Pimiteoui Trail Association Hiking Club Jan Mar 2013

Transcription

1 Pimiteoui Trail Association Hiking Club Jan Mar 2013 President Cindy Alexander Vice President Brian Cunningham Secretary Susan Hood Treasurer Linda Kent Newsletter Editor Jerry Gegel Officer at Large Mark Klokkenga Officer at Large Mike Bohn ANNOUNCEMENTS Membership Items 1. Annual membership meeting will be held on February 16, 2013 at Kep s Sports Bar and Grill in Washington, IL. The agenda includes a discussion of the re-write of the Pimiteoui Trail Association s Constitution, celebration of 30th anniversary of the club, and the election of Club Officers for Annual dues are due by February Make checks payable to "Pimiteoui Trail Association and mail to Club Treasurer: Linda Kent, Northfield Drive, Morton, IL Coming soon to our website ( is a Gear Swap page. You may list hiking/camping gear that you would like to swap or sell. Upcoming Events/Happenings 1. Club Anniversary Celebrate the 30 th anniversary of the Pimiteoui Trail Association Hiking Club by hiking with us on June 1, Time and location to be announced in 2 nd quarterly Newsletter. 2. Southern Illinois Camping Trip for Summer We had so much success with our camping/hiking trip to the Smokey mountains of Tennessee, we have decided to try a similar, week long trip again the first or second week of June. This time, we are planning to camp in scenic Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park on beautiful Rend Lake in Southern Illinois. It has nice campsites on or near the lake with access to hiking/biking trails from the campground. For those who don't wish to camp, there's a nice hotel resort on the lake. Possible activities include day trips to Garden of the Gods, Shawnee Nation Forest, Tunnel Hill bike trail, hiking/kayaking/canoeing at Cache River Wildlife area, Horseback riding, swimming, and other fun activities. Please contact Bonnie and John Jackson at bon1jon2@yahoo.com if you are interested. We are trying to get an idea of how many might want to participate before we proceed. 3. Bicycling Opportunity On May 4 and 5, George and Sandy Burrier will lead a bike ride to the western suburbs of Chicago. Will bicycle on 3 different trails -- IL Prairie Path, Fox River Trail & Great Western Trail. By combining the trails will riding a triangular path and will not need to retrace our steps. The trails are mostly converted railroad line property so will be mostly flat. For more information contact Sandi & George Burrier, gburrier@mtco.com, or (M) or (H) after April April 20, Keep America Beautiful/Keep Peoria Beautiful clean-up event is scheduled for Earth Day 5. May 18, Rock Island Greenway (Kellar Branch) Fundraiser

2 PTA Hiking Club Newsletter 1. For 2013, the newsletter will be published quarterly. Hike leaders; please your Event Reports to within two weeks after completion of your scheduled events. A single photo (jpeg file format) for inclusion in the Newsletter may be attached to your report if desired 2. 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 For Outdoor Events 1. In case of bad weather, contact the hike leader to see if the hike has been cancelled. 2. Any hike leader wanting to use the club s first aid kit can obtain it by calling Jay Meinrich. EVENTS SCHEDULE Event , Sunday, January , 2:00 PM Coal Miners Park, Pekin Don't let the winter weather keep you indoors. Join us for the first hike of the new year at Coal Miners Park in Pekin on Sunday, Jan. 6. We will follow a paved hiking/biking trail for an out-and-back route totaling about 3 miles. The trail is flat, so it should be ok even with snow. Just be sure to wear some warm layers and boots. Afterwards we can gather at a nearby eatery for something warm to eat and drink. Meet at Mineral Springs Park at 2:00 pm. Directions from Peoria: Take Rt. 29 south to North Pekin; turn left onto Rt. 98 (Cupi's Motor Mall on corner); turn right onto Parkway Dr. (at stoplight); turn right onto Broadway (at stoplight, Marathon gas station on corner); turn left onto South 17th St. (between Family Video and Car Wash), this is just a short block, then turn left onto Lucille, this is a short block also which takes you into the park, turn right at Coal Car Dr. and park in the first parking lot on your left next to a ball field. Need directions from somewhere else, give me a call. Hike Leader: Cindy Alexander309/ Event , Sunday, January 20, 2013, 2:00 PM, Jubilee State Park The park is located west of Peoria a few miles off I74. Take exit #82 to Kickapoo, and Jubilee State Park, and follow the road to a "T" intersection in Kickapoo. Make a left onto Rt In a couple miles there will be a sign to Jubilee Park Historic site. Do not take that road, but continue on Rt. 150, past Kickapoo Creek to the main Park Entrance. Take the Park road to just past the Park Office. Go a short distance past the office, and take the first right turn which will quickly end at a "T" intersection. Go left to the Bow Wood Glen parking lot. The trails are moderately hilly and mostly wide. We will hike about two hours. We will cancel if it's raining heavily, as the trails will be very muddy, but we still plan to hike even if it's snowing. You can find maps online. Maps provided by the park are indecipherable. Afterwards, we will stop to eat at the restaurant located back at the I74 exit. Be sure to save room for their yummy homemade pie! Hike Leaders: Doug & Toni Lais: , douglais48@gmail.com Event , Saturday, February , 8:30 AM, Chautauqua Wildlife Refuge and Dickson Mounds - Eagle Days - Meet in Pekin It has been five years since the Pimiteoui Trail club has traveled to Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, to hike the levee road that separates the North Pool from the South Pool, and to view eagles and other migratory bird species and wildlife within this unique sanctuary. This is the first day of 2013 that wildlife managers are opening the refuge for hiking or driving the 8 mile lane that encircles the south pool. The public has been invited to participate in the celebration of Eagles Days, which is jointly recognized with the National Refuge, the City of Havana and Dickson Mounds State Museum. BRING BINOCULARS, and dress for the cold weather. Following our event we will dine at a nice restaurant in Buzzville. After lunch, the group will travel to the IDNR viewing station in Havana (time permitting) to continue their quest for eagle sightings, and then proceed to Dickson Mounds Museum. 2

3 The feature program at the museum will include the Decatur Raptor Nature Center s presentation which includes live birds. Meet at the Pekin Riverfront Park for carpooling. Hike Leader: Mark Klokkenga, Event , Saturday, February 23, 2013, 6:00 PM, Annual Membership Meeting; Kep s Sports Bar, Washington, IL The annual membership meeting will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 6:00 pm at Kep s Sports Bar and Grill, 313 Muller Rd, Washington, IL. We will gather in the private banquet room for a buffet dinner. Following the meal, we will conduct the club's business meeting, present recognition awards and listen to Kathy John recount her 2012 trip to Africa. Dinner: Cocktails will begin at 6:00 pm. The buffet menu and price will be announced in a later (around $12). Reservations and prepayment will be requested at that time. Meeting: We will review the past year and present recognition awards, including the coveted Dusty Boots Award. Any club business will be addressed. Nominations and voting will take place for the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. We will also be discussing and voting on the following issue: Should the PTA contribute funds to other trail-related organizations or events? Presentation: Running Wild in Kenya will show various wildlife and scenery viewed by Kathy John while running, hiking, hot air ballooning and Jeep trekking at Abedare, Lewa and Masai Mara in Kenya, Africa. Kathy ran a marathon at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, bush-walked 5 miles at sunrise at Governors Camp in Masai Mara and hiked a trail at Abedare. Each adventure had numerous animal sightings and Kathy always had a camera at hand to document the encounters. These pictures will be shown in a PowerPoint presentation. Directions from Peoria: Follow Rt. 24 past ICC; take Rt. 24 Business past Walmart; turn left onto Washington Rd. (still Rt. 24 Bus.); turn right onto Muller Rd. (The Blend coffee shop is on the corner, and Russell's Bike Shop is next to The Blend). Continue down Muller Rd. to Kep s. Event Coordinators: Cindy Alexander, and Susan Hood, Event , Sunday, February 24, 2:00 PM, Grandview Drive Meet at: Tower Park (Prospect Rd and Grandview Drive (on street parking available in surrounding neighborhood). We will be doing an out-back hike along Grandview Drive to view our fine river bluff scenery. We may see an eagle or two in the trees along the way. Depending on the weather and time available, we may do some side trips into surrounding Peoria Heights neighborhoods or the Kellar Branch trail. I'm planning hour hike. Post hike eating spot to be determined by the group. Hike Leader: Eric Hutchison, Event , Saturday, March 2 Has been changed to March 9th, 10:00 AM, Funk s Grove near Bloomington, IL A sweet hike awaits us as we visit Funks Grove just south of Bloomington. We'll trek on much of the five miles of easy trails among the over 1000 acres of trees and prairie. With the timing of our visit, the sap should be flowing up to the branches and being collected for maple syrup production. Sugar Grove Nature Center on the premises will be selling it. We'll carpool from behind Cracker Barrel in Morton at 8:30AM. Those driving directly should contact the hike leader beforehand. There are bathroom facilities at the beginning. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water. Optional luncheon together happens afterward. Those dining should return to Morton before 3:30. Hike Leader: Jay Meinrich, , jmeinrich@comcast.net Sunday, March 10, 5:00 PM Board Meeting, Embassy Suites, E. Peoria Come to this meeting to share your ideas about hiking locations, social and service events, and club business. Volunteer to lead a hike! Our schedule for April through June 2013 will be created at this meeting. If you are unable to attend, pass your ideas on to a Board Member before the meeting. Event Coordinator: Susan Hood, Event , Saturday, March 16, 2013, 9:45 AM, Rocky Glen in West Peoria 3

4 Let's meet at the time indicated, to join with Friends of the Rocky Glen supporters, and to hike and observe this unique geological treasure. As many of you know, the owner of the Rocky Glen property, in order to assist in the sale of the land in which Rocky Glen rests, has granted permission to the Friends of the Rocky Glen organization to lead guided hikes on a monthly basis. Recently, the Peoria city council voted to use special conservation funds to acquire the acreage surrounding Rocky Glen, and in so doing, setting it aside for eventual unlimited public access. During the transition period leading to the city s acquisition of the property, the "Friends group" remains very enthusiastic in showcasing the special features of Rocky Glen and promoting the recreational and educational value of this future Peoria park to any interested businesses and individuals. Because of this effort, the PTA s leadership highly recommended that as many of you as possible come out and join others for this special event. For additional information, please go the Friends of the Rocky Glen website. Dress appropriately for a hike that may go through a shallow creek and under downed tree branches. Also, bring cameras and hiking sticks as desired. We will meet at JIMMY'S BAR IN WEST PEORIA, and then carpool to the trailhead off Kickapoo Creek Road. Hike Leader/Coordinator: Mark Klokkenga EVENT REPORTS Event , Sunday, Sept. 9, 2:00 PM, Lake Eureka Park/Davidson Memorial Park, Eureka Sunday, Sept. 9, was a splendid day to be outdoors. Our hike consisted of an easy amble along a grassy field, through woods and around an open prairie. We also took a short hike uphill to catch a view of the sparkling lake. With 20 hikers attending, there was plenty of opportunity for conversation. Afterwards, several of us had dinner at Sol Mexican Restaurant in Washington. Attendees: Rob Alexander, Joan Bonnett, George & Sandi Burrier, Jay Meinrich, Tim & Donna May, John & Bonnie Jackson, Larry & Brenda Shay, Chris Sweet, Barb & Homer Gurtler, Tom Heiser, Susan Hood, Mark Klokkenga, Paula Lewis, Aurea Toxqui Hike Leader: Cindy Alexander Event , Wednesday, Sept. 19, 5:30 PM, Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Forest Park Nature Center is a favorite hiking venue for many of us in the PTA. It has so much to enjoy. It's local for us and the trails are the best This was our first of four Wednesday evening hikes in five weeks. Obviously, we decided to really enjoy our hikes this fall. 15 hikers attended the event to enjoy the 3.25 mile hike. Attendees: Sandi Burrier, George Burrier, Susan Hood, Sam Kent, Linda Kent, Roger John, Kathy John, Doug Lais, Eric Hutchinson, Mareike Kraatz, Brenda Shay, Larry Shay, Sharon Obery and guest Sheila Leininger. Hike Leader: Brian Cunningham Event , Saturday, Sept. 22, 1:30 PM, McNaughton Park, Pekin A pleasant fall Saturday greeted the 12 hikers that met to hike the Potawatomi Trail in McNaughton Park. After meeting near the shelter in the last parking lot, the group took off on the northwest trail for some good old fashioned exercise. The trails at McNaughton are interesting because they offer a "deeper woods" experience, without being overly strenuous. There are also many twists and turns along the way, with many forks in the road, which require a bit of way finding in order not to get lost, or at least temporarily displaced. The signage is scarce, with no maps available onsite, so it is a good idea to bring a printed copy from the Park District website as your guide. The group took a circuitous route by heading northwest though the woods, and then due west along the high lines, which was followed by going almost due south, and then east, and back north to Lake Zuercher, and their cars. After this workout the group was happy to see the teepee shelter, set up by the Pekin Park District years ago, as a signal they had survived the hike and were back to civilization. Attendees: Sandy and George Burrier, Larry and Brenda Shay, Jay Meinrich, Debra Strum, Sheila Leininger, Terry and Pat Paertner, Sharon Obery, and Paula Lewis Hike Leader: Mark E. Klokkenga,

5 Event , Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5:30 PM, Pimiteoui Trail - Forest Park to Grandview Drive This hike is just enough challenge to make it interesting! We followed the Pimiteoui Trail up to Grandview Drive, enjoyed the view of the "Fat Lake" and then retraced out steps down, returning to the Nature Center parking lot just before dark. Attendees: Linda Kent, Sam Kent, Barb Gurtler, Brenda Shay, Larry Shay, Eric Hutchison, Mareike Kraatz, Chris Golden, Kerri Hutchison, Sheila Leininger, and Paul Johnson. Paula Lewis was out there too - looking for us, but on a different Forest Park trail! Hike Leader: Susan Hood Event , Wednesday, Oct. 10, 5:00 PM, Bike Ride, River Trail of Illinois It was a cool October evening when we met to ride the River Trail between Morton and East Peoria. The cool weather was invigorating and the fall colors were at their peak. We managed to arrive back to our cars just before dark and decided to dine at Panera's in East Peoria. Although the group was small, the bike ride was fun and the dinner conversation afterwards was great. Attendees: Brian Cunningham, Susan Hood, and Toni Leis. Ride Leader: Bonnie Jackson Event Wednesday, Oct. 17, 5:30 PM, Northwoods Park, Morton We enjoyed a surprisingly warm, autumn hike in a city park that is a hidden jewel. It might have been raining somewhere but it wasn t in Northwoods Park when we headed out to hike two miles in fragile day light. Sparkling drops of water lightly dripped off tree branches. The trail was a shimmering carpet of yellow, red and gold leaves. With pine needles crunching under our feet, and lingering cloud cover, we moved quickly and finished our hike in 40 minutes. Attendees: Tom Heiser Hike Leader: Linda Kent Event , Saturday, Oct. 20, 10:00 AM, Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva, WI We traveled to Lake Geneva Wisconsin on a beautiful fall weekend; 13 hikers attended with some going up the prior day and some the morning of the event. It was about a 200 mile drive. Most of those who went up the prior day stayed at the Harbor Shores hotel in downtown Lake Geneva. They spent the evening prior to the hike in a "hike planning session" in the Prohibition Room (Speakeasy) at the Baker House, a 127 year old Queen Anne Mansion that is a nationally Registered Historic Property. The Lake Geneva Path surrounds the 26 mile circumference of the lake and is located within a few feet of the waters edge and is literally on the private property owners front yards. However, the path has been determined to have public right of way by the courts. It was a beautiful fall day and the weather cooperated by being a sunny and cool fall day with a very scenic trail. Our hike started at the Riviera building in downtown Lake Geneva and we hiked 11 miles to the opposite side of the lake to the small shore town of Fontana. We passed through the town of Williams Bay en-route to Fontana. One thing to note is that there are absolutely no services of any kind ( including no restrooms ) along the path except for the few towns sprinkled along it. Also, note that bicycles are not allowed on the trail. We dined and hydrated at Gordy's Boat House which is at the waters edge in Fontana. Attendees: Sandi Burrier, George Burrier, Susan Hood, Roger John, Kathy John, Eric Hutchinson, Mareike Kraatz, Mark Klokkenga, Tom Heiser, Mike Bohn, Laura Van Riper and Paula Lewis. Hike Leader: Brian Cunningham. Event , Saturday, Oct. 27, 6:00 PM, Halloween Costume Party & Potluck Twenty-nine members of the club met at the home of Bonnie and John Jackson to enjoy food and fellowship, and to celebrate Halloween. Chili, hot dogs, and apple cider were the main fare, but there were many other tasty potluck dishes as well. Prizes were awarded for the best costumes. Winners were Kathy John, Jay Meinrich, and Laura VanRiper. The group shared a Halloween birthday cake and sang happy birthday to hostess Bonnie Jackson, whose birthday happened to be the same day 5

6 as the party. Afterwards, we gathered around the fire pit for drinks and conversation. It was a very cool evening, but nobody seemed to mind. Attendees: Kathy & Roger John, Chris Sweet, Tony & Doug Leis, Tim & Donna May, Sam & Linda Kent, Lynn & Ed Hoffman, Eric Huchison, Jerry and Joyce Gegel, Susan Hood, Laura VanRiper, Dave Grebner, Mark Klokkenga, Jay & Brenda Meinrich, Tom & Debra Sturm, Rob & Cindy Alexander, Loretta Van Hoerebeke, Linda Sprouse, and Paula Lewis Hosts: Bonnie and John Jackson Event , Saturday, Nov. 3, 8:00 AM, Carpenter State Park, Springfield A cloudy fall day was in store for the 12 hikers that traveled to Carpenter Park, a 434 acre Springfield Park District property located a few miles outside the city. Many of the big, old growth oak trees had already lost their leaves; the temperatures were pleasant in the mid to high 50's throughout the hike. The road from Business 55 and old Peoria Road led to the parking lot and an old historic stone shelter. The group gathered around a "cool" looking wooden map of the park and decided on the green trail route. This route took them due west, and then south toward the Sangamon River. After walking for over an hour, the group came upon an old railroad right-of-way and realized they had missed their route back to the starting point. We backtracked and found the lightly traveled path they had previously passed to get back to their starting point. This small mistake did not diminish our enthusiasm as we decided to take another trail, down into a deep ravine and again along the Sangamon River. This time we found the path that split off toward the parking lot and brought us back to the old stone shelter. After walking for several hours, and working up an appetite, the hikers decided to go to a neat restaurant called Ray Route 66 Inn to recharge their batteries. Attendees: Toni and Doug Lais, John and Bonnie Jackson, Cindy Alexander, Sandra Burrier, Pat Poertner, Eric Hutchison, Mareike Kraatz, Tom Hieser, and Sheila Leininger Hike Leader: Mark E. Klokkenga, Event , Saturday, Nov. 10, 8:30 AM, Merwin Preserve near Lexington, IL Eight club hikers plus two guests enjoyed a fine day on the trails of Merwin Preserve near Lexington. We started on the southern portion first and walked to the bank of the Mackinaw River marveling at how clear it was. After returning along the same trail, plus an out-and-back on a trail arm, we drove to the northern portion for the remainder of the five mile hike. The vista river views were excellent as the fall leaves were on the ground. Deer were seen. Afterward, we retreated to Upper Tap in Lexington for a delicious lunch. Attendees: Chris Golden, Laura Van Riper, John Jackson, Barb Gurtler, Homer Gurtler, Phil Schmuck, Susan Hood, and guests Connie Loncke and Karen Hike Leader: Jay Meinrich Event , Nov. 18, Sunday, 1:00 PM, Camp Wokanda. Mossville, It was a perfect day for hiking with sunshine, comfortably cool temperatures, lots of friendly hikers (21 total), and great trails, some allowing us to yet experience the rustle of autumn leaves under our feet. It was great to be able to introduce several in our group to Wokanda's trails for the first time. Near the end of the hike, we were able to enjoy a new portion of trail alongside the lake that Paul H. helped to construct this past summer. Attendees: Rob Alexander, Paul Hodge, Chris Golden, Linda Kent, Doug & Toni Lais, Eric Hutchison, Larry & Brenda Shay, Chris Sweet, Mark Klokkenga, Mary Greenhood, Dave Grebner, Susan Hood, Laura VanRiper, Kathy Simms. Guests: Joe Baumann, Rod & Janet Sleeth, Frank Hoerdemann Hike Leader: Cindy Alexander Event , December 2, Sunday, 2:00 PM, Peoria Riverfront (Riverplex) On Sunday December 2nd a large group showed up at the Riverplex to enjoy the warm (60 degrees), but cloudy weather to hike north one hour and then return. The round trip was roughly 4.6 miles for the doggie pack and dog groupies and close to 5.5 miles for the remainder of the group who led by Cindy Alexander went on a forced march out to the end of the peninsula to enjoy the quickly flowing water of the Illinois river. Another noteworthy event was the joining of two new members Rod and 6

7 Janet Sleeth. Welcome! After the hike about a dozen of us went to Granite City for some drinks and dinner. A special thanks to Paul for help in organizing it. Long live the warm weather on a winter hike... Attendees: Rob & Cindy Alexander, John & Bonnie Jackson, Jerry & Joyce Gegel, Chris Sweet, Tom Hieser, Homer & Barb Gurtler, Linda Kent, Eric Hutchison, Mereike Kraatz, Paul Hodge, Dave & Mosey Grebner, Aurea Toxqui, Rod & Janet Sleeth, and Jay Meinrich; Guests - Kathy Sims, Mary Greenhood & Jack Hike Leader: Mike Bohn, Event Dec. 7, Friday, 6:00 PM, Forest Park Nature Center, Holiday Shop-N- Stroll, 5809 Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights We met inside the Nature Center at about 6:00. At that early hour there were plenty of Christmas cookies, empty seats and open space in which to browse the Art Show and Sale and Trailhead Nature Store while listening to the band "String Works". We left the Nature Center at about 6:20 and followed the luminaria-lit path through the woods. The mist in the evening air softened the view of the forest and the light of the candles, creating a mysterious and magical effect. The temperature was comfortable. We walked past the bonfire and followed the circular trail in a counter clockwise direction. We enjoyed hot chocolate around the fire for awhile and then followed the circular trail again, this time in a clockwise direction. When we returned to the Nature Center, we found a larger crowd enjoying Irish tunes performed by the band "Turas". Some hikers left at about 8:00 and others chose to go on to Kaydee Cats for pizza. Attendees: Laura Van Riper, Bonnie Jackson, Eric Hutchison, Bev Evans, Rob Alexander, Cindy Alexander, Jay Meinrich, Aurea Toxqui, Mark Klokkenga, and Sheila Leininger Event Coordinator: Susan Hood Treasurer s Report 2012 Year End Summary Receipts: Expenses: Dues (83 members): $ Club Expenses: $ Sale of T-shirts & patches: $ Expenses (T-shirts): $ Checking Account Balance: $ Savings Account Balance: $ 5.50 Total Funds on Hand : $ Membership Application See attached form. 7

8 PIMITEOUI TRAIL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION NEW MEMBER ( ) CASH ( ) RENEW MEMBER ( ) CHECK ( ) ANNUAL DUES ARE $6.00 PER PERSON MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO "PIMITEOUI TRAIL ASSOCIATION". MAIL TO CLUB TREASURER: LINDA KENT NORTHFIELD DR. MORTON, IL MEMBERSHIP YEAR EXPIRES FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR. THE NEWSLETTER IS MAILED ELECTRONICALLY EVERY QUARTER. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE , PROVIDE YOUR SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS AND WE WILL SEND YOU A NEWSLETTER BY MAIL. YOU ARE ADVISED TO PHONE THE HIKE LEADER BEFORE A HIKE TO MAKE CERTAIN THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY LAST MINUTE CHANGES DUE TO AN UNEXPECTED EVENT. REMINDERS AND CHANGES ARE SENT OUT BY ONLY. NAME: SPOUSE: ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP ADDRESS CELL PHONE FIND HIKING INFORMATION: FACEBOOK AND PICTURES: GOOGLE: PIMITEOUI HIKING ASSOCIATION FACEBOOK 8