Bluebells at Funk’s Grove thanks to April showers
Except for a day or two sprinkled in among the misery, spring in the Chicago area has been pretty miserable weather wise for adventure travel.
Although it seems like the nice weather will never come, there have been signs of improvement lately. We are now experiencing rain and 50 degree weather; whereas, it used to be 40 degrees and raining. Let us hope we see continued improvement in May with 60 degrees and rain.
One aspect where the rainy spring will do wonders for us is the spring and summer wildflowers. On a hike in central Illinois last week this was already apparent. My favorite Illinois flower is the very aptly named Dutchman’s breeches as the flower looks like an upturned mini pair of white breeches. At Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge the flowers were everywhere.
Dutchman Breeches at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
Further down the road I stopped at Funk’s Grove near Bloomington, Illinois. The bluebells were in fierce bloom and covered the wet woodland area giving an almost Alice in Wonderland look to the forest.
Bluebells at Funk’s Grove
Bluebells cover the forest floor at Funk’s Grove
Speaking of fierce, the wet weather will also bring out the mosquitoes once it gets warm, so enjoy the wildflowers these next couple of weeks before the voracious bugs return.
Adventure on!
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I LOVE this post. You are a true naturalist. Those bluebells too –rare flower to find around Weehawken; I see only crocus and daffodils (of course the tulips). I couldn’t live in Chicago in the winter, Ted. You are a brave man.
Your photos are always the next best thing as visiting the place.
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Nice breath of spring. We were back to a taste of winter today.
At least following bad weather we get to see some real beauty around here. April showers really do bring May flowers!
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That is one thing I definitely don’t miss – the mosquitoes! Flowers are in full bloom here and it is beautiful! Spring is a great time of year but it never lasts long here in California.