Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Robert McClory Bike Path
I wanted to go on a hike, but due to several rain storms, the Des Plaines River Trail was flooded. Rather than wait for nature to do whatever it wants anyway, I decided to start with the next trail I had always meant to check out: The Robert McClory Bike Path. This trail is quite different from the Des Plaines River Trail. And even more different from many of the places I explored in Florida. Let’s see what I discovered and I’ll show you what I mean in more detail.
The Robert McClory Bike Path begins at the Illinois Wisconsin border. Across that border it turns into another trail. Maybe I’ll explore that one one day. But for now at least, I’m focusing on trails in Northern Illinois. Anyway, back to what I did see, this section of the trail goes almost perfectly north south. Deviations in the trail are only due to local flora and fauna. Almost the entire segment of the trail was highly visible which spoiled any specific surprises.
As usual, this trail had benches and small amounts of green space just off trail. Also like many of those other trails, going out into the grass isn’t the best idea. That is the home of many animals who are not as afraid of Humans. Not to mention many insects live in these places that are quite happy when a clumsy human comes to visit.
A small creek crosses under the trail and several roads crisscross it. From what I know of this trail, there are many bridges in the next couple segments. I also noticed mile markers that are not the ones I’ll be using to track my progress. Based on the fact that this trail connects to several others, I’m safely assuming that those markers start far up in Wisconsin.
Robert McClory Bike Path uses different mile markers than the Des Plaines River Trail. I like the artistic design of the signs on the trail and they seem to be consistent with the places of interest ones. Mile Marker 0.5 existing indicates that this trail probably is broken up into smaller segments. I am curious to see if they are consistent all the way through or if they pop up to surprise me like on the other trail.
Since the trail goes almost completely straight many of the features are consistent through the photos. The earlier ones become the later ones if you look close. Walls of green fill out the space beyond the green spaces. And I saw hints of homes behind that. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to live near this trail. It was wonderful when I lived next to a bike path. Gave me more reasons to be outside.
Something not unique to this trail, but clearly happening in the photos is the early signs of fall. After living in Florida for so long, I didn’t see the seasons change. And my blog has not had a chance to showcase any of that given how much of my adventure has taken place there. Over the next several months, fall will turn to winter. Something I have not gotten to be a part of for most of my adult life.
Mile Marker 1.0 on Robert McClory Bike Path was visible in some of the photos from above. A map I found along the way shows the points of interest near this specific section of the trail. Which I like because too many other places I have explored including the Des Plaines River Trail itself have maps that show the entire trail or at least a large segment. This method shows a lot to do but can be overwhelming. I’m wondering if this trail will have more localized signs all the way south.
You can see signs of the flooding just off to the side of the trail. But this hike was far enough away from any of the rivers that the trail remained open. Other than even more leaves filling the ground, and a perfect sky for an even more perfect morning, this part of the trail was visible in earlier photos. Rather than repeat anything, I invite you, the reader to look closer at the images and gain whatever you may from each one.
The section of Robert McClory Bike Path that took me past Mile Marker 1.5 and ending at Mile Marker 2.0 took me past some power lines. Those were not visible in earlier photos due to the tree lines. It helped that the design around the trail makes one feel like they are far from civilization. But even more so than the Des Plaines River Trail, towns sit all around the trail.
Also near the trails are plenty of parks and other points of interest. One of those parks will be the next place I check out when I return to this trail. Not sure when that will be given I am in the middle of exploring the Des Plaines River and its trail. Flooding has kept me away for a while and I am eager to go back there. Still, I’m eager to explore this trail too. And either way I see it, things are looking great no matter where I check out next.
Well I talked about Robert McClory Bike Path in the real world. How does it compare in Pokémon Go? Not great compared to parks of course. If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time, you could have guessed that. There are plenty of spawns along the walk. But that is a problem if you lack items.
Essentially, this is a good place to go for a walk, hatch eggs, and catch Pokémon. But without Pokestops or Gyms, you might find your enjoyment runs out without proper preparation first. For a better experience, I usually recommend parks. Soon I’ll know the best places to play near this trail, probably by the time you read this post in fact. But at the time of writing, I’m thrilled to know that I have the chance to find out.
I hatched a Maschiff from an egg. Something I’m pleased by since I hadn’t evolved one yet. And thanks to that hatch, I can. Since I have played the game since launch, there are very few things that I’m missing. An egg granting me one of those exceptions is always worthwhile.
Here I am smiling and not blinded by the sun. I’m not sure where I’ll be for my next adventure, but having a lot of options isn’t a bad thing. Certainly not in the case of exploring while being hopeful for surprises. For a change, I’m glad I don’t know what the future holds.