What a Grrreat day to start the Fall 2019 hiking season. 19 started…6 of those were “new” hikers..1 from Tennessee, 2 from Benton, & 3 from Hbg.& yes, 1 from the Chicago area.. Temps were perfect to start, but, warmed up by the finish. There was No flowing water, just a few pools. Roads & trails were dusty, and, other hikers & climbers were Plentiful I have Never observed as many vehicles & people at Jackson Falls as we saw yesterday…maybe 150+ other people out, tents & hammocks galore…Dozens & dozens (maybe 100+??) from the opposite end of IL. (Chicago), several groups from Purdue Univ…and other areas of the U.S. (Iowa, Wisconsin, Rhode Island). We got to the train tracks just as a long freight was coming through. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day. Next week…Panther Den.