Looking for Fall Amongst the Green
- by Gary Marks Exit Summer, Enter Fall The calender has finally rolled over into October, the time of change in the Shawnee Hills. This is the month that the forest gives a final bold pop and a confetti of leaves comes raining down by the end of the month celebrating another successful growing season. The bold pop is not quite here as we enter the first week. Green is still the primary color, but that does not stop me from grabbing my gear... Read More
Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return – Part 4 – Finale
January 11, 2010 Missed Part 1 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. Missed Part 2 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. Missed Part 3 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. - by Gary Marks The Finale First of all, I would like to thank you the reader for continuing to read the articles on Bell Smith Springs. This will absolutely be the final post for the Winter... Read More
Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return – Part 3
January 11, 2010 Missed Part 1 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. Missed Part 2 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. - by Gary Marks On the Move I say my goodbyes to the Backbone and make my way back to the “Grand Staircase” towards another natural landmark that lies hidden across Bay Creek amongst the denuded forest canopy. I follow my own footprints that are headed... Read More
Bell Smith Springs – The Winter Return – Part Two
January 11 Missed our last post on Bell Smith Springs? Click here to read. - by Gary Marks Landmark According to Dictionary.com a landmark is the following: A prominent or conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide, esp. to ships at sea or to travelers on a road; a distinguishing landscape feature marking a site or location. In my opinion there are very few natural landmarks in Southern Illinois. There are several that come easily to mind. ... Read More
Bell Smith Springs – The Winter Return – Part One
January 11, 2010 Missed our summer post on Bell Smith Springs? Click here to read. - by Gary Marks SNOW DAY! Not really, I already had the day off, the snow was just a welcome addition. Last night Jim Rasor (a local weatherman) declared there would be 1-2 inches of snow on the ground. As I went to bed, I was becoming skeptical on whether there would be anything substantial. Waking up this morning, we were greeted by at least an inch, but I... 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
Bell Smith Springs – Grand Staircase & Natural Bridge – Part II
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Did you miss part one? Click on the following link to get caught up on all the action – Bell Smith Springs: Part One – Devils Backbone. Monday July 12, 2010 I walk amongst the trees and shrubs that thrive within the canyon. In places it feels like a jungle as I move branches away from hitting me in the face. Another web wraps... Read More
Bell Smith Springs – Devils Backbone – Part I
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Monday July 12, 2010 As I head off the main road on the outskirts of Ozark, IL, the road turns to gravel. All roads leading to my destination are made of rock bringing to this area a sense of remoteness. The truck bounces along the uneven road. The familiar clouds of dust that usually bellow from the tires are absent. Last nights... Read More
Top 3 Gottados – The Natural Bridges of the Shawnee Hills
This is the third in a series called Top 3 Gottados (Got to do). This series will spotlight interesting and unique areas that everyone enjoying the Shawnee Hills should take time to explore. The last entry into the Top 3 series we looked at the Top 3 Gottados- Easy to Get to Wildflower Hikes. This week we focus on three awe-inspiring spans of solid rock, the Top 3 Gottados- The Natural Bridges of the Shawnee Hills. All three bridges are... Read More
