033 Days 42, 43: May 20, 21: Starved Rock State Park, Illinois. What a great place to be

And our two extra days at the Starved Rock State Park came to an end too quickly. Such a beautiful place and we are so happy to hear that the Illinois State Government is actively looking at extending this and the surrounding State Parks. As visitors, we commend your Department of Natural Resources for the job well done to preserve the Park and to manage the large numbers of visitors. 

I was very happy with the quality of all the wooden walkways and stairs. Just look below. 

There are many stairs but these are easy to climb. They lead a person to many beautiful spots. We loved the canyons and waterfalls.

This is what the canyon walls look like from the bottom, you feel quite enclosed. 

So beautiful.

But we are reminded of the Illinois River that flows past here and that was cut out of these sandstone formations about 14,000 years ago.

And the view across the river to the Town of Uticca north of the River.

I have to show some wildflowers we saw during our walks. This is a beautiful time of year.

This Trilium has a very long stem and must be a relative of the ones we know from the East Coast. 

Coming back to my bicycle, Bike Works of Peru did a good and very fast repair. We were also happy that they could service both bikes after the first 1300 miles. We feel ready to start again tomorrow. 

Thank you, Bill Sevetz of Bill's Express Taxi for your assistance and going beyond what was agreed when you brought our two bicycles from Bike Works to the Lodge. And it was a privilege to sit in your taxi next to you, one of the two Eagle Scouts that hiked the entire canal trail 45 years ago. Your Scout Report with recommendations to improve the canal for community enjoyment started the process to improve the canal and establish the Trail. Thank you and please continue to support the improvement and maintenance of the Trail. 

I want to thank all that sent us messages and prayers when they heard of my fall. I think of Chris in New Zealand, Dave Maharrey of London OH, so many friends from Virginia and Maryland. This episode again confirmed, for me, the healing power of prayer. Love binds us together and with love we shall always be happy. 

Christine also recovered from her shock and we had a salad dinner on the porch of our Cabin tonight. Both of us feel good but we shall have a slow next couple of days to enhance recovery. 

This brings me to the staff of the Starved Rock Lodge. We appreciated your friendly service so much. From

Mike that had a friendly word every time he saw us to

the servers and staff on the deck as well as at the reception. It was our first time here and we now understand why the Park and the Lodge is so well-known. 

Tomorrow we are leaving, but with sad hearts. We feel we have already put down some roots along the Illinois River. These four days were wonderful.