Pleasant Valley Conservation Area...

... was a new hike for us. We met Patti and Dave at the site and ventured into the 28 degree temperatures, though the brilliant sun made it seem warmer. The first mile of the loop was through tall prairie grass meadow, where we saw 8 deer. Actually, we saw the tops of 8 deer, only seeing them as they performed their characterisitic high leaping run away from us. The hunting here last week probably has them skittish of humans. We finally reached the wooded section of the preserve and hiked several hilly areas -- always a nice find in Illinois -- and hiked the entire 4+ miles of trails here, crossing Laughing Creek several times.


Two areas contained stands of evergreen tree, another nice discovery in Illinois. There's nothing as nice as hiking over and smelling pine needles! Below is a shot of Ellen and me in our new Marmot 3-in-1 jackets, which proved to be as warm as promised.

After the hike, lunch at Culver's topped off the morning's activities.

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area is located in Woodstock. Head west on Route 176, and west of Route 47, turn south on Dean and then west on Pleasant Valley Road to the park entrance on the left.