Hiking at Starved Rock

We ventured to Starved Rock for another hiking expedition today. We had a wondeful time, depsite how packed the park was. It might have been due to the fact that it's a holiday weekend...and the last one of the season. Last time we were here...just three or four months ago, we were the only ones in the park! Seriously--there were only 3-4 other cars in the lot. It was fantastic. Today, all the parking lots were FULL!

Today...Instead of parking at the Visitor Center, we headed toward the Lodge. We tried a new trail today: French Canyon. It was a long hike, with lots of stairs. I think it was about .5 miles total (not too bad). I think Kate was carried for a total of three minutes (whereas the last time, both girls were carried the majority of the time).

The girls did GREAT! Rowena loved the hike, and didn't dare fall asleep at all. Kate was a good sport hiking all that way with those little, skinny legs and was quite brave. And, well, Delaney is just our little dare-devil! Not only did she hike the whole time, without complaining, but she also tried some rock climbing, jumping, and running ahead. We had a great time...