Horseshoe Bottoms Revisited

I see it has been a while since my last post. I have accumulated a backlog of pictures; and will make an attempt over the next few days to get a few updates here.

On my last hike to the Horseshoe Bottoms area; it took me about 90 minutes of hard hiking to get there; AND THEN, I could not locate the proper way back to my parking area, so took a long hike along a road to reach it. I was determined to solve that riddle......and was able to quite easily.

I went back a couple of weeks later, with a compass; took readings as I went and hiked straight south from my parking area.

  My first surprise was reaching the small stream that I had followed the previous time in under 15 minutes.

I crossed the stream and headed up hill.

My second surprise, was that in no more than 5 minutes from crossing the stream; I arrived at my destination...that had taken me 90 minutes on my prior visit! I looked about there a bit, then decided to get back on course and continue hiking straight south.

Working my way through the area with prairie plants, I passed numerous plants in blossom; and was very fortunate to get a picture of a Hummingbird Moth....perhaps not the correct name, but what I have always heard them called. They are pretty neat moths and are actually almost as big as a hummingbird. (Click on the second picture below for a better view of the moth.)

These are Buckeyes, still on the tree. As soon as I can, I will post a more recent picture of some Buckeys from a hike I took with a friend over the weekend.

I continues south, down into the river bottom area; eventually coming to the river at a section where it was running from west to east.

From here, I followed ther river back upstream, in the general direction back to my car. I climbed up a steep hill from the river level to a high bank overlooking the river and bottom land areas; and stopped to rest. I broke out my water and snacks and just relaxed there a while.

I then hiked to the northeast, until I came to a location that would put me back on course to my car; and hiked straight north.......arriving back at the parking area with no problem.

It was an enjoyable early morning hike. I will get a few more updates here soon.....possibly another yet today.....but will see what the evening brings.....until and as always......get out and enjoy the outdoors in your area.