Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Indian Camp Creek Park

Map picture

Hiked on Sept. 5, 2010

Indian Camp Creek Park is in Foristell, MO off Dietrich Rd.  It’s a      fun park with many shelters and playgrounds.  We began our hike from shelter #1 on a grass path that meandered through tall prairie grass, Black-eyed Susans and other wildflowers that I couldn’t identify.  It was a cool, but sunny day, so the dragonflies, butterflies and grasshoppers skimmed the tops of the tall grass.  After a few hundred yards, we took the trail to the left which led into the woods.  We were in the woods for a bit, then back in the prairie grass for a bit, and then back into the woods for about a mile and half.  The trail through the woods was fairly easy with a  few moderate climbs and descents.  Overall, I’d say it’s a great trail to walk with young children.  From an adults perspective, it can seem like tree after tree after tree, but hiking with young children causes you to discover little wonders that, otherwise, would go unnoticed.  My only complaint about hiking in this park is that you have to share the trails with horses and bikes.  The horses themselves weren’t a problem, but you have to watch out for what they leave behind (see below).  However, the mountain bikers were a different story.  There are many blind spots in the woods and there were times when a mountain biker was suddenly upon us.  No accidents, but we had to be aware of that possibility.  Still, we had a great time and it was a positive hiking experience for the kids.

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Hiking on the prairie. 

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Wildflowers.

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Walking into the woods.

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We saw a lot of these bowl-shaped fungi clinging to the sides of trees.

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We saw a lot of this, too. 

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An abandoned tree house!

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As I mentioned, hiking with young children opens new doors of discovery.  Jacob found millipede on the forest floor.  Caitlyn’s hand is in the first photo to show how big the millipede was!

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Love those wooly bears; a common site in the fall!

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Abraham worn out from all the hiking.

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Caitlyn found a cool hiding place!

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Out of the woods and on the last leg of our journey.

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