Ready for Take Off

Air travel is opened up and I have finally gotten to get away. Five days away with good friends in San Antonio proved to be what I needed to get out of my Covid-19 doldrums. Life has been running nonstop since I returned. 

I wasn't sure what to expect flying so soon. So of course I read what the differences in travel were expected to be. But I find that reality is frequently different and so it was this time. I read that there would be empty seats and separation on the plane to help minimize transmission of the virus as well as updated measures in security. In reality the flights were nearly full or if not the empty seats were all clustered at the front of the plane where seat selection came with a price. There was no food or drink service on the plane so anything had to be taken on with you. The airports also had very little food service options open for purchasing food which could have been a problem if I were on a long flight. Maybe the longer flights provide food and beverages. Security was easier only in that the lines were not nearly as long. Apparently the airlines have reduced the number of daily flights in order to fill seats.

After arrival I stepped out into the hot, humid sunshine of San Antonio. Not so different than home sometimes and I was in the company of friends so not a problem. I had utilized all my packing tips gleaned from YouTube so that I knew I had packed my travel essentials and was prepared. 

We started out with a visit to the Japanese gardens. They seemed to be in the heart of the city but as a passenger and visitor I paid little heed to how we got there. The gardens were beautiful with flowers draping over stone walls, small ponds teeming with fish and turtles, and pathways meandering throughout. The place is a hotspot for photo backdrops and we saw graduates, wedding parties and prom dates all vying for the most beautiful spots. Very entertaining!

We spent one day traveling to Lyndon B. Johnson's Texas ranch also known as the Texas Whitehouse. This included a pioneer farm with livestock and period buildings from the early 19th century. Right up my alley of course. Next up to view was the schoolhouse where LBJ attended school for a few years, the home he was born in (rebuilt) and his grandparents home. Then we were on his ranch. First stop was the show barns. He was not just a senator, Vice President and President but also known for raising prize Hereford cattle and beef cattle. He had a private airstrip even before he was president which ended nearly in his back yard. Really, the only thing separating them were the Secret Service buildings. His home by today's standards is not remarkable but in the 1960s that would have been different. Originally built in the late 1800s and purchased by LBJs aunt and uncle. Johnson visited there as a boy and stayed in summers to work the cattle. He purchased the home in the 1950s and made a few additions. The home overlooks the Pedernales River and is a beautiful location where he hosted barbecues for dignitaries and cabinet meetings in the shade of his front yard. The home was closed during our visit due to structural problems and other buildings were closed due to virus restrictions unfortunately but this only gives me a reason to go back again someday. 

Texas Whitehouse - Home of LBJ

San Antonio would not be the same if we didn't also visit the famed River Walk. We strolled down the river for a short piece, visited some shops, and ate some great "Mexican street food". It was a delightful day albeit hot. 

The rest of the time was spent exploring the outlying areas, aka Hill Country but seemed more like Wine Country with wineries everywhere. We went to six or eight wine tastings - I lost count. And not all on the same day. Not being much of a wine drinker myself I sometimes sat out on the tastings. I was very surprised how good the wines were when I did participate. If you've never had wines from Texas I'd suggest you try them. I believe our favorite was Hye Meadow Winery. While it did not have the vistas of some of the others the site was shady and relaxing and the personnel was the most friendly and interactive. 

Another day was spent wandering around Fredericksburg, a German settlement in the Hill Country established in the late 1800s. Quaint shops and eateries made this a good destination for a day. Our goal was German fare for lunch and we weren't disappointed. There is also a WWII Pacific Theater museum. I wish this had been open to see but the outside memorial was nice with so many personal remembrances of servicemen of that war. These displays are always very humbling to me thinking of their sacrifices for their country. 

Too soon the vacation was ending and I was taken back to the airport to fly home. But my adventures did not end there. I quickly learned that you do not pack coffee in your carry on luggage. I guess it's too easy to hide an explosive in the foil package and the coffee covers the smell? Anyway having done so required all my luggage to be opened and inspected, a full body pat down and an explosives officer coming to test my coffee. I'm sure the other passengers wondered what I had done or said to warrant such attention! But it went smoothly since I just had coffee and in a short time I was at my gate and boarding to fly home. 

As much as I love traveling it's always nice to come home. Maybe if all my family didn't live in the same community that part wouldn't be such a treat for me but it's wonderful having something to come home to. 

After such a lovely trip it was back to my routines. I worked my two workdays before the week ended and then had a great weekend with my family. My husband had somebody build a pergola by the pool and it was completed, my youngest granddaughter spent two nights with us, I worked in the historic garden at the park and also my little gardens at home, and my cousin came for a swim and cookout complete with home made ice cream. It was great catching up with him. Now a new week has started so back to the grind at work tomorrow but another busy week seems to be stacking up with junior golf and Father's Day approaching. Maybe my retirement is finally taking off!

Shawnee National Forest - A local treasure

Spring weather can be a beautiful time to get outdoors and visit natural areas near to home. I'm lucky to live in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. 

Growing up in this area the Shawnee Forest has always been there, a part of my life. As a child and young adult I spent many days camping, hiking, horseback riding and riding ATVs in the woods of southern Illinois. When I was younger I noticed the beauty of the place but I think I failed to fully appreciate it. As I got older and busier with kids and work I had less and less time for adventures in the woods. I took my kids when they were younger but they reached that age where trips with Mom weren't the most desired and friends won out. At least I instilled a love of nature in them while they were young that seems to have continued to this day. Then I was busy with work and returning to school for an advanced degree. My interests evolved into other activities and I rarely camped, hiked or visited the Shawnee Forest. Thankfully my daughter is now trying to teach her children the joys of nature and I've been drawn back into it. Now I'm rediscovering my love of the outdoors and time spent in nature. 

A few weeks ago I went with my daughter and her kids to Rim Rock Trail in Southern Illinois just east of Garden of the Gods. There is a shorter loop hike that returns you back to the trail head or you can go further and hike to Pounds Hollow Lake which is the trail that we took. I can't believe in all the years I've lived in this area that I have never been to either of these two places before. 

The shorter loop hike is 0.8 miles and paved. This hike is less strenuous but includes remnants of a stone wall built by prehistoric natives, an observation deck and some interpretive signs. A small picnic area and pit toilets are located near the parking lot at the beginning of the trail. 

At the observation deck you can choose to descend stairs to the lower trail that leads to Pounds Hollow lake. On descending the stairs you weave through the rocks like a "fat mans squeeze" until you reach the lower trail. This trail is unpaved and wanders along the base of the bluffs for over a half mile. On the way to the lake you will see Ox Lot Cave. An interpretive sign indicates this is where 19th century loggers kept their horses and oxen but I'm sure it was used for shelter by people for many years prior to that. 

The trail continues and gradually leaves the bluffs and meanders along the lakeside. The trail eventually opens out into the Pounds Hollow recreational area. There is a designated swimming area roped off with a sandy beach and a dock. This area can also be reached easily by the road with a parking lot up a flight of stairs from the beach. Just above the beach is a covered picnic area and toilets. All toilet facilities were closed when we visited due to Covid-19. 

The hike from Rim Rock trail head to Pounds Hollow lake and back was about 3 miles. On our return we took an alternate trail that wound around the other side of the rocky bluffs before returning to the parking lot. The scenery is beautiful and the hiking has moderate elevation changes and some steps. There are small streams with bridges to cross over and cliff overhangs to explore if you dare. 

If you're interested in directions or more information about Rim Rock Trail you can view the USDA trail information here:  

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=10691  

Or Shawnee Forest has hundreds of other beautiful trails throughout southern Illinois offering both day hiking and backpacking adventures. Paper trail maps are available at Ranger stations which are now closed. I ordered mine by downloading the order form from this website: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/shawnee/maps-pubs. Alternative apps for smartphones are also available with trail maps and information. 

Last week it was back to the trails for more time in nature. This time I went with a friend and our cameras. I was trying to figure out settings on my camera while enjoying the day with a great friend in a beautiful setting. We chose to hike at Fern Cliff State Park which is also part of Shawnee National Forest. There are many hiking trails to choose from with plenty of scenic interest including bluffs, waterfalls and lakes. It was a fun day and I got some good photography practice. Hiking ended with a picnic lunch lakeside before returning home. 

Fern Cliff is a beautiful state park near Goreville, Illinois that includes a campground and several picnic areas. Available activities include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, hunting and fishing.  Reservations for the campground like all Illinois state park campgrounds can be made through the Reserve America website. Additional information is available on their website https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/FerneClyffe.aspx. 

Please remember to be safe in your hiking adventure. Due to the remoteness of many of these locations rescue is not always quick. Every year I read of persons falling off cliffs or getting lost and just this morning I read of a car overturned on one of these remote roads. Aside from this are other risks from weather, wildlife, plants, etc. I don't write this to scare anyone away from all that Shawnee Forest has to offer but to advise that with proper planning and preparation you can make unforgettable memories with your family or friends. 

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul."

John Muir