Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Des Plaines River Trail 1
I have wanted to explore Des Plaines River Trail since I was young. Like pre teen young. After years of putting it off, I finally started that journey. While I walked part of the trail in the past, I’m starting with Des Plaines River Trail 1 for this post.
I started this adventure in earnest down Des Plaines River Trail 1. And I started right at mile marker 0. Its nice to be at the beginning of the trail rather than the end. When I know that the number will counting down to something important, it actually takes away some of the fun for me.
But no fun was lost at all. Look at that view. This trail starts on a fantastic note and massively contrasts the Florida swamps that you have seen for quite some time. Oh right. I should probably mention that now. I was on vacation visiting family in Illinois. Been a while since I explored outside of Florida. I think its quite clear that I’m elsewhere.
Illinois used to be long expanses of little fields dotted with lakes and marsh. Exploring trails and preserves takes you back in time to an Illinois before modern humans changed the land drastically. You can’t see sound in the pictures, but I could hear the traffic on Interstate 94. Yep civilization is not far from this trail. I’m not in the middle of nowhere by any means.
I wasn’t sure of how frequent mile markers would be. But I ran into Mile Marker .25 pretty fast so I figured that might continue. Let’s see how right I was.
As it turned out, the mile markers were not so uniform. Mile Marker 1 was the next one as I continued my way down Des Plaines River Trail 1. And the landforms, different from the ones in Florida were only one of several distances.
The biggest change was temperature. When I go on adventures in the Florida summer and early fall, its in the 70s and 80s at the start and can climb even towards the 90s. All Fahrenheit of course. But in Illinois, where real winter and fall actually happen, the temperature was at 50 degrees. For a change, I welcomed the sun.
But not just for heat. The different shadows on plants, ground, and water created some spectacular images. You can see what I mean in most if not all of the pictures above. Its one of the reasons I explore in the morning, but away from Florida and seeing those same effects on different biomes was an amazing experience.
Des Plaines River Trail 1 travels through a large state park called Van Patten Woods. My next post focuses on this place in more detail, but in the above pictures you can see some of the stuff that I’m passing over. Namely that this isn’t the only trail here. While the trail I’m focusing on follows the Des Plaines River through much of northern Illinois, several other trails take one through the park.
I was sad realizing I wouldn’t have enough time to explore some of the other paths. But I don’t live in Illinois so I have to use the time I have effectively. So if you come here, don’t limit yourself to just the main trail, make sure to check out some of the others. Should be clear from the above that you will not be disappointed.
The mile markers continued to be inconsistent. Not just in where they appear, but also how they are designed. This leads me to think that they were placed separately and at different times. It also looks like Mile Marker 1.5 was pushed down several times by a combination of wind and people.
The final section of Des Plaines River Trail 1 took me right by the main entrance of the nearby forest preserve. Much of what I explored today is part of this park. But after I check out Van Patten Woods, the trail will take me beyond and further south.
Unfortunately I don’t know if I’ll be able to explore more of the trail for a while. I only visit this part of the country about once a year. Though if I can change my financial situation that might change. Enough about that. Let’s talk more about the trail.
This part of Des Plaines River Trail 1 crosses a major road and that is where I decided to stop. Illinois Route 173 is a major east west road not far from the Wisconsin border. And I started right at the border in fact. Forgot to mention that at the start.
I looked at the trail crossing and wished I could stay in Illinois a bit longer to see what was beyond. But at least for next time, I have Van Patten Woods to look forward to. Who knows what I might find in this beautiful park?
After several of my prior blog posts on trails that took me through the swamps of Florida, you might think that Des Plaines River Trail 1 wouldn’t be a good spot to play Pokémon Go. Turns out you would be wrong. The entire walk was fantastic for playing. Several Pokestops and Gyms. And almost constant spawns from start to end.
Hatch some eggs, stock up on items, and catch lots of Pokemon while checking out some nature with stunning views all the while. Whatever reason you choose for visiting here, you will not be disappointed.
I almost forgot to use the blue incense given how many Pokémon appeared without it. I caught a couple standouts, not because they are rare, but because I am trying to complete my type medals. Ice, Ghost, Fighting, Dark, Fairy, Electric. Pretty sure that except for Dragon and Steel, that’s every type I need to complete that set of achievements. But I still have a long way to go on all those types.
Helioptile adapts to just about any weather condition. And this adventure down Des Plaines River Trail 1 was no exception. Look how happy the little guy is. It certainly loved all the different views we found.
Here I am without a hat. Didn’t need it after all cause I wasn’t in Florida. It was nice to come back to where I grew up and explore a trail that I kept putting off for years. And I at long last started the journey. Since I only visit Illinois at most once a year, it will take a long time to complete this one. Maybe even a lifetime. But that will only make these posts that much more special. I hope you enjoy them too.