The skies stayed fairly cloudy much of the time we stayed in the state park. Though the clouds parted during our hike of Trillium, they returned later. Still, we headed to the top of the water tower on the Lodge site, which actually rises as the highest point in the park, to view the landscape.
While conditions were not ideal for photos, I snapped a few pictures at sunset.
Bald Knob Cross
Forests stretch everywhere, and in the distances, the terrain dips and rises. The above photo captures a ridge near Alto Pass. On top of a Bald Knob Mountain (in Illinois, it qualifies as a mountain), a 111 foot cross, completed in 1963, stands. It is a local landmark which can be seen miles away from the ridge tops.
Last Fires
The stay in Giant City was very enjoyable. The wine at nearby vineyards compentently showcased the local varietals and taste. The beauty of the park trails stood out even during the leafless start to Spring. Also, the accomodations of the cabins were spacious with large separate bedroom and living room.
Plus, the food at the Giant City Lodge more than satisfied. While traditional American with a nod to some Southern style cooking, the restaurant menu offered reasonable fare and the best fried chicken I've ever had (and I'm not a lover of the dish). And the pankcakes! The blueberry pancakes burst with fresh berries. Back in the big city, I almost feel that someone here would try and charge $15 or $20 a plate just for the blueberries.
If you're in southern Illinois or looking for somewhere to stay which is not in the mainstream jet scene, I recommend Giant City State Park. For more information, check the Illinois Department of Resources' Giant City State Park link or the park's Lodge site. If you don't live in the area, I would check your neighborhood. There's probably a natural gem there waiting for you to explore.
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