In Your Backyard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2008

Southern Illinois is full of outdoor opportunities. These include hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife observation and photography to name a few. I know there are many others you ATV and horse enthusiast appreciate, but my list is not conclusive.

In this age of high gas prices why not get out and visit what is in your backyard or at least in the neighborhood. It seems sometimes many of us never notice the beauty of our surroundings. I can remember one year as a family we ventured out into beautiful southern Illinois. We visited Millstone Bluff, Cave In Rock State Park, Trigg Tower, Garden of the Gods, Pounds Hallow, Lake Glendale, Ferne Clyffe State Park, Wayne Fitzgerald State Park, the covered bridge at Chester and others. It was an opportunity to have a picnic and introduce my children to what is here. I can still remember the fun and laughter as a family of these backyard adventures. You can keep local dollars local by traveling southern Illinois.

Today there are other numerous activities like the Shawnee Wine Trail where you can enjoy a lunch or dinner in a quiet setting.

Or how about some fishing in one of many lakes or rivers that surround us here in this part of the state.

which offer hikers and photographers many smiling moments.

I can not tell you how many times I have mentioned some of these areas to residents here. Only to be shocked to find out they have never visited these nature sights.

Isn't it time we find out all the wonderful things that I call in your backyard. The thrill may surprise you and the adventure won't cost that much. So plan your next outing right here in your backyard. You and those you share it with will have an increased appreciation of the majestic surroundings we live in.