I have been counting down the days until I’d see a little green on the ground and in the trees and finally, finally, spring has come.
Annie, Buster and I drove out to Oakbrook, IL to take a hike at Fullersburg Woods. It seemed like spring had literally just popped up as we drove into the parking lot. Everything was bright and colorful. We kept whispering, “oh my god. it’s so pretty. I can’t believe how pretty it is.”
And the trees! are there really trees this tall in Illinois!?
There are a couple of trails you can follow here at Fullersburg. We started with the trail that follows along the Salt Creek. When we crossed the stone bridge you could look across to see the Visitor’s Center.
Why won’t they let me turn this into a bed and breakfast??
The air was still a little cool this morning even buster knew it was too cold to jump in that creek. The creek was much longer and wider then I’d imagined. We saw no one it (canoe-wise), but lots of people fishing.
This reminded me of the mud flats in Alaska. In Alaska they are deadly. Apparently unaware newlyweds step out on to the flats outside of Anchorage every year…never to return. A quick sand of sorts. Is that story even true? someone illuminate me.
These ones didn’t seem quite as threatening, but we steered clear just the same.
At the opposite end of the creek you’ll find the Graue Mill. Once a working corn mill now a mini-museum complete with a working watermill around back
Look! A waterfall!
I *heart* salt creek.
We headed back to the parking lot at this point. There were lots of folks out for a walk or a bike ride and just as many fishing along the banks. And then there was this little lady, just minding her own business.
This was a shorter hike then we’ve done recently. Only about 3 miles. There is the option to make it longer by connecting a second inner trail, but we’d had bad traffic on the way out to Oakbrook and needed to head back to be safe. This place was so lovely though. I will be back.
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I leave for the Grand Canyon in 24 days. I am $79 away from my personal goal of raising $5000! I know I’ll make it. It’s been such an amazing experience doing the fundraising portion of this endeavor. Getting to hear from so many people just adding a little something (or a big something) to support me and this cause. It’s pretty inspiring.
I think I’m ready for the hike too. I’ll do at least one more long hike before I leave and lots of shorter hikes too.
For the first time someone has asked me if I’m cool with heights. The answer is: I’m not sure. I did a lot of hiking when I lived in Colorado and the truth was as long as I was on a decently wide path (read: didn’t have to be too close to the edge) I was fine. Anything too steep or too narrow and I’m a quivering mess. Also, take me up to the Signature Room at the John Hancock and I’ll go nowhere near the windows. So, um….we’ll see!
