On Saturday, October 14th, 12 hikers met at Ferne Clyffe State Park, to be led on a hike by Chris Drone. We had 4 New hikers: a couple from Colombia. Illinois, a son from North Carolina joining his dad, and a woman from right in Johnson County.  The skies were cloudy so we were not going to see any real part of the eclipse. The plan was to do the Happy Hollow trail. A small amount of rain had fallen in the previous 30 hours, but not enough to make any stream flow. We saw 2 small arches in the first couple of miles, such as “Happy Arch” and then “Double Arch”, which several people either clambered on top of, or through it. Then we found a High, but alas, dry waterfall. On the trail we also observed a spot where many decades ago, there was probably a bridge, with many flat rocks stacked on top of each other as supports for either end of the bridge. The trail changed, no longer flat and we started climbing and saw several small “cave/shelters”.  We thought, that, maybe around noon, it seemed to get a bit darker, but were not quite sure.  We ate lunch at the Main arch in the park, and took the group picture at the arch. Then, after lunch, we followed the trail and got up on top of the arch, several walked it. We then made our way to “Crocodile Rock” , (or alligator rock whichever you prefer) and took in the view through the valley to the Southeast. Then, began the long hike on the River to River trail. We got back to a junction, and 3 split off to get home and do some work. Several continued on to go to the “back entrance” to Hawks’ Cave. Once we got close, Bob Mulcahy took 2 to go “on top’ of the cave and the rest continued to the cave. Coming away from the cave, and going to the main parking area, the general area was pointed out as to the possible location of Mrs. Rebmans’ cabin, the woman who originally donated the land to the State of Illinois for a park. We hiked about 6.5 miles today. Next weeks’ hike is in the Lusk Creek area.. You Will need to call (618-384-1321) and Register for the hike, Please.. 

Until then, “See ya’ll On the Trail”.