Video Hike – Round Bluff – Ferne Clyffe State Park
Ferne Clyffe State Park – Round Bluff Nature Preserve Hike Has the great weather got you itching to escape the workplace and head out for the trail? You’re not alone. This week’s mid-week hike takes us to one of the best state parks in Illinois, Ferne Clyffe State Park. Ferne Clyffe is home to many great hikes, but one of my favorites is the one-mile loop trail called Round Bluff. Enjoy! Click on the following link to read a... Read More
Cloud Watchers – April 12, 2012
Cloud Watcher Journal – Entry for April 12, 2012 Dear Cloud Watcher, It wasn’t but four days ago I revamped my interest in the shiny bubble that looms overhead. Tonight, as I played catch with my brother and his son, the light was fading. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that sun rays were shooting out at angles from an odd mass of clouds. I excused myself as I ran for my camera and pointed it up into the sky once again as shapes... Read More
April 9, 2012 – Cloud Watchers – Sunset Cloud Photos
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a Cloud Watcher article, but here we go …… Did you see the sunset tonight? Wow, just a few wispy clouds in the sky, but what a show. Take a look. If you would like to see a larger photo, just click. Altocumulus Clouds - Mid-level Clouds Cirrocumulus Stratiformis - High Clouds Cirrocumulus Stratiformis Undulatus - High Clouds If you LIKE these Photos, Please give us a LIKE or Share.... Read More
One Year Anniversary! – 3 Top Posts of Season One
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... Read More
Pomona Natural Bridge – Ending the Day
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... Read More
La-Rue Pine Hills – Winter Photo Challenge
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... Read More
Christmas at Giant City State Park – 45 min Photo Challenge
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... Read More
Waiting for Christmas Snow?
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... Read More
Freeze Time in Southern Illinois
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... Read More
The Day Winter Began
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... Read More
