ZZ revisits Kickapoo State Park

A week ago, just out for a drive, we toured Kickapoo State Park.   A beautiful day, great drive, and very enjoyable -- except, no bicycle was along.  It was vowed then, as soon as a similar day appeared, it was not going to be missed.   That day occurred today.  In between monster winds, and rain, and more of the same predicted, this day was almost perfect.  Temperature in the mid 50's and nothing more than a gentle breeze.   Loaded up ZZ and away we went to KSP!


The ride began at the Walnut Pavillion, "8" on the map and made the circuit clockwise and back to the pavillion

Not a particularly long ride, but a very enjoyable slow tour



Those are cypress tree 'knees' -- apparently cypress trees were planted here, which is well north of their natural habitat in far southern Illinois


Red Bud trees blooming here -- 20 miles north, not yet



A paved walking trail follows along one of the strip mine ponds



Red Bud Trees


ZZ about to ascend a rather steep slope -- which, as you know, never appears as steep in a photo as it actually is.

ZZ is a 'One' by 7 speed cassette -- and to my surprise, climbed to the top (albeit slowly) with no Hike a Bike involved


Red Bud branch and understory growth greening up


Route marker from last fall's River to Rail ride


Power transmission tower from a now closed coal fired generation plant near Oakwood, Illinois


While ZZ may look somewhat awkward, it is a great riding bicycle


Long Pond at the spillway near Peelman pond


Roadside plants


Underside of the Interstate 74 bridge -- trucks going over rattle a presumed loose girder sounding like thunder -- a little unnerving given current events


Not sure that tree will be leafing out


Very steep boat ramp down to Long Lake


Rode back to the Walnut Pavillion, loaded up ZZ, and an enjoyable trip home  👍

Just received an email from Bill --- very busy with the tasks at hand and has yet to do any cycling
He says Hello and wishes everyone well

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