Join me (Jeanne B) for an easy morning hike starting from Stowell-Peddy Park, South Elgin. We can do a warm-up hike, including the gently rolling grass covered “hills” at the park. This will also give you a chance to see the fitness walk trail (paved half mile loop) with exercise stations. Athletic fields may be in use (?), but we should still be able to walk the park perimeter , then walk past the school to Thornwood Trail north loop, followed by optional south loop. (Trail is asphalt with grass shoulder; also a grass path is available for portion of walk.) This is a pretty trail system bordered by woods, a creek and a wetland area with 2 ponds. It is popular with local residents and dog walkers. Wear hiking boots or snow boots with good tread. You may want to bring ski poles or trekking poles. (I have a couple extra prs you can borrow.)
Post Hike
Afterwards join me for “coffee and” at the nearby upscale McDonalds . Light morning snow is predicted, which may turn to rain by midday. Let me know you are coming so I can watch for you. Meet at the little historic “barn”/windmill at the north side of the parking lot. If this lot is full, park at Corron School next door, and walk over to start. Stowell-Peddy Park is located on the south side of McDonald Rd, between the fire station and school. Contact me by 8am Sat—phone 847-742-1294 or email JBbikeski@gmail.com. (Sat morning after 8am—cell phone 312-320-1499.) Plan to walk 1 to 2 hrs, 3 to 5 miles depending on how far we go on north loop and how much at Peddy Park, can be flexible .
Directions
From Randall Road/Route 64 intersection in St. Charles, go north on Randall Rd. approx 5 miles to Stearns/McDonald stoplight, then left (west) on Stearns approx half mile to the park—just past the fire station. Turn left (south) into the park. Mc Donald’s has a Redington, South Elgin address on google maps. It is 1 mile from the park, and is located east of Home Depot, along the west side of Randall, south of Stearns/Randall stoplight, and north of Thornwood light.