Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Old School Forest Preserve
I took longer than I meant to, but at long last, I returned to Old School Forest Preserve to check out a park I passed while hiking on the Des Plaines River Trail. There are many different paths that make their way through these trees. The park has lots of winding paths and hidden green spaces too. This is a place that could be multiple blog posts, and perhaps I’ll return here for the other trails at some point.
For this post though, I did something a little different. I discovered that there is a trail here that follows the road that takes visitors in and out of the park. So I decided to check this trail out because its a totally different way to look at green spaces in general. The downside of course is that I missed some spots.
The Trail
Old School Forest Preserve is a place filled with loops. Each of the trails that weave through the park create their own loop. Many of those areas overlap between segments of different trails, but they also break the park into smaller sections. Unfortunately the trail took through the park brushed up on the outside of many of these places.
What I found instead were green barriers. I could have crossed between trails but knew better. This part of Illinois is a swamp and there was no guarantee that I would find solid footing. If what I am saying is shocking to you, remember that on any of these adventures I’m showing, staying on the trail is how you will stay safe.
Given that I was walking right along a road, I also needed to take care around cars. I went the wrong way on the trail so that I would be walking towards cars rather than in the same direction. The whole time I was worried that I would get dirty looks from onlookers. But as usual, I forgot that visitors to the park are focused on what they are doing and pay me little mind.
The Nature Preserve
Different parking lots, trail crossings, and benches dotted the landscape as I made my way around Old School Forest Preserve. The more I looked around, the more I considered coming back here to explore further. Given that at the time of this blog post, there is widespread flooding along the Des Planes River, that might be what I do.
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as walked, and very few cars passed me by. It was a calm, quiet, and exciting adventure. Even as the humidity reminded me why I normally don’t hike this late into the day. Still, this isn’t Florida and the heat did not compare. The land forms were different too. And since fall has arrived, the leaves are starting to fall off the trees. Look carefully and you can see.
One thing that surprised me as I continued along the trail was the sheer amount of open space above. The benches were mostly exposed to the sky. As was most of the greenway along the trail. Was t this way since I was following a road? I don’t know enough about park infrastructure to know for sure, but have a feeling it might be. Anyone reading this who wants to checkout this trail specifically, I would recommend coming early in the day before the sun s high in the sky.
The Way Back
To wrap up this adventure, I passed a notable parking lot on my final trek around Old School Forest Preserve. That second parking lot is situated to be close to all the different trails. That way, whenever I decide to come back here to explore the other trails, I’ll have a clear rally point to start from.
As for this adventure, it was much of the same on the final bend. A road that shared the space with my hike, and walls of trees keeping me safely on the trail and away from the wilderness. The weather while humid was mild temperature wise. Its really starting to show that unlike Florida, Illinois has four seasons. I’ll be doing hikes as long as I can, but once its winter, I might need to seek out alternate adventures.
One last thing I want to talk about is the sign up above and what it said. I didn’t know that Lake County, Illinois has habitats filled with endangered species. According to that sign, more are here than anywhere else in the state. Add that to the list of reasons why the forest preserves here need to be protected.
Pokémon Go
I have talked at length about Old School Forest Preserve in the real world, but how did it measure up in Pokémon Go? I’m guessing remarkably well. It looks like the sort of place that would be. Look at all the Pokestops along the trails. The reason I am making this assumption instead of knowing the answer is because I was unable to properly check. I had my auto catcher and spinner on and neither worked. Meanwhile due to the humidity, I didn’t have time to take a second lap around the trail to verify.
Still, I think I can safely assume that this is a fantastic spot to play. The park on its own is worth checking out. But Pokémon Go adds an extra icing to this hypothetical cake.
I hatched three eggs on my hike. I probably would have hatched many more if I had done a second lap around Old School Forest Preserve. Anyway, Snom candy is always welcome. And every hatch gives stardust. Even the worst ones.
Here I am with the sun in my eyes. There was no direction I could have looked to avoid that. But despite my expression, I enjoyed my free day. It had been over a week since I explored a park. I don’t intend to wait so long before my next adventure. And I might have a new surprise in store for my travel blog soon. Who knows what the future holds?