Fall Colors at Starved Rock

Last weekend, I decided to head out to get some pictures of the fall foliage. I went to the nearby Forest Preserve with a good book, some water and a jacket (just in case!) to enjoy the morning sunshine. After spending some time there - I decided that I needed to head out to my favorite State Park in Illinois - Starved Rock.

This is a 200 mile roundtrip drive, but I decided to venture out in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day and after the spell of pathetic gloomy weather that we had in Chicago - it was difficult to sit indoors for long!
En route the clouds made some interesting patterns, so had to pull over for some pictures. :)
Once I got to Starved Rock, it looked like I was too early for the fall colors.... Most of the trees were still green, but a few that had changed color, made the drive totally worthwhile!






Notice the few trees that have turned yellow and red - don't they look beautiful?

The picture posted here on the right - is not a tree adorned with red flowers, but that of a tree with a creeper that has changed color! There were a few such trees, and it quite made the usually green hued forest burst with color. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, the crisp air - walking through the woods - getting some much needed exercise while enjoying the change of scenery. Imagine such glorious weather all year round, and you kinda realize why people flock to parts of California!

If anyone knows of places for good fall colors around Chicago, please - leave a comment with the details!