Hemlock Cliffs Trl, French Lick, Indiana

Enjoying our week in Indiana.  Just outside of French Lick.  Okay, French Lick comes from the French traders who built a fort in the area and the bison who licked at the springs nearby.  Another little place known for it's mineral springs once upon a time and the healing powers of the waters. No springs any more but a lovely place where the PGA senior golf tournament has been held.



We won't let a little (ok, a lot) of rain and humidity get us down!!!!
We almost did not do the Hemlock Cliff Trl as it is only 1.2 miles but the reviews were so good we had to go see what it was all about.  We were not disappointed as you can see.  What a lovely place. We did manage to add some distance to the trail.

the trail started off by dropping down through this "crack" in the shelf, fun!

if i stick my head in here....you can't see me... right??

the trail took us down under this over hang....

into a huge alcove

just beautiful!!!

Garden of the Gods, IL (What??)

Those of you who follow us know we have been to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO a few times now. Who knew another state would also have a Garden of the Gods?? Okay, so not that farfetched;) But is it comparable to the one in the Springs??  In it's own way, it is actually very nice.  The area is beautiful and away from civilization which is a big plus.  See for yourselves:

Part of the Shawnee Ntl Forest, Garden of the Gods encompasses 3,300 acres of lovely greenery with some cool rock formations thrown in for effect

the rock formation just to the right of center is called the camel

just a couple of trails in the wilderness area, sure pretty though!

the Observation Point trail
took us past a pond full
of frogs, fun to watch!

Lots of lovely wildflowers line the Illinois roads

Rend Lake and Wine Country, Southern Illinois

Another beautiful large lake and recreation area, Rend Lake is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  The corps has over 400 parks across the US but many don't have full hook ups.  They are always by water and always beautiful so if we can stay at one we do.

park visitors center

 In Illinois this is how you enjoy the outdoors in summer;)  Note the fan blowing on the very nice couple whose picture I took and note the distance of the fire.  Must have air movement, must have fire for ambiance but definitely don't want to feel the heat!!

camping Illinois style:)

17 miles of beautiful
bike trails

our camp area in the forest, we are on the left

 Southern Illinois is also wine country!  Yay!  There are several wineries in the area, beautiful places, and you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to taste wine.  The most we have paid for a tasting is $3!  No California wines here but definitely some  very nice ones.  Grapes in this area have names like Chambourcin, Norton, Traminette, just to name a few.  You have to drive miles in-between wineries but the countryside is lovely!

Pheasant Hollow Winery

Blue Sky also holds events,
a big place

thunderstorm moving in over this winery, we were hoping for some relief

across from one winery was a bison farm!

We returned home with
6 bottles of wine
some of which we had
to find space for under the bed:)

There are still a couple we
want to go back and visit:)