Pages

▼

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hiking at Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Park

We woke up Saturday morning and took a two hour drive west. We went hiking (we LOVE hiking) at Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Park. Both parks were beautiful and nothing like hiking the sand dunes that we are used to. Between the two, we really liked Matthiesson much better. Some of trails were quite rugged in my opinion. There were a few other things I wanted to share about this trip but I'll save that for another time.

First we went to Starved Rock and hiked about 2 miles, which a good part of was up! Then we found an awesome picnic table under a huge shade tree where we ate our picnic lunch. I marinated and grilled some chicken breasts the night before and sliced them really thin and piled on some delicious bread, some fruit, and iced tea. The best lunch I've had in a long time.

STARVED ROCK STATE PARK


We got to enjoy this beautiful view after hiking up the giant rock. So worth it!


 This was down in one of the canyons. I thought it would be nice and cool down there but we were amazed at how humid it was. All the moisture just gets trapped down in the canyon. We were sweaty from head to toe!




 OK, so I searched for mushrooms too. Well, you knew I would!

 
MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK


This was down in the lower dells (that's what they called it there). We felt so little, and so sweaty again!


This was one of the waterfalls we walked to. It was quite challenging at some spots but it was fun! There were people on horseback on the trails above the fall.



 These were tree roots that were growing down the side of the canyon. I wish I could have gotten a better picture but it was so humid down there I seemed get a grey tint since I was so close. Brian loved this part and wanted to make sure I got a picture.

So that was our awesome day trip. Next time we'd like to stay in one of the lodges and make a weekend of it. We got a KILLER workout and a had great time.

So to my beautiful daughter: If you are reading this, I'll be working out and getting in shape because by the time spring break arrives, we are going to dominate our very own Trail 8! 
at

14 comments:

  1. Judy WestcottAugust 28, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Thanks for sharing this adventure with us! Photos are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pretty Pretty SwicyAugust 28, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Did you cool off in the waterfall?

    We get hot and sweaty walking from the air conditioned house to the car ... ugh!

    ReplyDelete
  3. BethAugust 28, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Wow. Beautiful photos!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnnAugust 28, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    both look like beautiful parks. I would love to hike through there. Love that tree. Glad you had a nice weekend

    ReplyDelete
  5. Christie CottageAugust 28, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Breath taking scenery!

    Thanks for sharing!

    <><

    ReplyDelete
  6. Maggie FlatleyAugust 28, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Love, love, those tree roots!

    ReplyDelete
  7. BeadedTailAugust 28, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    That's a beautiful place to hike! Your photos are lovely!

    Thank you for the birthday wishes today too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. sara elizabethAugust 29, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    Wow! Beautiful photos! You did a great work! I love it! BTW, if you have etsy coupon you can share your coupon at http://etsycouponcode.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pretty Pretty SwicyAugust 29, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    Back again to answer the question that you left over at my blog ...

    Actually, I was taking photographs and raised my camera to get a shot from above and didn't think about the ceiling fan... ouch! LOL

    I am happy that you enjoyed sharing my workspace. I am fortunate in that we are now empty nesters and there is room to spare. Best wishes for your "dream" x0

    ReplyDelete
  10. DuniAugust 29, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    Amazing place! Love the photo of the tree :)
    best wishes, Duni

    ReplyDelete
  11. pasqueflowerAugust 29, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Beautiful photos! I especially like the waterfall.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Memories for LifeAugust 29, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    What a great time! Thanks for sharing your photos :) I wish we had places like this closer to our house!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ruth WelterAugust 29, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Sher, thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos. I love to hike too, it is a fabulous workout and being out in nature is so inspiring. Glad you two had such a lovely time.

    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  14. StelaAugust 29, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    It looks so gorgeous!! I want to go hiking!!

    ReplyDelete

I LOVE to read your comments!