by kimqi | May 2, 2022 | Hiking, Illinois
I hiked in a new place and it was amazing! I knew it would be. I told a friend I was going to find treasure. The quest began as I wandered through a beautiful prairie that led to a Native American burial ground. There are approximately 27 mounds from the Late Woodland...
by kimqi | Mar 14, 2022 | Big Rock, Hiking, Illinois, meditation
“Nature is a place to sort through ideas, to gather and arrange words. Sunday was no exception. I took my thoughts to a trail that circles a small lake, a muddy place for dogs, horses, and their humans. It was a clear day, and I walked with the sun on one...
by kimqi | Jul 26, 2021 | Hiking, Illinois
Dragonflies dart overhead while mosquitos buzz and bite in humidity so high, one can almost see it. It’s hot, maybe 90. The woods called and I answered in spite of the afternoon heat. I started the day listening to a new episode of a podcast I love. It is jammed full...
by kimqi | May 31, 2021 | Hiking, Illinois
I pulled into the parking lot at Big Rock Forest Preserve. “Oh no,” I thought as I realized where I was. The last time I was there, four years ago, I got lost and ended up on a private–not very friendly–golf course three miles away. (See...
by kimqi | Apr 26, 2020 | Big Rock, Illinois
Purple cornfields in Big Rock. Yeah, that’s me parked on the side of the road with my hazards flashing as if something is wrong. I can’t help it. Sometimes I lay on the ground to take pictures, too. One time a young woman walked by and whispered loudly to her guy,...
by kimqi | Oct 1, 2017 | Hiking, Illinois
The sun was high in the sky when I pulled into the Big Rock Forest Preserve. It was a perfect fall day and I was looking forward to exploring. My daypack contained the usual supplies; water, peanut butter and a battery pack. I slipped it over my shoulders as I looked...
