Rain Soaked Trail

Here is my route.



It rained all day Saturday and most of Sunday. This squirrel was trying to stay dry. I set out jogging to get a look at the high water. I headed to Deer Grove Forest Preserve.



There were a lot a wet spots along the way but this one was more like a full fledged river. I basically had three choices; Turn around, get my shoes completely soaked, or...





It was cold, but after I put my shoes back on I was toasty warm in no time.



A wonderful day at the park!

Longboarding Palatine

Here is my route. With a rainy weekend in the forecast and unseasonably warm weather on Friday, I ducked out of work a little early to enjoy the outdoors.



A great day to longboard Palatine!



Palatine Trail goes under Hicks Road along side Baldwin Creek. This underpass reminds me of Boulder.



Lamplighers, Emmett's, and Durty Nellie's are local watering holes in Downtown Palatine.



Spring is in the air and geese are in the sky... heading north for the summer!



The skate board was a good choice for today... I almost grabbed my bike.



This warm weather is getting me excited for the summer... should be some great adventures to come!

Salt Creek Scouting Mission #01

Here is my route. Today's mission; Scout my local creek for navigability and find out how far up stream I can drop in my canoe. Here is a great map of the Salt Creek Watershed.




This lake right next to my home, know by many names (Lake Heatherstone, Lake Victoria, and Lake Louise), feeds the creek. The creek originates even further upstream from this lake but it is just a trickle until it passes through the lake.




I followed the creek along the bike path and through Maple Park. Then I contiune along behind some back yards all the way to Palatine Road.




I had to take the side walk after crossing Palatine but I got a good view of the creek as it passed under Kenilworth Ave. So far this creek is navigable!






The creek enters one of the lakes at Twin Lakes Park. Seagulls!




This goose guards the creek's exit of the park. More importantly, the concrete wall makes it imposible to float out of the park and under Route 53.




I made my way under 53 and got to where the creek passed under Route 14.




I decide to back track upstream to see if I could see the other side of where the creek goes under 53. Trip wire... interesting.




Some signage. Better not go that way.




I stumbled upon a hobo's paradise! Spam and beer anyone?




...and the sun sets on another beautiful winter day.