Jackson Falls, Illinois

Saturday was a nice COOL day to get out and hike and the destination was Jackson Falls, Illinois. The trail system here is easy enough and offers a few waterfalls (a couple were only spitting water). There were a ton of rock climbers out this day as well as folks on horse back. The area has plenty to of photo opportunities thanks to the cliffs, bluffs, and water falls. If you get a minute stop and watch the rock climbers, it is a great experience. I also made it to Trigg Tower which is on the way to Jackson. The tower offers a great view of the surrounds county and farmland. The first flight of steps can be wobbly! The third place we made it to was Millstone Bluff Archaeological Site, again close to Jackson Falls and Trigg Tower. I was not all that impressed with Millstone and be prepared for an all up hill hike that really only offers a few views of rock walls. Once your reach the top you are expecting to see more than just signs expecting you to "imagine" the natives at work. One spot of the trail did offer Petroglyphs but I couldnt really see this as a reason to drive all the way out to the site. If you just want to add another calorie busting hike then make a stop at Millstone and enjoy the information posted along the trail.

Jackson Falls http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=32359&actid=34

Trigg Tower http://www.theshawneenationalforest.com/home/shawnee-national-forest-trails/trigg-tower

Millstone Bluff http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=10689&actid=51

  

I found that one patch of nasty mud trying

takes pictures of the two tunnels! Very sticky

stuff!

This tree was not happy with the sign

attached to it!  

Trigg Tower landscape view. 

 Trigg Tower (the first set of steps are wobbly!)

Farthest corner of Millstone Bluff where we

saw the petroglyphs.

My Review of Gordini Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's - Special Buy

Originally submitted at REI

The Gordini Soft-Shell jacket is the perfect casual jacket for around town use.

Gordini Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's - Special Buy

Not A Bad Deal

By anthonygeo from Kentucky on 2/21/2012

 

3out of 5

Fit: Feels true to size

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Chest Size: Feels true to size

Pros: Warm, Stylish, Lightweight

Cons: Zipper Puckers

Best Uses: Cold Weather, Casual Wear

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

Was this a gift?: No

The jacket is of perfect length as are the sleeves! I like that the cuffs have velcro straps, big plus. I am 5'10" and 260lbs and this jacket is great for someone my size but if you are any bigger I wouldn't get this jacket. The fabric doesn't have the same feel/softness as my well known branded softshell jackets but I cant say it feels cheap or anything. There isn't a draw cord on the bottom of the jacket but I have yet to be in such extreme weather to need it. Pitzips would have been a nice addition along with a napoleon pocket. The negative reviews are hard to agree with simply because unless this jacket is custom made to your body then there is no way to judge good or bad sizing. For me, the jacket fits great and maybe next fall/winter I will take it for a day hike to give it a better test.

(legalese)

Land Between the Lakes (Short Hike)

All week I was excited for sunny 50 degree weather this Saturday and instead we end up with cold cloudy conditions. Oh well I decided to go visit LBL (Land Between the Lakes) and hit a small section of the Canal Loop. The trail head is at Kentucky Lake Drive and the section I did was about 3 miles total which is nothing to brag about. Today must have been trail runners day because that is all I saw and no mountain bikers even though there were fresh mountain bike trails. Upon starting my hike I did witness one runner trip over a limb and face plant (I felt really bad).  My back has been hurting for a few days and my hiking buddy has a jacked up knee so no one is excited about hiking at the moment. Regardless I did take some pictures...

Microwave Tower

Fresh Mountain Bike Tracks

Panther's Den, Illinois

Another Southern Illinois hiking gem, Panther's Den offers a looped trail with plenty of scenery. The area seems very far flung once you get to the trail head. On this trip (fall 2011) we came across several rock climbers and students doing trail maintenance for their school. Watching the rock climbers really sparked my interest but I probably need to lose a lot more weight before I feel comfy trying out the sport. There was plenty of nooks and crannies to explore and even some lite climbing. Now enjoy the photos...

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5106369.pdf

The view was amazing from up here!

There are rock climbers in this pic! 

iPhone 4 Photo (looks different I know)

Bellsmith Springs Illinois

So this is what started off my fall/winter 2011 hiking season! I love Bellsmith plain and simple because the trail systerm has so much variety. Keep in mind there will be plenty of creek crossing and hill climbing! I really got to test my Hi-Tec waterproof boots these days and they held up great. Since November of 2011 I have been back here 5 times! Crossing the creeks wasnt exactly like crossing a river or anything of the sorts but it made for a great COLD FEET adventure. Also, this area has a wonderful natural arch that makes this place completely worth visiting! If you get a chance to visit Shawnee Forest in Southern Illinois please dont forget to visit this amazing natural wonder!

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=13020

Natural Arch (Next 3 Photos)

Very Slippery When Wet!

Random Hikes

These photos are from some of my hikes just before the new year. Once again Southern Illinois always provides some great scenery! The first photo is from Little Grand Canyon and the last two are Bellsmith Springs.

Bellsmith Springs: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=13020
Little Grand Canyon: http://www.shawneeforest.com/Hiking/LittleGrandCanyon.aspx