Path to a New Adventure
by Bruce Bley
Title
Path to a New Adventure
Artist
Bruce Bley
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Mississippi Palicades State Park is located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois, the 2,500-acre park is rich in American Indian history.
Palisades is the word used to describe a line of lofty, steep cliffs usually seen along a river, and Mississippi Palisades, 3 miles north of Savanna in Carroll County, handsomely lives up to its name. Caves are evident as are dangerous sink holes--limestone caves that go straight down. Erosion has carved intriguing rock formations, including Indian Head, with its aquiline characteristics, and Twin Sisters, a pair of humanoid figures on the bluff tops. The U.S. Interior Department recognized the remarkable nature of this area in 1973 when it designated acreage here as a national landmark.
Wooded ravines, whose brilliant hues splash the cliffs with color each autumn, dissect the unglaciated terrain. Ferns dot the deep ravines, while in the park’s northern region, white birch leaves of ripple in the wind. Each spring and summer the valleys and slopes are dappled with the blooms of trillium, bluebell, lobelia, shooting star and yellow ladies’ slipper.
Animal life, within the park and the river areas immediately adjoining it, is varied. Waterfowl and shorebirds are numerous, as are wild turkeys. Striking pileated woodpeckers make their home in the park, and depending on ice conditions, eagles feed at the river in January and February. Because so many birds migrate along the river, their lyrical songs can be heard at the Mississippi Palisades each spring.
But not all that’s fascinating about Mississippi Palisades’ wildlife is in the skies. White-tailed deer, gray squirrel, skunk, muskrat and weasel can be viewed in the park, as can mink, gray and red fox, woodchuck and, occasionally, badger.
Uploaded
October 26th, 2016
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Viewed 420 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/19/2024 at 4:20 PM
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Comments (13)
Marsha Heiken
Bruce,this is beautiful scene. We were there and it is a gorgous place to visit. Awesome!!! Friend,Marsha FL
Bruce Bley
Karen, I am very grateful for the feature in the group "Nature Landmarks Landscapes Wildlife- One A Day". I sincerely appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Jeff, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Pleasing The Eye". I truly appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Carole, Thank you for the feature in the group "World Landscape Lovers Of Art". I sincerely appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Dora, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Glimpses Of Autumn". I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Jenn, Thank you for the feature in the group "Bath and Spa Prints". I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Nader, I am very grateful for the feature in the group "Fine Arts Professionals". Thank you so much for the honor.