Gibson Pathway

This trail leads from Grandview Drive down to Rt. 29 where Al Fresco Amusement Park was located in the early 1900's.  The trail has not been maintained for many years (not maintained is saying it mildly).  The trailhead is not marked.  Across from the parking lot for the Peoria Country Club there is a sidewalk that curves around a fire hydrant and on the other side of the sidewalk is a large tree with a hole at the bottom.  By this tree is some old concrete that marks the starting point.  We worked our way down toward the creek at the bottom.  Most of the way, there was no real sign of a useable trail - just sort of had to figure out which way was the best of multiple evils!  Eventually, we reached a point where we could follow the creek.  It required crossing that creek several times, holding on to young trees, hugging old trees and going over or under numerous fallen trees.  When no trees were close, you just take your chances sliding on wet leaves and mud!  By following the creek, we finally came to a large pile of rocks that marked the end of our trek.  I enjoyed the challenge of the hike, but will probably do my hiking on better maintained trails!  We crossed Rt. 29 to the area where the amusement park had been located.

No real trail - take your chances

       Which way to go?

A challenging hike to say the least!

Grateful for the trees and logs that served as "handholds".

A few spots were pretty clear.

Really pretty when the sunlight peaks through.             

Rugged

A pause now and then made the journey easier.            

Some areas leave one feeling like an explorer!

Challenging for sure!               

Just keep going......

and going......

and going.....

Civilization is in sight and ear shot!

Pile of rocks mark the end of the trail

Rt. 29, looking back at the rock pile.

Looking across Rt. 29

Illinois River was very pretty today.

It was just a couple of engines, not a long train!                                    

Very glad that we had parked a vehicle at the bottom and could drive back to the trailhead.  Walking back up through that "wilderness" would have been more than I would want to do!

San Koty Trail

No trespassing signs on the barn and we were law abiding!

A snail was spotted on a twig.

River view from the very edge of the water. 

Looking North at Illinois River

After walking Gibson Parkway from Grandview Drive to Galena Road, PeoriaIllinoisian suggested that we might want to follow a trail off San Koty Road.  Sure, why not?  The trail is clean and well worn.  Along the trail is a very old barn.  It looks in pretty good shape for how old it must be.  There are a couple of boards missing from one end, but the roof looks good.  The trail leads to the edge of the Illinois River.  Nice view and a very comfortable stroll.

Robinson Park

On more than one occasion I have been told to "go take a hike".  So I did!  Today I went to Robinson Park.  I parked in the lot on the north side of Mossville Road and trekked on the paths on that side of the road.  I made a big loop rather than go on the leg that went to Camp Wokanda.  There are some very steep slopes and I did take advantage of a log bench (and sometimes just a log) to rest a couple of times and I know I got my heart rate up pretty good several times! 

I crossed Mossville Road and hiked around a short loop and then to the bottom of the bluff by way of a different trail.  I was surprised at how many people were out walking today.  The trails were not crowded, but I did see quite a few people.  Saw some deer tracks, but no deer.  I will go to the park again and try the path going on to Camp Wokanda.  It is worth the trip if you enjoy hiking!

Some photos of the North trails:

 

 And from the South Trail:

Rusty old pump

Another rusty old pump

Old storm cellar?

Again, going down is easier than going up!

I'm glad I took a hike!

Pimiteoui Trail

On a recent walk through Lower Glen Oak Park, I mentioned a trail from Grandview Drive to Forest Park Nature Center.




I decided to check it out again today.  The trail from Grandview Drive begins at the first look-out after turning off Prospect Avenue.  There is signage there about the Pimiteoui Trail and Grandview Drive.

There is a sidewalk on the left side of the outcrop and a path on the right side.  Both lead to the steps that are the beginning of the trail.

I didn't notice the sidewalk until today.  The path is clear of debris, but has a pretty steep slope at times.  Down is much easier than up!

Very quiet in the woods. 





A variety of plant life.

Eagle Scouts built bridges.


My goal is to make it all the way before the end of summer.  I need
to get in shape first.  I turned around at the last hill with all the steps.

Rancor

The rancor and hostility is getting to me. From the political to the blogs, it seems that there are very few kind words left in the vocabulary of some posters on blogs and forums. Heck, people I know are attacking each other on Facebook! I do not have to agree with someone to show some respect toward them. Sometimes that show of respect is to say nothing. Is it the political season that has people on edge? Is this the season for the one line zingers? It seems that it is not safe to ask a question or state an opinion without worrying about the coming attacks, either directly or in the form of the most vile YouTube video that can be found. Rumor is passed as fact and grudges are held. Sad. End of rant.

Left of Moderate

I admit it, I am to the left of moderate although I seldom vote a "straight ticket". I voted for Barack Obama last time and it looks like I will do so again. I might actually have been able to vote for Mitt Romney if he voiced the same opinions he did several years ago. I even voted for Ronald Reagan. I guess I would be called an "issues voter".

I have reached the age for Social Security and Medicare, so guess what, I earned them and I need them. I support a woman's right to choose although my personal choice is to birth a child and think adoption is a wonderful choice. It is not an easy choice, but one that I believe should be between the woman and her doctor. I believe that contraceptives should be available, either to prevent pregnancy or treat disorders such as PCOS. I believe that Planned Parenthood provides important services to improve women's health. I have had medical tests done there.

I believe the "Citizen's United" decision was a mistake. I am impressed by Ben & Jerry of ice cream fame and their "Get the Dough Out of Politics" campaign.

I believe that the country needs tax reform now, not later.

I believe that trickle down economy has not trickled anywhere because of the "dams" that were built to keep the wealth within the "1%". I believe in the old adage "you have to spend money to make money". Spend money on road repair, rail development where it is logical, bridge replacement, etc.

My definition of "separation of church and state" does not include government legislating religious values. I support "gay marriage' (oh, how I hate that phrase) or civil unions and the rights that they give the partners, including the right to adopt.

Each of these beliefs can be argued against, but these are deeply held beliefs and I see no way that I will change them. I will not argue politics. It serves no purpose. People to the right of moderate believe their beliefs as strongly as I believe mine.

No name calling or insults.