Yesterday Rachael and I went for a drive through Richland County east of Olney in Illinois along HW 50.. We checked out the north side of Red Hills State Park and drove through Sumner and back again. We prefer the north side of the park to the south because it's less crowded and there is more room to walk along the paved roads without worrying about traffic. We’ll probably bring the dogs here for a walk.
There are a few trails winding through the trees, and there are several places along the side of the road to park vehicles and have a barbecue.
Right near here in some brambles we saw a rabbit and a bird whose coloration was similar to that of a robin, but this bird was thinner and faster, with a black that seemed a deeper black than a robin's, with some white flashes in its underwings when it flew. This one was being coy with us though and we never got a really good look at it.
There is a great view looking out to the east from the high ground. Red Hills State Park might be a good place to spot owls in the late evening, as it is open until 10pm. We'll have to come here some evening prepared to stick around after dark.
Turns out this park is located on the western edge of the Vincennes Tract; its history is explained by a historical marker near one of the playground areas. A sobering reminder of the centuries old, tangled and messy roots of this plot where we now stand.
Sunset at Red Hills State Park
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