Pimiteoui Trail Association Hiking Club Jan March 2018

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1 Pimiteoui Trail Association Hiking Club Jan March 2018 President Mike Bohn Vice President Bonnie Jackson - Secretary Angie Madison, Treasurer Newsletter Editor Jerry Gegel ANNOUNCEMENTS/NOTICES Reminder It s that time again. If you haven t yet paid your annual dues, please send or give your $6.00 to Bonnie Jackson. Gear Swap Site Check the PTA website (ptahike.org) for hiking or camping gear offered for sale by fellow PTA members. If you would like to sell something, submit a short description, price, your name and contact number to John Jackson at j.jackson1954@yahoo.com. The PTA reserves the right to reject or edit all listings. Thank You Letter from Friends of Rocky Glen The Friends of Rocky Glen s Board of Directors graciously thanks Pimiteoui Trail Association in memory of Cindy Alexander. This is the largest single donation we have received. We are currently assisting the Peoria Park District with trail building. Several of the Board Members are in the process of putting together a proposal for signage that will include the memorials we have received. We are so pleased that Cindy will be part of this and that Pimiteoui Trail Association has decided to honor her this way. Pimiteoui Trail Association members were some of the first to support the Friends of Rocky Glen and our efforts to ensure Rocky Glen becomes an accessible park for all. We are grateful for your continuing support. Memorial to Mark Klokkenga The members of the Pimiteoui Trail Association may recall that funds were raised for a table to be dedicated in memory of Mark Klokkenga. The table with a plaque attached in memory of Mark is located in the new trail shelter at the Alta Trailhead parking lot. The shelter was built by the Friends of the Rock Island Trail and completed last month. PTA Hiking Club 1. Hikes shall start promptly with no more than a 10-minute grace period for late arrivals. 2. The newsletter will be published quarterly. Hike leaders; please your Event Reports to geraldgegel@comcast.net within two weeks after completion of your 1

2 scheduled events. A single photo (jpeg file format) for inclusion in the Newsletter may be attached to your report. 3. Hike Leaders are to register all attendees for a hike/bike/paddle event using the official Pimiteoui Trail Association Liability Waiver form. These may be obtained on our website at 4. If an area allows dogs, they must be on a leash at all times. Also, please be prepared to pick up and dispose of pet excrement 5. In case of bad weather, contact the hike leader to see if the hike/event has been cancelled. 1st Quarter Event Schedule Event , January 7, Sunday, 2:00 p.m., Rock Island Trail Greenway, Peoria. Join other winter hikers on the paved Rock Island Trail Greenway in Peoria. Meet at the Junction City parking lot behind Bushwackers. We will walk on the Greenway to-or-near Pioneer Parkway and return. An excursion into the grassy Donavan Park is also possible. Hiking terrain is flat except for the Knoxville bridge and some Donavan areas. For a shorter hike, simply turn around and head back. The only bathrooms are in stores at the beginning. Dress in appropriate layers for the temperature. Wear shoes or hiking boots suitable to the expected footing. Bring trekking poles if snow/ice is present. Carry water. Afterward, some of us likely will find a place to dine , January 20, Saturday, meet 8:30/hike 10:00, Starved Rock State Park, Utica. The club is bundling up and creating our own bald eagle watch/hike at Starved Rock. This is always a picturesque treat regardless of season or eagle appearances. Carpooling is at 8:30 (be on time) at the Washington Kroger parking lot, 20 Cherry Tree Shopping Center, near the gasoline corner. Those travelling directly should contact the hike leader beforehand and be inside the front door of the Lodge at 10:00. Bathrooms are available. The park s terrain is often steep. Weather and footing will dictate distance. Shorter hiking options likely will happen. Dress in appropriate layers for the temperature. Wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles. Carry water. Maybe bring binoculars. Leased dogs are welcome. Optionally afterward, we ll eat in warmth in Utica or at the Lodge. Directions: go north on I39, take exit 48 at Tonica, turn right (east) onto N 20 th Rd, come to a T and turn left (north) on Route 178, go several miles, turn right into the park at the sign & drive up the hill to the Lodge turnoff on your left. Event , Saturday, February 3, 10 AM, River Plex to Glen Oak Park, Peoria Meet inside doors of the Peoria Riverplex. We will head down the river-walk and make our way to Glendale Park and return to the Riverplex.. After the hike we can have lunch somewhere in the area. Hike Leader: Angie Madison (309)

3 ANNUAL MEETING, Saturday, February 17, 5:30 PM,, Forest Park, Peoria The Pimiteoui Hiking Club annual meeting is being held at the Forest Park Nature Center this year on Saturday, February 17 th. Doors will be opened at 5:30 pm. Setup of the room will be from 5:30 to 6:00 pm. Socializing and dinner will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by our speaker, and then the business meeting with a review of the past year, present recognition awards, and a drawing for door prizes. Any club business will be addressed. Nominations and voting will take place for the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. If you would like to help the club by being an officer or want more information about an office, call or Mike Bohn Both the PTA and you participants will provide the meal! The PTA will provide the following: chicken, vegetarian soup, deserts, drinks, paper plates, cups and silverware. Members please bring a side dish to share. If you have any questions, let me know. Event Leader: Mike Bohn, , February 25, Sunday, meet 1:00/hike 2:00, Constitution Trail, Bloomington/Normal Show your patriotism and join the club in walking a portion of the Constitution Trail. This is a rail trail cutting through the heart of Normal and Bloomington. For carpooling, meet at the Cracker Barrel back parking lot at 1:00. We plan to arrive in B/N at 2:00. You may drive directly on your own. The starting point will be determined later, so watch for an reminder the week before the hike. Weather and footing will dictate distance. Regardless, shorter hiking options will be many. Dress in appropriate layers for the temperature. Wear shoes or hiking boots suitable to the expected footing. Bring trekking poles if snow/ice is present. Carry water. Dogs on leases are welcome. Bathroom access, except for dogs, is unknown now. Optionally afterward, we will find a place nearby or along Interstate 74 to dine. Event , March 11, 2018, Sunday 2 PM, Rock Island Trail from Alta Although its not officially spring yet perhaps we can consider this our first spring hike starting at the Alta Trail Head of the Rock Island Trail. We will meet and park in the D & R (Department of Resources) parking lot. Going on Allen road take the Grange Hall road turn to the left. After about a half mile on the right you will see the parking lot. We will hike west on the trail toward Dunlap; it will be about two miles out and back over flat terrain. We will have something to eat afterwards at a local spot. Hike Leader: Mike Bohn, PTA Board Meeting, Monday, March 12, 6 PM, Morton Library. 315 W. Pershing, Morton, IL Come share your ideas about hiking locations, social and service events, and club business. Volunteer to lead a hike! Our event schedule for April, May and June will be created at this meeting. If you are unable to attend, pass your ideas on to a board member before the meeting. Event Leader: Mike Bohn,

4 , March 24, Saturday, meet 8:30/hike 10:00, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet A new place for the club to hike is Lake of the Woods Park just off Interstate 74 at Mahomet west of Champaign. It has a combination of prairie and forested grassy trails plus conventional paved paths. The terrain there is fairly flat and not prone to mud. The full hike is at least 3.5 miles, but one main short option is available. There is also a museum there, but it s unknown now whether it will be conveniently open for us. For carpooling, meet at the Cracker Barrel back parking lot at 8:30. We plan to arrive in the park at 10:00. You may drive directly on your own. The hiking starting point will be determined later, so watch for an reminder the week before the hike. Wear hiking boots for the grass trails, and maybe switch to other shoes for the paved paths. Trekking poles probably are not necessary. Carry water. Dogs on leases are welcome. Bathrooms are there but access is unknown at this time. Directions: take I74 east to exit 172 at Mahomet. Turn left (north) onto RTE 47. Rather quickly, the park is on the right and left; an shortly before will say where to park and meet. Optionally afterward, we will find a place nearby or along Interstate 74 to dine. EVENT REPORTS , Sunday, October 15, 10 am, Hike Rock Island Trail, Wyoming to Toulon, For a day that started out Dark and Windy a great hiking day prevailed. Priska Lauber, a new member joined us for an invigorating 7 mile hike. The company, scenery and weather were excellent. We hiked the 7 miles in less than 2 hours that included a rest stop at The Catalpa Inn. Lunch after the hike at One Eleven in Wyoming was, as always, great. Hikers: Priska Lauber Hike Leaders: Roger John & Judy Bartow , Saturday, October 21, 9:00 am, Farmdale Recreational Area, East Peoria Our hike at Farmdale was a mixture of terrains as we enjoyed near perfect weather. The bicyclists and horses were also out in force and having a great time. We walked 5.8 miles in about three hours, twenty minutes, making this one of the longer hikes of the year. Most of us ate at Jason s Deli afterward. Hiking Members: Brian Cunningham, Arthur Ching, Mary Greenhood, Andy Shull, Roger John, Pam Brandt, Jerry Gegel, Les Hensley, LaVerne Wilson, Susan Hood, Paul Frisk, Judith Baitance Hiking Guests: Diane Wang, Sue Harrington Hiking Dogs: Charlie & Lindy (Mary) Hike Leader: Jay Meinrich Wiener Roast/Potluck, October 28, Oakwood Park, Morton Illinois The Jacksons hosted a club wiener roast and potluck at Oakwood Park in Morton Illinois on October 28th. Since the weather was quite cool and it was growing dark early, they decided to host it in the afternoon instead of the evening. Twenty people attended. Although there were snow flurries in the morning, it warmed up slightly by early afternoon. There were many great food dishes provided, just right for a cool autumn afternoon. After eating, we all 4

5 retreated to the cozy fire with our drinks of hot coffee and hot cider. All enjoyed the food and fellowship, and the warm fire topped off a perfect autumn afternoon. Hosts: Bonnie and John Jackson , Saturday, November 17, 2 pm, Eureka Lake A beautiful sunny, crisp day for a late fall hike. This semi-urban trail meanders along the valley below Eureka Lake Dam. Eventually climbing through the woods on trails to the lakes north side, navigating around the lake ending near the upper parking area off Lake Road. Back down the staircase by the dam's overflow and over to our parked vehicles brought our hike to its end. We enjoyed an easy hour and a half 3 mile hike and a social get together afterward at 4 th and Goal in Washington for great food, drink and conversation. Hiking Members: Jay Meinrich, Bob Alexander, Susan Hood, Les Hensley, Dave Grubber Hiking Dogs: Scoobie (Dave Grebner) Hike Leaders: Roger John and Judy Bartow , November 26, Sunday, 1:30 pm, Robinson Park South, Peoria RPS was particularly inviting with absolutely gorgeous weather. A large contingent went from Mossville Rd. to the RTE 6 tunnel and back. The pace was swift less than 2 hours for the hilly hike of 4 miles. Nevertheless, 2 labs that accompanied us were playing/romping at the finish. Afterward, some of us went to Brasky s for a fine dinner. Hiking Members: Brian Cunningham, Judy Bartow, Rob Alexander, Mary Greenhood, Andy Shull, John Jackson, Cherie Shull, Roger John, Les Hensley, LaVerne Wilson, Paul Frisk, Barb Gurtler, Homer Gurtler, Dave Grebner, Priska Lauber, AJ Egbalt Hiking Guests: Bob Stephenson, Lyle Schaefer, Suzanne Wheeler, Rachel Powell, Mark Stone, Jodi Walter, John Antrobus, Sarah Nesbit, Patrick Black, Kerri Hutchison, Judy Dieffenbach, Arjon Jayaraj, Elizabeth Roush, Rachel Emmett, Joanne Alexander, Vincent Zenobi, Carol Randall, Steve Powell, Anna Ying, +1 other Hiking Dogs: Charlie & Lindy (Mary), Scooby (Dave), Maggie May (Steve Powell), Autumn s dog, +1 other Hike Leader: Jay Meinrich , December 6, Wednesday 6:00, Holiday Walk in Hyde Park, Morton. It was a crisp and clear night for our Holiday walk through the neighborhood. We started and ended with Christmas cookies and walked about 2.5 miles, enjoying the beautiful lights. The fellowship as always helped make it a fun night. Hiking Members: Jerry and Joyce Gegel, Jay Meinrich, Rob Alexander, Laverne Wilson, and Andy and Cherie Sull. Hiking Guests: Bethany Clutts and Rachel Powell. Hike Leader: Angie Madison PTA Board Meeting, Dec 11, 2017, Monday, 6:00 pm, Morton Public Library, 315 W. Pershing, Morton, IL. 5

6 Summary of the Pimiteoui December Board Meeting Meeting called to order by PTA President, Mike Bohn. Old Business: None New Business: 1. Website fees paid up for 2 more years. 2, The Board is looking for a new Treasurer for the up coming year. Bonnie will accomplish these duties until a new treasurer is found/elected. 3. The club s primary method of promoting hikes will be via the Newsletter. To gain additional membership, the Board decided to advertise one hike per quarter on social media sites. 4. Because of privacy concerns, the Board decided to no longer publish financial data in the Newsletter and stop sending membership lists to all members. Financial data will be available to members via request to the Treasurer or by attendance at Board meetings. 5. Hiking schedule for first quarter of 2018 established. 6. Annual Meeting: a. Event to be held at Forest Park, Peoria, IL. Doors to open at 5:30 pm. b. PTA will provide the following: chicken, vegetarian soup, deserts,, paper plates, cups and silverware. Members please bring a side dish to share. c. Speaker for evening is Mike Bohn.. Bonnie Jackson will handle Dusty Boots awards. 7. Next Board Meeting: Monday March 12, 2018 at 6:00 pm at Morton Library. Attendees: Mike Bohn, Angie Madison, Jerry Gegel, John Jackson, Bonnie Jackson, and Jay Meinrich. Christmas Party, December16 Bonnie and John Jackson held their annual Christmas party at their home on December 16th. The weather was fairly mild, which made it easier for club members to travel to the distant land of Morton, Illinois. Thirty-four people were in attendance. There was food and drink for every palate and the fellowship extended to nearly every room. Christmas cheer was everywhere, and a great time was had by all. Hosts: Bonnie and John Jackson 6

Pimiteoui Trail Association Hiking Club Apr June 2018

Pimiteoui Trail Association Hiking Club Apr June 2018 President Mike Bohn 309-657-4557 Vice President Bonnie Jackson - Secretary Angie Madison, 309-453-2097 Treasurer Newsletter Editor Jerry Gegel 309-266-7533