Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Elusive Burden Falls

 
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The highest waterfalls in Illinois at a whopping 50+ feet!

The Elusive Burden Falls

 
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The Elusive Burden Falls

 
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Bridge Crossing

 


Crossing this bridge made my legs shake ... apparently, I'm mildly afraid of heights
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Signs of Spring: Bluebells

 
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Signs of Spring: Dutchman Breeches

 
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A Slight Detour

Burden Falls was going to be an easy hike, which was a good thing since my ankle was acting up and prudence would dictate that I shouldn’t stress it out more than necessary. But the signage in the Shawnee Hills is, well, a bit vague. So setting off on a short walk that appeared to lead to the waterfalls, Saturday turned out to be a five-hour exploration of Burden Falls Wilderness Area.

Some lessons learned:

1. Always carry a map
2. The people of southern Illinois are remarkably diverse. There was the creepy house whose residents had screwed turkey legs into the steps leading to their home; and the duo who gave helpful directions, and then came back and offered us a ride, shaving off an additional two hours of walking
3. It is almost always more fun to get lost with company, as long as the companion doesn’t whine incessantly
4. Sometimes it pays to drive just a little further; your destination might actually be around the next bend

A Week in Review

Monday
- Climbed a bridge
- Fought and lost a battle with a green briar

Tuesday
- Tripped over barb wire fence
- Pulled off tick #3 for the season
- Was scared half to death by a gray tree frog hiding behind one of my cameras

Wednesday
- Got the truck stuck and relieved Carolyn from being known as the only field tech to have gotten the truck stuck in the ‘09 season
- Relearned how to drive a stick shift

Thursday
- Right ankle decided to act up

Friday
- Right ankle caused much pain

Saturday
- Got ridiculously lost on a hike, and walked many, many miles back to trailhead
- Discovered an irrational fear of heights
- Had my first drive-in Sonic experience
- Polished off a ½ pound BBQ pulled pork sandwich, with great relish

Sunday
- Bought ankle brace; day of rest

Thursday, March 26, 2009

 


Court Jester and Fairy
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St. Patty’s Day festivities in full swing
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My tour guide and friend, Rich
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Eads Bridge

 


What I thought was the MLK bridge when I took this photo.
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St. Louis Arch

 


And though I was somehow determined not to like it, I found its simple sleek design quite stunning.
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The inevitable visit to the St. Louis Arch

 
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Stunning mosaics throughout
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New Cathedral Basilica

 


Choir practice added to the experience
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St. Louis Redux

Who knew that an old friend from NYC was born and bred in St. Louis. Returning home for his great aunt’s 105th birthday, Rich gave this visitor a tour of his hometown, which included a stroll though the neighborhoods of Tennessee Williams and T.S. Elliot.

First stop: New Cathedral Basilica – apparently the largest single assembly of mosaics in the world.

Next: Soulard Market, the oldest farmer’s market west of the Mississippi, where I bought some local honey. Laclede’s Landing restored waterfront reminded me of Brooklyn’s DUMBO – hip restaurants in former warehouses and cobblestone streets.