Wordless Wednesday 2/2 -- Winter's Majesty

Winter Magic

Bunny here at the keyboard to tell you about our weekend adventure.

Morgan has had a bad case of cabin fever since we didn't get to hike the last couple of weekends.  I think Mom might have had a touch of it, too.  She said she was feeling much better after her bronchitis and so we decided we were going to go for a hike.  This time we went back to Matthiessen State Park.  If you look at the link, it will show you what it looked like there back in September.

We had heard that it is beautiful in the Winter, and it's true.  The waterfalls and cliffs look like something you'd see in an enchanted forest.  A lot of people come there to cross country ski and hike this time of year, and we saw quite a few people out.  We were pleasantly surprised to see so many people, and even another dog there.

Since the waterfalls are what the park is known for in the winter, we took the lower trail through the Upper Dells.  It leads past several very pretty waterfalls.  I'm afraid that the Giant's Bathtub was quite frosty this time of year.  I hope he's not planning on taking a bath anytime soon.

It wasn't surprising that we didn't see any wildlife this time.  I know there are a lot of deer there -- it was originally known as Deer Park, but they were scarce.  We did see a lot of footprints, though.  Even though they are good at hiding from people, there are a lot of animals still in the park.

I know some people think it's too cold to go out hiking this time of year.  We were disappointed that Aunt Julie and Ruby decided not to come with us at the last minute.  After we got started walking, we were all plenty warm.  Going out hiking this time of year allows you to see spectacular sights that you never dreamed could exist, though. 

It's also nice because it gives you time with your humans that you don't always get with the distractions of home.  You go out with your family and it's just you and the sights to enjoy.  That's a pretty good reason to go out right there if you ask me.

Of course, all that fresh air does wear you out.  It makes for a nice nap on the way home, too.  Those after a hike naps are the best kind.  While I was sleeping, I was already dreaming of the next hike.  I hear Mom and Dad have one planned for us for next weekend that we haven't done before.  I can't wait!

Staying On Our Toes

Bunny here at the keyboard to share our Sunday hike. 

I was worried we weren't going to get to go hiking this weekend.  Saturday was bitter cold and Mom and Dad cancelled the family hike we were supposed to do with our cousins, which was disappointing, but when we saw Lilac's pee freeze before it hit the ground in the turn out pen, we were willing to forgive Mom and Dad.

Sunday the weather was a lot nicer, so Mom and Dad got bundled up and packed up our gear and we headed off.  This time we hiked to Illinois Canyon in Starved Rock State Park.  The canyon is known for its beautiful waterfalls and we were hoping to catch some more pretty pictures.

There were actually a lot of small waterfalls all along the trail.  They made for some really interesting ice formations in some places.  We saw one spot where the leaves looked like they'd been turned to crystal.

Most of the trail was pretty easy walking, but we did have to brave walking across the frozen creek several times.  I'm proud to say that my first attempts at ice skating were quite successful and I didn't fall once.  Morgan made it across every time, as well.

We saw several other people and dogs while we were out on the trail, too.  Sadly, not all of them had as much respect for the surroundings that we did.  We were glad we got some of these cool waterfall pictures on our way out because on the way back a man was letting his kids break the icicles off.  I guess they didn't think anybody else would want to appreciate them.

When we finally arrived at the Illinois Canyon, we were a little disappointed.  The waterfall wasn't nearly as impressive as the one in the St. Louis Canyon last weekend.  It was still pretty, though, and the sound of the water burbling under the ice was fun to listen to.

On the way back, Morgan and I practiced our rock climbing.  I think I might have gotten just a teeny bit higher than she did, but I'm not sure.  It sure was a great view from way up there.

If you followed our hikes last summer, you might remember that almost every one that we went to had a wedding happening.  Well, would you believe that there was a bridal fair at the lodge this weekend?  I guess they're all planning to have their weddings at our hiking spots again this year.  I can't say that I blame them.  We've hiked in some of the most beautiful spots in our area and I can see why people would want to start their new lives together in those places. 

Our hike was definitely a great break from the Winter doldrums.  What do all of you like to do to relax and enjoy Winter?  Also, Morgan has started her own blog.  I think she plans on mostly writing about our hikes.

I'd also like to say how very sad we are that The Luke is no longer with us.  He was a special boy with a golden heart.  We send our very heartfelt condolences to his mom and The Bleu.  Hug your hounds and cats -- you never know how short or long your time together might be! 

Wordless Wednesday 1/5 -- Ice Princesses

Frozen Waterfalls

Bunny here at the keyboard sharing our first adventure of the new year.

Some of you may remember that Morgan and I really wanted to hike back into Saint Louis Canyon in Starved Rock State Park this winter to see the frozen waterfall.  It was one of our big goals for hiking this year.  We'd planned to go on New Year's Day, but Mom and Dad were both sick, so we went on Sunday instead. 

I have to say that we chose our timing perfectly.  We had our third snowiest December in history here.  We've had more than seventeen inches of snow total for the month.  Then, on Thursday and Friday it warmed up.  As a matter of fact, Friday it was almost sixty degrees and we had crazy thunderstorms, although we were spared the tornados that they had to the South of us.  All that rain washed the snow right away.  Then on Saturday and Sunday, it got cold and freezing again.

Hiking through the canyon was more treacherous than usual.  Lots of places were solid ice.  Combine that with a cliff off to the side and it did make us proceed with quite a bit of caution.  As a matter of fact, Dad even fell once.  Sorry, no photos of that this time, but one of these days soon, I'll get one.

We were surprised that lots of people decided to hike down the canyon with dogs.  We saw more dogs there than I think we ever have before.  It was pretty cool to see so many people enjoying nature with their pups in the New Year.  Morgan would like it to be known that she was the only dog on the trails with no coat on. 

After we hiked and skated our way down the trail, we finally got to the waterfall.  Let me tell you, it was worth all that slipping and sliding!  I am so glad we made it down there.  It was like seeing something from a magical realm. 

We even shot a short movie so you could hear what it sounds like as the water falls down the ice.  It's still hard to believe that any sort of violence could happen in such a pristine place.  We really felt like it was a good sign that 2011 will bring all sorts of wonderful and magical experiences.

Dad was so impressed that he thought about taking off work on Monday and going back.  It was just that cool, no pun intended!  So, who else is accomplishing their goals for the new year?