Illinois Beach State Park

Despite the rain, we drove up north to Zion, Illinois. It was about an hour and a half north of Chicago and the location of Illinois beach state park. The beach was lovely, even in the rain and we walked along a short nature walk, huddled beneath our one umbrella. The buds on the trees were just starting to come out and all the pussy willow bushes were ready to bloom. It was nice to have the beach to ourselves and Yannie almost went for a swim - unintentionally, of course.

There was also quite a bit of wildlife - lots of ducks and deer. Here are a few deer that crossed our path.

Starved Rock

Starved Rock is about 2 hours west of Chicago in the town of Utica. The park is named after a battle between two warring Indian tribes. One tribe climbed to the top of a cliff and was surrounded by the other tribe. They were kept there until all had starved.
It's a park type area with various trails to that lead to a number of waterfalls and cliffs that overlook the Illinois River. Parts of the trail are paved and there are numerous wood stairways that connect trails. We happened to go after a rain storm, which is great for full waterfalls, but made for lots of mud. It was an abnormally hot day in March and the mist from the waterfalls as we approached felt good. It was a pleasure to get away from the city and enjoy a little nature and an early spring.

Yannie checks out the pelicans nesting on driftwood in the Illinois River.

The first waterfall

A tiny aquatic friend.

Liza in sandstone cave carved out by the waterfalls.

Yannie at the second waterfall.

Behind the waterfall.

Illinois leeches

Yannie makes the leap