One Year Anniversary! – 3 Top Posts of Season One
- by Gary Marks
Has It Been A Year?
On March 13, 2010, Shawnee Hills Outdoors went on-line. It is amazing how it has come along in such a short time.
Many people have viewed, commented, and signed-up for our e-mail list, as we head into Season Two. It is my hope to bring more meaningful articles on your own exploration of the Shawnee Hills.
And to celebrate our One Year Anniversary, we bring you the Top 3 Posts that you viewed in Season One
Top 3 Posts
- #1 Garden of the Gods – Shawnee National Forest: Although a late comer to the party, this post hands down has surpassed all others. This post was, also, the most difficult to write and film. This was personally one of my favorites, so I was glad that others, also, enjoyed.
- #2 Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return – Part Two: The longest series that was produced on the site, saw its highest viewership on the second post. With the help of several facebook and twitter shares, this post pushed it to the highest shared article. Love the snow, hated to see it go.
- #3 Shawnee National Forest – Rim Rock Trail: What can you say? This is just a beautiful place that deserves to rank high. This is a great place to visit while you are at Garden of the Gods. The huge staircase that leads to a giant walled street that is a joy to explore.
Thanks
Thanks for your support this last year and I hope to continue to receive your support and readership this next year.
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January 5, 2011
Missed the last blog post? Click here to read La-Rue Pine Hills – Winter Photo Challenge.Finishing the Day
After visiting La-Rue Pine Hills early the morning after Christmas. I spent the rest of the day with family, until around 3pm. I had at least two hours until it was fully dark, so I decided to take advantage of the recent snowfall and make the drive to Pomona Natural Bridge.
I have found myself visiting this area more frequently over the past year because of its easy access and short trail length. I had previously written about Pomona Natural Bridge in a previous post, but I have never visited the bridge after a winter snowfall.
When I arrived the parking lot was empty and I noticed that I had made a good choice. The trail descends down towards the bridge and included a picturesque rail-fence. Snow was sprinkled atop the railing, with the trail being clear of snow. I took many different angles until I finally decided that the photo to the right was the one I was after.
I followed the trail to an overlook and tried to determine the best position for a photo of the natural bridge. I walked across the white pathway on top of the narrow rock and then under, then over and under again. I took many different photos, but liked the straight-on shot included here.
As I walked back to the truck, I thought how lucky I was to have seen this beautiful place with a blanket of white draped across it. It reminded me that even though I had only a limited amount of time, I could still use it to experience the wonders of the Shawnee Hills.
Pomona Natural Bridge - Winter
On the Look Out for Writers
We are looking for guest writers. Do you have an interesting story related to hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, or biking in Southern Illinois? Or do you know someone that does? Please contact me so you can the details on how you can see your writing here on this website.
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If you like these posts, please click the facebook like button below or use the save/share to help pass the word around about our Shawnee Hills. You can, also, keep up-to-date by e-mail by filling your e-mail address below. Thanks.
Disclaimer
The author and Shawnee Hills Outdoors disclaim any liability or loss incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application on any information contained in this blog. If you do attempt to explore any of these areas make sure you are have the proper knowledge to survive in the woods, do not rely on a cellphone for help. Please check ranger stations and park superintendents for latest information regarding these areas. This website is for entertainment only.
December 30, 2010
Missed the last post? Click here to Christmas at Giant City State Park.
The Day After
The day after Christmas I awoke around 7am and headed out once again into the Shawnee Hills. Like yesterday, I would be limited on time. My brother would be the guest pastor at one of the local churches and I had to be there at 10:30 am.
This represented another photo challenge and I ticked off the places in my mind that would have an abundance of photogenic scenery in a compact area. The previous day at Giant City had produced some interesting photos with the shelters and bridges being great subject matter. My mind naturally drifted to Trail of Tears State Forest. It met the criteria I was looking for, not to far of a drive, and some of the most beautiful shelters in Southern Illinois.
Wrong Place?
The further I drove south, the less snow there was. I might have chose the wrong area today. As I pulled in the snow was patchy and not the fluffy, airy snow of yesterday. I got out took only a couple of photos and looked at my watch. It was around 8:45 am. I decided I should have enough time to travel the short distance to Pine Hills and drive down Snake Road that parallels the largest limestone bluffs in the Shawnee Hills.
When I arrived I was once again not thrilled because of the lack of snow. It was a beautiful area, but today I was just not seeing any photogenic places. After travelling Snake Road I came upon the Big Muddy Levee Rd and stopped and thought about where to go next.
Tick-Tock
Time was running out. I headed towards Route 3. I had decided to see if any eagles where out and about. While driving down the road, I soon was convinced this would not be the best use of my limited time, so I did a 5-point turnaround and headed back to Pine Hills.
Okay, I was now on my to Inspiration Point Trail. This trail is probably hands down my most favorite short trail in all of Southern Illinois. The views toward the Mississippi floodplain off the towering limestone bluffs is a must for every Southern Illinoisan. I find myself coming back in every season. I honestly did not think I would be able to photograph any decent images, but as I gazed over the distant snow-dusted landscape I knew that I had chosen wisely. The contrast between the white of snow and the darken colors of the streams below were awesome. I perched myself upon a portion of the bluff and discovered a great view of the limestone against the bare trees of winter.
Time Over
I continued to several viewpoints and soon realized that I was pressing my luck on time. There were several more viewpoints that I would not be able to photography today, but I knew that my time was over and that I had to make it to my brother’s sermon. I got in my truck and headed out towards were a portion of Pine Hills had caught on fire in October. With the dusting of snow one could barely tell that it had occurred. I soon pulled up into the church parking lot at 10:26 am and was glad I had taken the opportunity to explore the Shawnee Hills in winter.
Photos – La-Rue Pine Hills
La-Rue Pine Hills Winter
La-Rue Pine Hills Pond
- La-Rue Pine Hills Stream
La-Rue Pine Hills Trees
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If you like these posts, please click the facebook like button below or use the save/share to help pass the word around about our Shawnee Hills. You can, also, keep up-to-date by e-mail by filling your e-mail address below. Thanks.
Disclaimer
The author and Shawnee Hills Outdoors disclaim any liability or loss incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application on any information contained in this blog. If you do attempt to explore any of these areas make sure you are have the proper knowledge to survive in the woods, do not rely on a cellphone for help. Please check ranger stations and park superintendents for latest information regarding these areas. This website is for entertainment only.
December 28, 2010
Missed last week post? Click here to read Waiting for White Christmas.
Christmas!
No more waiting for a white Christmas, it’s now in the books. The wishes of many children and some adults had become reality. On Christmas Eve the sky released a fluffy snow that decorated the Shawnee Hills in a winter landscape once again.
As I awoke Christmas morning, I took a peek outside and was amazed by the change of scenery over yesterday morning. I could not get over the perfect timing. Our house was soon filled with family and the laughter and noise of children and adults alike.
The ripping of Christmas paper soon overtook all other sounds and I cherished the opportunity to all be together once again for Christmas. Gifts soon gave way to turkey, dressing and Mom’s infamous Cottage Cheese Junk. Games followed with plenty of good-humored joking.
Around 2:30 pm, the family went their separate ways with other get-togethers calling. I did not need to be anywhere until 4:30, so my mind and body demanded that I make use of this time to explore this new winter wonderland. It took me awhile to round up all my winter clothes and head out on the road.
45min Challenge
Giant City was the perfect distance and I arrived around 3:15pm. I decided the best opportunities for photos was at the Giant City Nature Trail. Footprints guided me up the trail. My favorite tree in the park soon came into view and it was blanketed with layer of snow. Nice! I then headed towards the boardwalk leading to the “streets”. I am always amazed how snow transforms this area. Snow sticks itself into the little crevices and accentuates the layers of sandstone. I continue my journey and walk the “streets” and end my hike at Balanced Rock.
As I look at my watch I notice that I still have a little more time, so I head back and photograph some of the park’s man-made structures. The shelters and bridges seem especially photogenic today. I stop in the middle of the road to take one of the bridge photos and have to run back to my truck as a car approached.
I look at my watch again and reluctantly realize it is time to go, other engagements call. Even though it was only a short time spent here, I was happy to have just this small chance to enjoy Christmas at Giant City.
Photos – Giant City State Park
Giant City Shelter
Giant City Winter Bridges
Giant City Winter Bridges
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If you like these posts, please click the facebook like button below or use the save/share to help pass the word around about our Shawnee Hills. You can, also, keep up-to-date by e-mail by filling your e-mail address below. Thanks.
Disclaimer
The author and Shawnee Hills Outdoors disclaim any liability or loss incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application on any information contained in this blog. If you do attempt to explore any of these areas make sure you are have the proper knowledge to survive in the woods, do not rely on a cellphone for help. Please check ranger stations and park superintendents for latest information regarding these areas. This website is for entertainment only.
December 23, 2010
Missed last week post? Click here to read Freeze Time in Southern Illinois.
Merry Christmas!
Can you feel it? Christmas is getting closer no matter if we are ready for it or not. As for many of us it seems like it rolls through faster and faster each year. It seems like just yesterday I was trampling around the Shawnee Hills marveling at the brilliant fall colors. Wow!
Our first snow and freezing rain of last week is slowly fading into memory. Wasn’t that ice a pain in the rear? I’ve never been a big fan of ice. Snow you can get around in after a while, but that darn ice just seems to linger and makes even a 4WD bow to its slick authority. It still could have been much worse. Was anyone around for the 2008 and 2009 ice storms? Yuck!
Now the question is are you ready for the second snowfall of the year? Or is that what they are still calling for? It seems like they will not know until it’s right on top of us. Many of us will be traveling and are wishing for little to no snow. I am of the camp that says bring it on.
Icefalling at Jackson Falls
After last weeks wintry weather this weeks just seems quite boring, but was it? I went to check out Jackson Falls located between Ozark and Eddyville. I once again was hoping to see some icefalls, but the weather had not stayed cold for very long so I didn’t know what to expect.
The gravel road down to the falls still had patches of ice and some areas were rather slippery. It might be a good sign. I parked at the trail-head and made my way to the brink of the falls. It was really hard to tell from that angle so I had to walk a little ways along the edges of the bluff. I found a clearing and was disappointed to see just running water. Darn! One good point was that most of the large boulders below the plunge pool still held snow. It accentuated the textures and patterns of the boulders and was a nice sight to behold, but as I tried to photograph and film the scene I knew that it was something that I just would not be able to capture properly.
I continued around the bluff to where another less visited waterfall made its home. I was not holding out much hope for it. This part of the canyon area was hid away from the sun most of the day and snow still held fast on the network of boulders below. I was within sight of the falls and was truly thrilled to see that it was a complete icefall! This would be the first full frozen waterfall that I have seen of the year. Although not as impressive as Jackson Falls it held its own this day and I was happy to have encountered it.
Burden Falls & Bell Smith
After visiting Jackson I headed over to Burden Falls just a short distance up the road. I had been there last week a day after the wind whipping snow event. The video below is from that day (December 13, 2010). A week later, Burden was still not fully frozen and most of the snow had receded.
I decided to check out Bell Smith Springs as the sun popped out and the earth warmed to the mid-40′s. This was like a heat wave compared to last week. The cool thing about this place was that once I was down in the canyon everywhere I looked there was humongous icicle. At Devils Backbone I could hear the thunderous booms of these giants plummeting to the ground.
I headed to the old grist mill section and found the cascade area to be partially frozen. I was hoping that I could capture some interesting footage of the area, but once again found it hard to put the place into perspective. As I hiked back to the trail head, I was still in a great mood, because I had once again spent another fascinating day in the Shawnee Hills.
Photos
The photos included in this post were all taken over the last week. Although I would not consider any of them fantastic, I did enjoy being out in this new wintry environment. To find out where they were taken just roll your mouse over the photo.
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If you like these posts, please click the facebook like button below or use the save/share to help pass the word around about our Shawnee Hills. You can, also, keep up-to-date by e-mail by filling your e-mail address below. Thanks
Disclaimer
The author and Shawnee Hills Outdoors disclaim any liability or loss incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application on any information contained in this blog. If you do attempt to explore any of these areas make sure you are have the proper knowledge to survive in the woods, do not rely on a cellphone for help. Please check ranger stations and park superintendents for latest information regarding these areas. This website is for entertainment only.
Video – Burden Falls
December 16, 2010
Haven’t read Tuesday’s Blog Post? Click Here to Read.
Oh No, Freezing Rain!
As I write tonight an ice storm is rolling its way through Southern Illinois. We hover just in the freezing range, but have missed the worst of it. The sidewalk and porch have a thin layer of ice. It’s a good time just to be inside a nice warm house and to let the road crews and nature do their jobs.
Back to Monday
This Monday I headed out again after the blizzard like conditions of Sunday. The temperatures were still frigid, but I suited up with the previous days outfit and was ready to go again.
Unlike Sunday, the sun had returned, making the scene outside seem less threatening. The temps were still dangerous though and the windchill would plummet into the negative digits. The snow outside was patchy, because of the winds reshaping of the landscape. Snow drifts several feet deep piled up along small hillsides. The roads were in much better shape and allowed for easy traveling on the main roads.
Look Out! No Brakes?
As I started my vehicle I noticed that my brake light was staying on. I had used them quite a bit during Sunday’s adventure to Ferne Clyffe. I checked the fluid and it was a little above the minimum line. Crude! I was going to miss out on some of the first snow photos of the year. I drove to the auto parts store and bought some brake fluid. After putting it in I cranked the truck over and thankfully the light went off. Hooray!!! Crisis averted and no money put out for a service bill.
Headed to Burden
After this brief delay, I decided to head over to Burden Falls. I had heard that it might be froze over. I took the main roads right up until the gravel road turnoff for the area. The road was in terrible shape. I drove four wheel-gripping miles on snow packed gravel. The scenery along the way was beautiful. Light was filtering through the forest making the snow glisten like millions of diamonds.
I arrived at Burden Falls and noticed that the upper cascades were halfway frozen. I ventured to the brink of the falls and saw sections of it frozen. I made the loop around and photographed and filmed the white jacket of snow that blanketed the boulders around the falls. It was so fluffy that I hated to disrupt nature’s artwork by using the rocks as handholds for navigating the area.
Missing
An hour passed by and soon I was back up to my truck putting my camera equipment away. That is when I noticed the detachable bottom part of my tripod was missing. The stem that allows one to raise and lower the camera was gone and along with it one of the two tripod heads that I carry with me.
The last place that I could remember using it was Sunday at Ferne Clyffe when I had filmed the video for the previous blog post. Crude, again! My plans changed instantly, because I knew there was at least $80 of equipment in the snow somewhere.
I made the slow drive back to Goreville and tried to figure out the probability of the items still being there. As I headed back down the trail that I explored yesterday, I saw only my half-filled footprints. That was a good sign. I went to where I filmed the snowfall and did not find anything. I followed my tracks down to the creek and there is was frozen to the ground. Yeah!!.
Bubble Ice
I took the opportunity to explore the waterfall creek. After last nights frigid temps, the creek had begun to freeze. I took out my camcorder and started to film, but I noticed with the sun being out that the light was rather harsh. I decided to zoom in and film more intimate shots. I found areas were air holes would cause bubbles to form under the ice. On one section the bubbles formed cell-like structures and I found myself mesmerized by what shapes would form and what would come next. It was like watching a scientific show were they show human cells under a microscope. Very Cool!
I did not want to leave, but other appointments called and as I looked at my watch I was going to be late if I did not leave now. I packed me equipment up and was glad for the series of events that had led me back to Ferne Clyffe.
Video
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If you like these posts, please click the facebook like button below or use the save/share to help pass the word around about our Shawnee Hills. You can, also, keep up-to-date by e-mail by filling your e-mail address below. Thanks.
Disclaimer
The author and Shawnee Hills Outdoors disclaim any liability or loss incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application on any information contained in this blog. Although this post talks and shows video of a person hiking alone, it is the best policy to always have a hiking partner. If you do attempt to explore any of these areas make sure you are have the proper knowledge to survive in the woods, do not rely on a cellphone for help. Please check ranger stations and park superintendents for latest information regarding these areas. This website is for entertainment only.
December 14, 2010
I am all comfy and warm sitting at my desk, but just two days ago we received our first snowfall. Most of the Midwest was smashed by a frigid Arctic front that plummeted the windchill to zero degrees and below.
Inventory Time
I rounded up all of my winter clothes and took an inventory of what I would need. I started out with a compression top and bottom and then proceeded to put on not one, not two, but three pair of breathable pants, with the top two being windproof. I would need that. For the top I did the same routine, I had three breathable tops and then added a fourth windproof jacket. The feet, which to me get the coldest, I added two pair of heavy hiking socks. For the head I put on a nylon face mask, and a sock cap. I put on my hiking shoes with a pair of grippy crampons and heavy pair of gloves for the hands. I could move easily because the layers were all regular sizes and not bulky. I was ready.
I opened the door and the cold bit my face. The wind was definitely an issue, but I had chosen wisely on my selection of clothes, because I was warm and toasty and would remain so for the rest of my time outside.
Why?
The roads were bad. Snow hid a layer of thin ice that clung to the road in sections. I put my truck in to 4WD and took my time getting a feel of the road conditions. Around five miles into my drive I saw a 2WD truck spin all the way up a steep secondary road. My nerves were shaken a little, but as I went up my 4 x 4 clung tightly to the surface.
My reason for being out on what some would consider a miserable day was to photograph and film icefalls that may have formed after Saturday’s rain. Some may think that I was crazy to be out on a day like this, but I have always loved the dramatic change in seasons. I was not out to hurt myself, I was taking a calculated risk on seeing nature on its own terms.
Exploring a Winter Wonderland
I worked my way down to Bork’s Falls and noticed that the water was not flowing like I thought it would be. It was still too early for the giant icefalls, that would come after a longer cold spell. I took time to film the fluffy snow that accumulated on the rocks below the falls and watched as winds whipped up clouds of white.
I decided to head to the main side of the park. After releasing last weeks blog on the end of fall, I thought it would be nice to have a video showing the first snow of season. I positioned myself as close as possible to what I could remember from the video of the “raining leaves”.
Snow was blowing directly at the camera making it difficult to keep the lens clean. On the camera I had placed a water-resistant housing bag. Perfect snowflakes were landing on cover. This was the first time I could remember seeing snowflakes that looked like real snowflakes. Very Cool! Later as I edited the video I noticed sounds that resembled rustling of clothes, but I had not been moving as I recorded. It dawned on me this was the sound of snowflakes on the housing.
As I made my way home the road crews had greatly improved the still slick roads. I was glad to have been out experiencing the first snow of the season.
Special Note
I have hiked during many adverse weather conditions and I absolutely do not recommend that you go to any place where you are not familiar with the conditions, even with knowledge there is always unknown risks. Know your limitations and don’t take unnecessary risks that put your life in jeopardy. I was prepared to survive on my own and took all the essentials to survive.
Video
Facebook & E-mail
If you like these posts, please click the facebook like button below or use the save/share to help pass the word around about our Shawnee Hills. You can, also, keep up-to-date by e-mail by filling your e-mail address below. Thanks.
Disclaimer
The author and Shawnee Hills Outdoors disclaim any liability or loss incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application on any information contained in this blog. Although this post talks and shows video of a person hiking alone, it is the best policy to always have a hiking partner. If you do attempt to explore any of these areas make sure you are have the proper knowledge to survive in the woods, do not rely on a cellphone for help. Please check ranger stations and park superintendents for latest information regarding these areas. This website is for entertainment only.
December 8, 2010
The leaves of fall have been resting on the ground for well over a month and the official day of winter is rushing in on December 21. As I look back on the colors of this fall, there is one scene that keeps replaying in mind.
On an early morning October day in Ferne Clyffe I was out with my camcorder looking for scenes to film that depicted this change in season. It was peak time for colors and the wind had picked up during the night.
This combination is not always the perfect scenario for photographers and videographers, but as the wind blew a truly magical scene unfolded on the Big Rocky Hollow Trail. The forest came alive with the sound of branches swaying and the release the season’s growth from above. The leaves floated to the ground with a unison that seemed to develop into a storm as the wind continued its destruction of autumn.
As I filmed the scene in front of me, I smiled as I watched one of the most mesmerizing fall sights I have seen in Southern Illinois. As I watched though I was, also somber, because I knew that all the hiking and filming I had done since April was coming to an end.
As we have entered December that sadness is going away, because the potential for a white landscape and frozen waterfalls has increased giving us a whole new landscape to explore in our own backyard.
Video
December 1, 2010
Work in Progress
This has been a work in progress for a long time. When I started Shawnee Hills Outdoors it was with a blog-style format. As readership grew it become apparent that searching and finding articles on particular areas required some digging. After several themes and redos, the site has ended looking like it does today. The layout is orderly, but in my opinion lacks a personal touch.
That is where the new blog page will come in. Instead of just doing descriptions of trails and places to see it opens up the constricting forces of “formal” writing and allows for more general off-topic writing. For instance if I am writing a trail description for Little Grand Canyon (which is coming soon) and read or see something of interest on Heron Pond in the old way of doing things I was stuck on LGC and had to wait on Heron Pond, which by next week may not be as interesting.
Headed Elsewhere
As some of you may know, I am also an avid hiker and explorer elsewhere in the United States. Over the past eight years my vacations have taken me to the deserts of Utah and Arizona to the jagged Rockies of Colorado and Wyoming. I, also, love the feel and sight of rolling water in the southeast around the Smokies and North Carolina. Our next door neighbor the Missouri Ozarks is, also, a favorite and a close place to do some weekend exploring. It is my hope to spread my interest in those areas to a spin-off site that will probably occur next year.
Shawnee Hills Going Away?
Shawnee Hills Outdoors will not be going away. It is my backyard and I find myself going back again and again to places to see it from a different perspective. This for me has been one of the most productive years in the Shawnee Hills. This website has allowed me to see things from a totally different viewpoint, because I have had to come back and relay what I have seen and felt to you the reader.
Next year I hope to take this website to the next level. I have several things planned and with the help of this new blog it will allow for more time on these other projects.
Thanks
I would personally like to thank all the people who took the time to leave me a comment on the website. I would also like to thank the people who have stuck around and put up with my misspellings and sometimes awkward use of grammar. I have experimented a lot on the posts and how I write and feel I am still trying to find my voice, but with your continued support and patience I feel it will blossom over the coming months and years.
