A Little Hike

First off...Lora's next post will include our Saturday evening at Ravinia. It was a very nice evening (Lora, better get snappy on that post).

Today we hopped in the Jeep and went off for a hike in the Lake County Forest Preserve. I'm as guilty as about the other 99.7% of the area residents that don't utilize our preserves and the nature trails they provide (people, we pay for them...taxes, remember?). And it's such a shame, they're peaceful, well kept and good for you!!!

The one thing I wish they could improve on are he mile markings. They exist, but since there are a few forks in the road, it's a little difficult to keep accurate milage (plus Lora forgot her Garmin). Anyway, we logged about 6 miles in 2 hours...we think. Like I said it was just a hike...enjoying the scenery. And our 3rd hiker, Bayley, thought it was more than enough. He was a bit of a drooler after one mile. Oh, in case you didn't know, he's our dog...a Portuguese Waterdog (that's hates to be in water...go figure).

Speaking of water, here's the Des Plaines River...
During our trek, we started counting runners, bikers and walkers. About half way thru we stopped counting the walkers, we didn't feel they were worthy (I know, yes, we were walking also). We got to about 40 bikers and 30ish runners. Since we didn't start this hike until about 8:50am, we figured more runners we're there before we arrived. Lora thought this was a lot because last time she was on the trail, there wasn't near that total...like 80% less. Maybe that was one of those Africa hot days.

Another added dimension to this trail is that horses are allowed on it.
Before we saw these guys with their horses, we kinda figured horses were allowed on the trail due to the 'massive' piles of evidence we came across on quite a few occasions...

OK...horses on the trail...I'm cool with that. But why are they exempt from cleaning up the horse shit? We have a dog and are expected to clean up after him. I'm sure there is a 'tool' that can be made for a guy to 'shovel' up that mound of road apples and at least toss it in the woods. If not, get off the damn horse and clean it up anyway!! Everyone has seen a cowboy movie. Ever see all the stuff a cowboy packs on his horse? I think these 'equestrians' could have packed a shovel.

OK...I'm off my soapbox. All in all it was a nice morning and once my leg gets all better I'm sure I'll want to check out those trails in the running capacity. And probably the trail bike before that even.

So we loaded Bayley into the Jeep...

...and headed home.