These giant, graceful Orchids were in full bloom next to Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. A must see!
Beautiful, graceful Orchids are an easy find in Grant Park, Chicago. CLICK on image above for more information. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The Two Orchids reach for the sky. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Buckingham Fountain, Chicago with Two Orchids on the southern end of the fountain, with the magnificent skyline in the background. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Chicago is FLAT unless you include concrete overpasses and underpasses. Starved Rock State Park is a short two-hour drive west from my hometown flatland. The change in environment is extreme and refreshing. Also, it is exhausting for Chicagoans’ muscles used to walking flatland. So, while I rest my arthritic knee and other stressed body parts, I will share some this area’s splendor. My aches are welcome remnants of time well spent; my body will heal and my memories will last for ages.
Some images are from the nearby Matthiessen State Park which we visited as well thanks to the strong recommendation of our daughter. Both Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks in Illinois are results of glacial movement south and then melting and retreat. These parks are witness to natures’ strength and constant change.
Warning to anyone that thinks venturing off marked paths would be fun! Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Canyons of Matthiessen State Park. The people in the background give you an idea of its grand perspective. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg.
That bridge is partway down into the canyon. Awe inspiring views. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Wild Cat Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. One of many canyons in the preserve. Waterfalls were very small because of lack of rain recently. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
100 steps down from the Lodge was the “beginning” of many more steps down into canyon bottoms. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg