Saturday, October 31, 2020 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its fourth guided hike of the Fall, 2020 hiking season, on October 31. This will be a Halloween night hike to the mysterious Vortex on Max Creek in Johnson County. The hike is free and open to the public. The size of the group is limited by public health restrictions, and the hike is now full, but anyone wishing to be put on the waiting list in case of cancellations may call Brian at (618) 499-2055. Anyone unable to attend this hike is encouraged to register for one of the Society’s remaining hikes, every Saturday through the end of November, except during shotgun hunting season.

Based on discussions with Brian on Friday, this hike has filled up with 15 hikers signed up. Based on this, if there is enough interest, a second hike will be offered by doing the same Max Creek hike during the day. Please continue to call Brian to register.

October 24, 2020 – Snake Road and Bulge Hole – Hiking Summary

Comments from Shawn Gossman

Today I led a group hike at LaRue Pine Hills. It was a pre-registration only group through the R2R Society in order to promote public health. We didn’t see any snakes, it’s too cold and migration is probably pretty much done. But we all enjoyed the walk anyways. Afterwards Michelle and I drove Upper Pine Hills road and viewed the fall colors.

Comments from Michelle Cochran

Shawn led a R2R hike at Snake Rd today. No snakes to be found but it was still a pretty hike. I picked up a bag of trash plus a plate below Inspiration Point before the hike got underway. Tons of mushrooms to be seen along the road.

Comments from Chris Drone

Thanks. What a heckuva day…late start to Snake Rd…with Shawn Gossman as leader..(5 cancelled). No snakes, but, WOW…the Rocks…I’d never been there before..Limestone rocks…Wow..then to Grand Tower…to the Mississipp…from the town, to the park…where I got some Mississipp sand..for students to look at under a microscope(we haven’t done Any scope work, time to do some), then Helped 2 guys from Henderson KY get started on the RtR trail…(download Avenza gents, get the RtR bundle)..off they went…then to Kinkaid lake spillway…it was Dry…soo..I climbed it…all the way to the top…picked up some shale…to look at under a scope…What.A.Day…Thanks…Pics tmorow…

In addition to the above hike, Bob Mulcahy also led a hike through Bulge Hole with approximately 13 hikers. The count is based on a large group photo shared by Ernestine Brasher. Great social distancing and masks.

Saturday, October 24, 2020 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its third hike of the Fall, 2020 hiking season, at the Snake Road in Union County, Illinois, on Saturday, October 10. The hike is free and open to the public, but spaces are limited for public health reasons, so the hike is by reservation only. All hikers must bring masks and maintain social distance throughout the hike. For information or reservations, call Shawn at (618) 694-7034. Those unable to attend this hike should consider joining future hikes, held every Saturday except hunting season through the end of November.

It is my understanding that this hike is filled, however you may still call Shawn in case there is a cancellation. Since this hike is full, we have had another hike leader volunteer to lead a second hike. See below for details,

OK…Read PLEASE!!!…Adding a Hike for Next weekend. Since the Snake Rd. Hike is “Full”…Bob Mulcahy IS Offering to add a Hike in the Bulge Hole area. Meet him, at 10 am, Sat. Oct. 24th, at the Goreville, IL. Subway (on Rt. 37). You Still Need to Register .by calling him at 708-471-7500. Same rules Still apply for this year…Bring a Mask to wear, be Ready to sign the Release form at the beginning. Of course, sturdy shoes, your own water & snack/lunch. . You will All then drive your own vehicles, following him to the hike area. Thanks So Much Mr. Bob Mulcahy!!!

October 17, 2020 – Ferne Clyffe State Park – Hiking Summary by Chris Drone

Today, Bob Mulcahy led us in Ferne Clyffe State Park. We did about 4 miles, a good amount on the River to River Trail. We had over Half of our participants as “Newbies”…some from Pope county/Metropolis, 1 from as far away as Quincy, IL. She said it was Well worth the trip. Colors were great. We met several other hikers, and horseriders. Saw the wonderful arch, and several great overlook views. Bob then took many of us down to the main parking area, which was jam-Packed, and we took the Hawks’ Cave trail to finish things off. Great day for hiking. Temps were perfect!! Thanks for coming ya’ll…see ya on the Trail!!

October 7, 2020 – Pyramid State Park – Hiking Summary by Gillam & Vicki Ferguson

Steve Ryder’s hike at Pyramid State Park on Saturday was quite successful. There were fourteen hikers, including Steve. Steve had worked out a very good loop hike, and although there weren’t any bluffs or scenic wonders, it was a nice long walk in the woods on a beautiful day. The hike took just short of four hours, with a lunch break. Pyramid SP is 19,000 acres with lots of lakes and ponds to explore. Not sure of the distance; Steve’s GPS showed 28 miles, so we guessed that a malfunction might have occurred. I don’t see adding this to our regular rotation, but I am glad we have now hiked Illinois’s largest state park. Our first-ever hike in Perry County. And yes, we wore masks anytime we were near others. Thx Steve for leading the hike.

Saturday, October 17, 2020 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its second hike of the Fall, 2020 hiking season at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Johnson County, on Saturday, October 14. The hike is free and open to the public, but because the size of the group is limited for public health reasons, reservations are required. For information and to register call Bob Mulcahy at (708) 471-7500. Boots and hiking sticks are strongly recommended and face masks and social distancing are REQUIRED.  For those unable to attend this hike, the Society will offer five additional hikes on Saturdays through the end of November.

2020 Hiking Season Waiver

This post is for all of those signing up for fall hikes and hike leaders. Linked below is the waiver that all will be asked to sign prior to all of the hikes. Please take some time to review it prior to showing up for your hike. Thank You.

2020_Trail_Society_WaiverDownload

Saturday, October 10, 2020 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its first hike of the Fall, 2020 hiking season, at Pyramid State Park in Perry County, Illinois, on Saturday, October 10. The hike is free and open to the public, but spaces are limited for public health reasons, so the hike is by reservation only. All hikers must bring masks and maintain social distance throughout the hike. For information or reservations, call Steve Ryder at (217) 344-2610. Those unable to attend this hike should consider joining future hikes, held every Saturday except hunting season through the end of November.