Susan & Kerry Durfee led 22 other hikers into the North part of the Burden Falls Wilderness area today. It Was a perfect day to hike, with temps great for hiking and skies of blue. We again had several new hikers and quite a few returnees. On our way into the wilderness, we walked through the Sand hill area. The exposed ‘red sandstone” indicates some origin/chemical composition of Iron/hematite. Bill Gilmour led us to “Bear cave” which is about 50 ft. deep. (No bears, or signs thereof, were found). The interesting thing about this particular cave is that it is on the top of a ridge.  After the lunch stop at the iron bridge we did some bushwacking and found a nice waterfall. Many then climbed a steep ridge to observe a passage-way/ arch.  Bluebells, a Big patch, across the Little Saline at the Iron Bridge, were in full bloom today, along with Dutchmans’ breeches.

Next weeks’ hike, led by botanist Christopher David Benda, has been altered somewhat, due to the runners participating in the River to River relay race.  We are meeting at the Forest service office in Vienna,at 10 am,which is on U.S. Rt. 45, just North of the intersection in Vienna of IL. Rt. 146 & U.S. Rt. 45. We will then reduce the number of vehicles, going out to Bulge Hole Ecological Area, to look for wildflowers, and maybe some waterfalls.  Until then, See ya on the Trail.

Respectfully submitted,

Chris Drone