Anticipation

The Knotts were back on the trail today! Although it was much lamer than the ones out west, this is Illinois, it still felt good to be out walking. We decided on the Waterfall Glen Loop since it’s the only longish trail nearby. It’s amazing how different 10.5 miles is when it’s flat though, we finished a couple hours earlier than we normally would have. There isn’t a lot to say about the hike itself. It was flat, on a well marked and groomed trail, with lots of other people. We had a few minutes of excitement when we took the orienteering trail through some uncleared woods and tall grasses, but even that trail quickly looped back to the main one. Even the waterfall was pretty lame after being at Yosemite last week.

Waterfall Glen hiking track

The last couple days I’ve been trying to take care of the rest of the phone calls that were needed to cancel reservations for hotels and hike as well as dealing with insurance to get Fred repaired and gear replaced. It sounds like we should be able to start replacing things next week, and Fred has an appointment tomorrow morning to get his new glass installed. Fingers crossed that the 4th of July weekend doesn’t get in the way of either of those things too much.

I’ve also been planning a mini-trip to Louisville & Nashville for us the week after next. Molly and I have been Maker’s Mark Ambassadors since 2010, and our barrel of bourbon is finally ready! We’re planning to spend a day picking up a bottle or two while touring other spots on the bourbon trail. We’ll also visit Mammoth Cave NP, Lincoln Boyhood Home NM, George Rogers Clark NHP, and Stones River NB so we’ll be able to add a few more stamps to our passports and the girls will be able to earn a few more Jr. Ranger Badges.

I feel like it’s getting pretty close to time to start some in-depth planning of RTXVIII too.