Brookfield Zoo

We just love Brookfield Zoo! We were members when we lived in Illinois, and came here often. It has changed a lot in the last four years with an added merry-go-round and playground, but the animals are still very well cared for and happy, so it's always a pleasure to come visit!

A seal happily swimming

I had to see the elephants. Though they're not my favorite animal, I love to see their huge smiles!

I wonder what he's squawking about!

We also saw penguins swimming with large fish in another exhibit in the Living Coast.

This giant starfish is part of the Living Coast exhibit. My sister and I, both beach bums, used to rescue small starfish; various crabs, including horseshoe crabs; sea horses (though they were usually in pretty rough shape if they washed up on shore); and other sea creatures after high tide. I don't know about any of you, but if I ever saw a starfish this big, I would have freaked!!!

Some sort of monitor

A beautiful bird

An interesting birdIsn't he sweet?!

Socrates (left) flirting with a female camel. A sign told us he is too young to breed and therefore has to be separated from the others 'til he's older.

A lovely couple!

This beautiful tiger put on a show for us all, playing with his toys in--and out--of the water.

I really miss not living close to this zoo. Hopefully the next time we're in the Chicago area, we'll be able to visit here, again! --LKR

Starved Rock, Day One

Both days we hiked in Starved Rock, it was in the 80's!!! It felt more like summer than spring! The wooded park gave us some relief from the heat, and the temperature by the waterfalls was refreshingly cool.

French Falls cascading into another mini waterfall

Waiting in line to climb up the narrow stream to French Falls

I love this waterfall! Several years ago, we were hiking back here during an unexpected thunder storm. The thunder echoed through the canyons, but when we reached beautiful French Falls, we felt safe in this narrowly walled fortress!

The trails are easy to follow and well marked

Honestly, the walking is worth it!

There is beauty around every bend!

Nearing Wildcat Falls

Oh, did I mention the stairs???

Walking around Wildcat Falls

A trail walks you over the source leading to Wildcat Falls

Wildcat Falls

Hiking in Tonty Canyon

Rounding the bend to Tonty Falls

Can you feel its spray?

Tonty Falls

Part of the sandstone canyon by Tonty Falls

LaSalle Falls

View from almost underneath the falls

We just love LaSalle Falls! The kids get a kick out of walking behind it. (So do we!)  Here, my family is standing at the side of LaSalle while I'm shooting from behind the waterfall.

Starved Rock to the left, and the Illinois River and dam to the right.  The sandstone butte is named after the legend where Indians were surrounded and trapped by other tribes and they starved to death.

Another super place to hike is Matthiessen State Park which is located a hop, skip, and a jump from Starved Rock's westernmost trail.  --LKR

Early Illinois Flora

These were some of the early blooming flowers--and greenery--that we saw in Illinois at Starved Rock State Park.  They'll be coming to your area, soon, if they haven't already started blooming in your area!  Enjoy!  --LKR

Bloodroot

Rue Anemone

Skunk Cabbage

A bee pollinating Dutchman’s Breeches

Moss

Budding Toothwort

Rock, fern, and moss

Budding Virginia Bluebells

The Race Is On!

The sun was shining, birds were sweetly singing, and bicyclists were whizzing by. The third annual Chippewa Valley Firecracker Bicycle Race, which took place in lovely Lowes Creek County Park, was on! A part of the Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS), it was the fifth of twelve races taking place in the state, this summer.

The evening before, my youngest and I headed to the park to check which trails would be used. We also watched and greeted cyclists both young and old as they pre-rode the trails, becoming familiar with them. Several narrow, twisting, hilly trails had been chosen, along with some wider paths for passing. The Youth category rode a shorter lap of six miles. Citizen and Sport participants cycled 12 and 18 miles, while the the Comp and Elite Women rode three laps of longer trails, putting in 24 miles of mountain biking. The Elite Men rode four laps, totaling 30 miles.

One rider had a flat tire that he quickly fixed. Another had his handlebars suddenly loosen up and had to borrow tools to adjust it, loosing his place as the lead. Towards the end of the race, another man cheerfully walked past us with his bike. Having dislocated his shoulder, he was using his bike to help support his arm. These guys were real troopers!

Participants and spectators came from all over Wisconsin, but we were told that many more were from Minnesota and Illinois, as well.

The next of these races is scheduled for July 15^th in Suamico, WI. For more information on these events, check out their website at: http://www.wors.org/schedule/

--LKR