Today we walked the rim of the Grand Canyon. The Little Grand Canyon in Southern Illinois. It’s only an hour and a half away from here.

Unlike the big one out west, this one is greener, not as deep and can be hiked in under three hours. No mules are required.

However, we only made it halfway before we came upon an obstacle that forced us to retrace our steps.

Neither of us felt like climbing straight down a wet rock-face twelve feet to continue the journey.

Part of me wanted to push on, but Tina didn’t want to be on Channel Six’s evening news as the little old lady that was life-flighted out of the Shawnee National Forest to a hospital in St. Louis.

Me? A helicopter ride is on my bucket list, but I’d rather be sitting upright and looking out the window.

Nevertheless, it was a great trip. The day was beautiful, and the sights were stunning.

Twelve thousand years ago glaciers carved out the canyon and kept sliding westward, slowly melting into the Mississippi River. At one spot we were able to look down at The Big Muddy below as it flowed toward Missouri in the distance.

I probably walked off five pounds, but thankfully we found a Wendy’s in Carbondale, so my jeans still fit.

Next time we’ll hike in from the opposite side of the canyon and see if it’ll be easier to climb up that obstacle we encountered today.

If not, we’ll probably turn around again, and hike back out.

Neither of us want to be on the evening news. We value our privacy.

_______________
Rick Algood
April 12, 2021