Undaunted by the nearly three feet of snow left from a week of unrelenting snow fall and single digit temperatures, a gorgeous sunny day greeted seven hikers and two snowshoe walkers. We met at the Brushwood Center parking lot where we plotted out our trail strategy in navigating the snowy three mile loop trail along the Des Plaines River. We did great!
The views of the river and the snowy woods made for a winter wonderland of stunning foliage, trees, and bridges over the ice crusted river. At one point we stopped to view the Smith River Cabin, one of the three log cabins built in the mid-1920’s as a recreational retreat for friends of E.L. Ryerson, the former landowner. While walking was a bit slow due to the depth of the snow, the hike afforded us all time to enjoy the wintery views and to catch up with each other while on the trail. And the welcome warmth of the afternoon sun had some of us taking off our hats and scarves. It was a great way to spend a winter Saturday afternoon!
My thanks to (Eleanor) Mary Ogilvie (a new LSSC member) for her help as a trail guide. Her familiarity with the area helped in spots to discern the trail through the snow.
--Pat Janezich
Event Leader