sunrise hike

Our beautiful weekend weather inspired Brad to suggest we go for a long awaited hike. A sunrise hike that we've talked about doing for years. 

Another weekend, another hike. Yippeee!!! I am on a roll and love it! First Kickapoo Valley Reserve, then Pewits Nest and now a hike to Ferry's Bluff!!

Sun comes up later these days, around 7:30am. Weather was predicted to be clear. Past plans have fallen through. We won't get rained out this time.
 

The previous trail with steep steps was taken out this Spring. A new trail with no steps was created. I was curious to hike the new trail and excited for Brad to experience the beautiful lookout for the first time.

trail up was still a heart pumper

We arrived at the lookout to find a group of young guys cooking breakfast. They were giggly and kinda loud, but nice guys. They even offered us a piece of bacon lol. Um, no thanks. 

Pretty sure there were extra activities going on ;) There is typically a sensible one in a party group. He cautioned the guy who was standing way too close to the edge not paying attention, and surrounded by fog. They joked how the dare devil (or dumb, not sure which) guy would survive the fall. No way. It is a 200 foot drop straight down into what is a very shallow river right now. 

We couldn't see the river or expansive view, but it was SO beautiful in a different way!

cool morning air created a thick fog that stopped at the base of the bluff

bright sun trying to shine through

sunlit view to the West created bright trees, tucked in with fog

this river fog wasn't going to clear anytime soon



clear view from October 2020 hike with friends

A semi-circle of informational signs have been added to the bluff. We learned this lookout was Cactus Bluff. I knew there was another bluff higher up, but didn't realize that one was actually Ferry Bluff. We didn't have time to make the hour hike to find it. With all the added signage, it's odd Ferry Bluff path is still not marked. Or at least I didn't see it. Friends have told me "you take a path" from the lower lookout. Perhaps it is not marked intentionally, because of the eagles. The entire park is closed November 15-March 31 for eagle nesting. 

group of young guys having foggy fun

The information shared was interesting. Some generic. The first sign was "Human History before the 1800's" and then the signs became specific to this area. I took photo's of all nine signs to re-read, but won't bore you.
 

trail heading down was easier, but no doubt gets slick

I think that bluff way above the falling tree is Ferry Bluff

even the view from the parking area was pretty

We are in for more unseasonably warm weather this week. Hope you are too. Let's make it a good one!