Illinois: Land of the Free (Parks)

Winter is Coming . . .

After over 7 months drydocking (I know, i’m not in a boat, but I refuse to call it Moochdocking because I paid utilities, dang-nab-it. And I was hooked up to electricity, so it isn’t boondocking). Anyways, after 7 months of drydocking (just let me have this), I departed Minnesota for warmer climates. Somehow, after a week on the road, I still am not warm, but some -- okay, all -- of that is my fault.

Since this time I’m headed towards Florida (land of sun and sand, praise be), I made two quick stops. First, Madison, Wisconsin, to visit a friend, then Rockford, Illinois for Thanksgiving with family. Neither of these places I would put in the “warm climate” category in November, however, enduring four more days of frigid temps was totally worth it to see people I haven’t seen in years!

You would think that as soon as Thanksgiving was over I would book it as fast as possible to anywhere with temps that stayed above freezing. Ahh, so naive. First, Illinois is a very long state, so it takes a bit to get through it. It takes even longer in an RV. Seriously, even when I am going basically the speed limit, I somehow add at least 15 minutes to my estimated time (thought this could be an evil plot on the part of my GPS).

Getting back on topic -- the other reason I couldn’t drive straight to Georgia, the first truly warm state, was because of this little region of southern Illinois called Shawnee National Forest. It pretty much dominates the entire southern section of the state. It’s made up of chunks of federal land as well as state parks - and there’s some super cool rock formations! Plus, all National Forests & Illinois State Parks have free entry! How could I not stop? Maybe this isn’t a question you would ask, but I’m living in an RV, so . . . different life choices, am I right? Honestly, it pains me to think of all the things in Illinois I had to skip because of the temperatures!

Following a butt-numbing 7.5 hours driving, I arrived at “Garden of the Gods.” Pretty epic name, right!? The place itself was about as epic as its name implies. High on the bluffs that dominate the region, the towering rock formations are made from sandstone, so they have weathered over time.

However, due to the iron deposits in the stone the wind and water have carved awe inspiring shapes in them.

Because of the way the paths were designed, I found myself drawn onto and among the rocks and cliffs. If it had been a tad warmer, I might have been tempted to sit and read, soaking in the stunning views.

As the sun started to creep towards the horizon, I quickly headed to my resting place for the night: Lake Glendale.

For some inexplicable reason, the other campers had chosen sites near the entrance, so I had the lakefront loop completely to myself.

When it’s winter and darkness descends by 5pm, I rarely can convince myself to stay up after 8pm. Because of this, my body wakes me up at an unseemly early time. The positive? Early morning hikes! You may think I’m crazy, but trekking through the woods, especially when there’s a lake, is pleasure of the purest form.

I had a full day planned, so I didn’t let the grass grow under my rig, and left before 10am.

First stop: Giant City State Park. Apparently, the people who named some of these sights in southern Illinois wanted to really impress upon people how extraordinary their locales were!

I will admit, Giant City Trail was pretty cool. Rising above me as I hiked through the fallen leaves, the crags contiguously drew my attention to their unique formations. What was fun about this trail was how it wove between the rocks, luring the traveler into caves and crevices. The trail even had a park volunteer -- a sweet, older gentleman -- who suggested things to lookout for and told me to “just holler if you need anything, I’ll be on the trail.” How adorable is that?!

My final stop of the day was Ferne Clyffe State Park, located not far from Giant City. I had decided to spend the night there, after hiking for the rest of the day.

I would consider myself brighter than your average crayon, but some times things truly baffle me. The camping situation at Ferne Clyffe was one of those things. Normally, if there’s no payment taken at a gate, campgrounds have a little locked box for you to put your payment envelope in.

Apparently, that’s not “normally.” I’m pretty sure my search made me look like a crazy person to anyone watching. It went thus:

First -- I parked, walked over to the building with signs on it. They said to reserve online.

It would not let me reserve online.

Next -- I started to drive to the park office and saw something that appeared to be the drop box.

So I parked.

Wait for it -- it was not a drop box but a sign saying you pay at your site.

So I parked.

It keeps getting better -- Just leaving my rig in a spot while I hiked made me nervous. I drove to the park office. It was closed.

So I parked.

It was getting pretty ridiculous at this point, so I left a note on my wiper if they came by, and headed out, hoping for the best.

They never came. I’m so confused.

Ferne Clyffe is known for their waterfall so, of course, I hiked there first. Let’s just say, it was clearly in its off season. I’m sure it is cool when more water is flowing.

Not to be discouraged, I explored several other trails in the park, getting up close to the soaring bluffs and roaming the caves.

Even after three parks containing the unique rock formations that make up the bluffs of southern Illinois, I am still fascinated by the creation of such intricate shapes in rock. But onward I must go!

Plus, I am looking forward to continuing my travels south to warmer places to discover!