Larry A. Smail's Blog

Bald eagle over the Illinois River

Laurie and I had planned on this trip to Colorado for several years. However, life happens! Extreme back pains plagued Laurie suddenly leading to surgery forces some time to regroup the plans. After the healing process the second concern was how would the traveling would effect her. Would discomfort on such a distance be too much? We actually had a shorter excursion planned into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This event was cancelled due to the issues. Last year we did a several day trip and all went rather well. This year…Colorado here we come!

Plum Island on the Illinois River

Earlier this month of June we began the travel westward. The goal would be the Rocky Mountain National Park and

White Pelican

many other sites in Colorado. Later, we would see sites in Utah and New Mexico. Interestingly, one can’t exit Kittanning, Pennsylvania and be out west in several hours. Many miles lie between Pennsylvanian and Colorado. That fact insures stopping in sleeping over along the way. The first stop would be in Utica, Illinois.

We stayed overnight at the Starved Rock Lodge located in the Starved Rock State Park area. This area was voted the #1 attraction in Illinois. The area is, indeed, beautiful. Many distinct canyons are located along sandstone watercourses.

Many Indian tribes had inhabited this area over the years. In fact the name of this site became to be due to a legend concerning the Indian tribes. In brief, Chief Pontiac in 1760 attended a tribal council between the Illinois Tribe and the Pottawatomi Tribes. An Illinois warrior stabbed Chief Pontiac.  The Illinois people took refuge upon this huge rock for they feared vengeance. The Pottawatomi surrounded the rock. The upon the rock died from starvation starved hence the name, Starved Rock.

Beautiful lodge area

Much of the lodge we stayed at and other buildings were originally built by the Civil Conservation  Corpse or the CCC. This was a government program in the 1930 era to construct buildings and do work out for various projects.

Unfortunately, time was limited, however, we did manage to do some hiking. One hike to see the Starved Rock itself

All I could think off was the movie, The Shining.

proved very interesting. A series of steps and landings was constructed to get to the bottomland area. Shear rock cliffs are prevalent, so to get down there we needed to use these steps.

Once at the bottom of the steps we were disappointed to see the trail to Starved Rock closed. I don’t know why that was to be, but barricades were erected to keep people out. We walked other trails. I could see the Starved Rock from the lodge’s decking.

Starved Rock in the distance.

Eventually we came to the Illinois River. The river is beautiful. An island known as Plum Island was present at this site. Many White pelicans could be seen along the shoreline and on the waters. They migrate here which was interesting since we tend to think of these birds along coastal areas and the southern states. two Bald Eagles flew about overhead. I managed several photos.

About five years ago the family visited a relative north of Starved Rock. He lived in Oregon, Illinois. the Illinois River flowed near his property.  Some of my great uncles (Yount) moved to Illinois back in the 1930 era. I found seeing them at family reunions and other places a most enjoyable time. Ira (Buddy) Yount recently passed away a couple of years ago. he was 99 years old.

The following morning we hiked a little. I spotted a hen turkey walking about. I could tell by her actions that some young poults were, no doubt, close by.

The next entry will be Amana Colonies of Iowa.

Old CCC building