Walking Among Giants
Our company long departed we were aching for another outing in nature. We couldn't decide between canoeing or hiking so I left it up to my husband & what he felt like doing. When he arrived home Saturday I had received my new Osprey Daylite hiking pack in the mail and was really wanting to hit the trails but I didn't want to force him into anything.
Finally he asked, "So what do want to get into tomorrow?" The door opened, I walked in "I want to go hiking but we can canoe if you don't feel up to it." I replied. He agreed hiking was a fine thing to do with the weather forecasted to be so nice again for August. Highs in the upper 70's, sunny and lower humidity. Then came the dreaded question, "Where?" We always have a hard time deciding where to hike or canoe, there's so many places to choose from here in our home state of Kentucky or a short drive could land us in a myriad of places in the Shawnee National Forest over in Southern Illinois where I grew up.
I wanted something new, a trail my feet had never trodden on. I had just the place in mind too, Giant City State Park near Makanda, IL. We hiked there before but there were so many trails we hadn't hiked them all including what is considered their premier hiking trail, Giant City Nature Trail. The drive up would take just over an hour and a half but was sure to worth it every minute of it.
Our plans now made I began gathering up gear, trail maps and programming the GPS. I decided to shove some trail mix and Honey Nut Cheerios into my pack to snack on along the trail. We are always up early for such an adventure as this but rarely feel like eating that time of day and almost always regret it. I simply made sure I zipped my pack closed and set it in the floor next to the small messenger style pack we use to pack our dog's supplies with us when we travel.
The next morning the alarm clock blasted it's rude sound and I quickly turned it off. Before I could even get out of my bed my husband said "You're going to be mad,". It seems my little Jack Russell mix had figured out how to unzip my pack and gotten inside. He chewed a hole in the bag for my fire starting kit, and cotton balls abounded everywhere. He had also eaten half the trail mix and all the Honey Nut Cheerios I had packed!!! As anyone with dogs know nuts of any kind, raisins & chocolate are bad for them. They can have allergic reactions as well as have the nuts lodge in their intestines and perforate a bowel. Seems the dehydrated Prunes had already worked their magic, as my husband described the little turd trail he had found in the hall also. Luckily it had been firm so clean up was easy or I'm sure my husband would have woken me up to assist, even if it had been with the sounds of him cussing, swearing, and dry heaving.
I did a little assessment of my pooch, making sure he was alert and didn't show any adverse effects from his Midnight munchy fest. He seemed fine, so with no obvious signs I relegated myself over the next few days to watching his scat for any signs of bowel issues. At this point I was more concerned with my pup's health and the fact he hadn't actually tore up my brand new pack I couldn't be mad.
We loaded up the gear with the dog becoming ever increasingly excited and headed out just after 6am. I had already planned to stop and pick up a few picnic supplies on the way up to Makanda and now added pack snack to the list of items to pick up.
We loaded up the gear with the dog becoming ever increasingly excited and headed out just after 6am. I had already planned to stop and pick up a few picnic supplies on the way up to Makanda and now added pack snack to the list of items to pick up.
There seems to be many different ways into Giant City State Park but I wanted to stick to the route I was familiar with. which was turning off US 51, going through the tiny town of Makanda and entering through the main entrance. Besides the PDF print out I had found on the internet didn't give the names of the roads within the park, actually 99% of the roads on the map are with out names. Awesome map. I only knew the trail we wanted to hike was on the way to the lodge and near picnic shelter #3 so I figured we'd follow the park signs to where we needed to be.
It was a little tricky navigating the park but following the signage we found where we were supposed to be and parked the car in the lot. Once we sprayed ourselves down with bug spray, I hefted my pack onto my back and we hit the trail.
My calves began to cramp almost immediately going up the little hill, but I needed this. I needed to sweat, to huff, to puff, to cramp, to feel that itchiness on my skin that comes from sweating in the woods. I needed it for a couple of reasons; One being to get into better shape, Two being, I need the woods to sooth my soul, to stroke away the stress and the hustle and bustle of the busy world.
I was in automatic awe of the trail, the Sandstone bluff held many nooks, crannies, and crevices some with ferns, trees and other flora jutting out where they could. Moss clung to the rocks in many places, small patches to large swaths covering entire boulders. There were numerous offshoots from the trail, most leading up into the bluffs, others were simply washes where recent rains had made their own paths trailing down from the bluff and across the trail. A person could get lost on these off shoots, even if not physically lost, just lost in the world of giant Sandstone bluffs and all they had to offer for exploration.
We took the time to meander down one of these offshoots, following the packed dirt path between boulders and back to the main Sandstone bluff. We found a couple names carved into one of the smaller boulders and researching showed them to be from the Civil War era, etched by former owners of the land with eerie precision.
The sweat was already starting to soak our clothes, making them cling to us. What little breeze blew didn't make it's way into the forest or around the bluff very well. For a cool Summer day in August with temps only in the 70's, it sure was sweltering in these woods.
That queasy feeling began to hit my belly, telling me it was time to try to eat a bite so I broke out the Nature Valley bars I had picked up and found a seat atop a small boulder. Our dog perched himself next to me and commenced to whine while looking at my pack, as if I was to pull something out for him also. I simply informed him he'd eaten all the trail snacks once already, he didn't need more.
I hadn't gotten a water bladder yet for my pack so I had to pack bottled water which we shared between us and with the pup. I carry a small collapsible dog dish that can be used for food or water, it's made water proof cloth, cleans up easy and can't weigh a tenth of an ounce.
One Nature Valley bar was all I could stomach (I'm assuming others have dealt with the inability to eat so early in the mornings), and it was enough to make my tummy hush it's complaints so we headed back out to the main trail. There was what appeared to be a narrow trail leading up and over the edge of the bluff, cut into the steep incline and stone escarpment. We decided to stick to the main trail, especially since this was our first trip and I have a tendency to be accident prone.
My body and I have tend to have a love/hate relationship. I love to do things, adventure, explore, hike, etc. It loves to make me pay for it and every little tumble I've ever taken in my life along with it which I absolutely hate. It limits me with how much I can and how often I can do it. Today was my day though, my body may make me pay for it later but right here, right now was mine.
We made our way down the trail, marveling at everything we set eyes upon. We again followed an offshoot back to a small Sandstone overhang where my husband looked for Native American activity from the past. You aren't allowed to "rock hunt" or take any artifacts with you but you can turn them into the State Park where they will be studied then put on display.
My feet began to hurt a bit, directly in front of my heel. Memory foam is great in your sneakers, until you switch to hiking boots and hit the trail. Note: Buy insoles for hiking boots.
We continued on and when we rounded the next bend I was in full wonderment. A long wooden boardwalk skirted next to the enormous Sandstone bluff we had been circling. It's exposed face on one side and moss covered rocks dotted the forest on the opposite side. It felt like I was walking in a Fairy Tale world.
Once past the boardwalk we made our way a little further down the trail, rounding yet another bend I went from wonderment to Environmental Orgasm. Massively tall Sandstone towers stood on either side of the trail, a fully grown tree jutted up in the midst of them and made it's way to the sky over the ledge of one of the monoliths. Tendrils of flora hung down from the ledges and more moss clung in patches to it's face.
We made our way down the "Giant City Streets" and came to a corner in the bluff. A sign hung upon the rock wall, telling us which way to continue, as if we had an option here. I had no plans to scale the exposed Sandstone walls or go back the way I came. We paused to soak up what little breeze could be felt in the corner and noted most of the breeze was coming from a crack in the rock wall.
I was in automatic awe of the trail, the Sandstone bluff held many nooks, crannies, and crevices some with ferns, trees and other flora jutting out where they could. Moss clung to the rocks in many places, small patches to large swaths covering entire boulders. There were numerous offshoots from the trail, most leading up into the bluffs, others were simply washes where recent rains had made their own paths trailing down from the bluff and across the trail. A person could get lost on these off shoots, even if not physically lost, just lost in the world of giant Sandstone bluffs and all they had to offer for exploration.
We took the time to meander down one of these offshoots, following the packed dirt path between boulders and back to the main Sandstone bluff. We found a couple names carved into one of the smaller boulders and researching showed them to be from the Civil War era, etched by former owners of the land with eerie precision.
The sweat was already starting to soak our clothes, making them cling to us. What little breeze blew didn't make it's way into the forest or around the bluff very well. For a cool Summer day in August with temps only in the 70's, it sure was sweltering in these woods.
That queasy feeling began to hit my belly, telling me it was time to try to eat a bite so I broke out the Nature Valley bars I had picked up and found a seat atop a small boulder. Our dog perched himself next to me and commenced to whine while looking at my pack, as if I was to pull something out for him also. I simply informed him he'd eaten all the trail snacks once already, he didn't need more.
I hadn't gotten a water bladder yet for my pack so I had to pack bottled water which we shared between us and with the pup. I carry a small collapsible dog dish that can be used for food or water, it's made water proof cloth, cleans up easy and can't weigh a tenth of an ounce.
One Nature Valley bar was all I could stomach (I'm assuming others have dealt with the inability to eat so early in the mornings), and it was enough to make my tummy hush it's complaints so we headed back out to the main trail. There was what appeared to be a narrow trail leading up and over the edge of the bluff, cut into the steep incline and stone escarpment. We decided to stick to the main trail, especially since this was our first trip and I have a tendency to be accident prone.
My body and I have tend to have a love/hate relationship. I love to do things, adventure, explore, hike, etc. It loves to make me pay for it and every little tumble I've ever taken in my life along with it which I absolutely hate. It limits me with how much I can and how often I can do it. Today was my day though, my body may make me pay for it later but right here, right now was mine.
We made our way down the trail, marveling at everything we set eyes upon. We again followed an offshoot back to a small Sandstone overhang where my husband looked for Native American activity from the past. You aren't allowed to "rock hunt" or take any artifacts with you but you can turn them into the State Park where they will be studied then put on display.
My feet began to hurt a bit, directly in front of my heel. Memory foam is great in your sneakers, until you switch to hiking boots and hit the trail. Note: Buy insoles for hiking boots.
We continued on and when we rounded the next bend I was in full wonderment. A long wooden boardwalk skirted next to the enormous Sandstone bluff we had been circling. It's exposed face on one side and moss covered rocks dotted the forest on the opposite side. It felt like I was walking in a Fairy Tale world.
We made our way down the "Giant City Streets" and came to a corner in the bluff. A sign hung upon the rock wall, telling us which way to continue, as if we had an option here. I had no plans to scale the exposed Sandstone walls or go back the way I came. We paused to soak up what little breeze could be felt in the corner and noted most of the breeze was coming from a crack in the rock wall.
Standing on the corner of the "Street" we could see another trail sign that pointed us to the left but we couldn't help wandering past it to explore what was on the next "block". Unfortunately the next block didn't lead anywhere more amazing than we were already but I did note another name carved into the rock wall with the same eerie precision as the others.
We turned back and followed the second sign telling us which way to go. The path became extremely narrow and I worried for a moment with my pack on my back that I may become stuck like Pooh Bear in a Honey tree. I found it plenty wide enough to fit through with some room to spare.
Towards the end of this narrow little street was a huge boulder balanced upon a tiny little point of another rock. Clearly it had broken off the main bluff some years ago and fallen away but how it managed to land there and remain perched there was an astonishing feet. Mother Nature and the laws of gravity had seemed to reach a compromise. It was slightly unnerving to have to pass under it and continue on the trail but what are the odds of it taking it's final spill just as I passed? Don't anyone answer that or I may never be able to do anything similar again.
Now clear of the the balancing boulder of death we came upon another small flight of wooden stairs and wooden boardwalk. My right knee began to ache a bit and I had to shift to leading with my left going down the steps. Most hikers dread the uphill and I do as well to a degree but find the downhill just as taxing also. I began to realize why this trail is described as Rugged despite the gravel path.
We rounded yet another bend in the trail, and passed between more enormous boulders before finding ourselves to be on the other side of the bluff. Here the breeze could be felt rushing through the trees. I found yet another perfect sitting rock, perched myself atop and shucked off my pack. I wasn't out of breath or spent, I just wanted to feel the cool Summer breeze, listen to the bugs sing their songs of love, and enjoy the beauty around me.
The sweat finally drying on our bodies, I decided to pick my self up, climb the next hill and create more sweat. We plodded down the trail past more boulders laying on the forest floor and the main Sandstone bluff to our left now exposed in places although the faces of it were becoming shorter and shorter as we progressed. It was clear we were coming back to the trail head and our little hike was soon over.
I felt a little tired, my calves a little sore from the cramping, the bottom of my feet still aching and it felt good! In fact it felt so good I insisted upon another short trail after an early lunch break. Just a short little stroll down to Devil's Standtable.
This trail also started with a hill on a gravel path, and landscape timbers cut into the trail to keep it from eroding. At the top of the hill we were facing another huge Sandstone bluff. No sooner than we reached the top of the hill and made a few paces down the trail my husband began to protest. His feet were beginning to bother him as well. The heavy boots he'd chosen were beginning to rub the tops of his feet.
I debated turning back and he offered to wait on the trail for me if I pressed on. I took the leash from him and plodded several steps ahead when I spotted a large overhang in the bluff ahead and a small wooden foot bridge over a seasonal creek that held that last remnants of the latest rains. This spurred my husband forward and we pressed on down the now packed dirt path to the overhang.
We could hear water running but could see none, it became evident it was flowing under the bluff. I made my way to the little foot bridge, leaving my husband near the over hang. It seems when rain is falling or there is enough run off at this point in the bluff there is a waterfall but not today. We soon saw and heard several bats flying about the bluff, maybe protesting our encroachment on their home. After a quick pause to take a couple photos and allow my husband to rejoin me we continued on up the trail. I had no urge to wait for a bat to come along and swoop down into my hair causing me to freak out, running and screaming through the woods, flailing my hands above my head like some crazed madwoman.
We soon came to the Devil's Standtable which wasn't easy to see given all the undergrowth in the forest. I think my husband was more thankful for the sign that not only informed us about Devil's Standtable but also pointed us towards the trail exit.
I had completed my goal for the weekend, I hiked Giant City State Park Nature Trail and even topped off the trip with a short second trail. The Nature Trail is advertised as just 1 mile, but there is a lot of up/down hills (RUGGED is right) plus by the time you wander the off shoots and back to the main trail I'm sure it's closer to almost 2 miles. I was spent, I knew there was nothing left in my tank for that day. It would take all I had to make the hour and a half drive home then finish some house work I had left behind. Thank god for cruise control! I'm definitely making a return trip and exploring more of Giant City State Park!
Adventure Awaits!!!
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