your water since very few location have water available. Food the thought, let me know if you are interested, thanks kmfiref@aol.com
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Jim - The road to success is always under construction.March 15, 2012 1:15 PM
KM - Sounds good to me. I think it will be fall before I can come out there. I am scheduled in Rockford in Arpil and Jim Edger SP in May. During June I help with the local swim team and weekends are full. In July I expect to be in Ontario canoeing the wilderness. So...I will definitely contact you with sufficient time to coordinate and do an overnight out there! Thanks, Jim