ERE Marching Meetup Series
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
Waterfall Glen sounds great to me. I'm not worried about my shoes on the trail, they aren't so thin that it would be an issue.
The Palos Forest Preserve is another good option. It actually doesn't have to be any further from ERE HQ than Waterfall Glen - there are entry points to the trail system even closer to ERE HQ than Waterfall Glen. I know this, because I live fairly close to one . Always thought it was a good option, but a bit further for those coming from the north side, so never pushed it. I've traversed most of the trail system north of the Cal Sag Channel. Periodic restrooms (sometimes porta-potties), and at least 1 water refill site (Little Red Schoolhouse). Like Scott said, a mix of trail width, but on average fairly wide. This trail system is fairly involved so length can be scaled to desired length, loop or no, and small jaunts could be arranged if anyone wanted to join for part of the hike. And if we hike in the Palos Preserves/IM/Centennial, we'd be close enough to where I stay that I could probably arrange transportation if we do a 1-way path and need transportation back to starting point. All in all, if everyone is willing to do the drive it's a solid option to add in the queue.
Haha, I could see how Lake Geneva could serve to inspire the standard careerist Scott! Those houses aren't for me...but many were admittedly impressive by conventional standards. Enormous, giant windows, infinity pool/hot tub, fireplace with a lake view, private pier...there are definitely worse places to hang out.
That's fair Scott, I hope it works out that you can join for at least part of it, but if not that's a sign of progress on the jaw issue which is even better!
The Palos Forest Preserve is another good option. It actually doesn't have to be any further from ERE HQ than Waterfall Glen - there are entry points to the trail system even closer to ERE HQ than Waterfall Glen. I know this, because I live fairly close to one . Always thought it was a good option, but a bit further for those coming from the north side, so never pushed it. I've traversed most of the trail system north of the Cal Sag Channel. Periodic restrooms (sometimes porta-potties), and at least 1 water refill site (Little Red Schoolhouse). Like Scott said, a mix of trail width, but on average fairly wide. This trail system is fairly involved so length can be scaled to desired length, loop or no, and small jaunts could be arranged if anyone wanted to join for part of the hike. And if we hike in the Palos Preserves/IM/Centennial, we'd be close enough to where I stay that I could probably arrange transportation if we do a 1-way path and need transportation back to starting point. All in all, if everyone is willing to do the drive it's a solid option to add in the queue.
Haha, I could see how Lake Geneva could serve to inspire the standard careerist Scott! Those houses aren't for me...but many were admittedly impressive by conventional standards. Enormous, giant windows, infinity pool/hot tub, fireplace with a lake view, private pier...there are definitely worse places to hang out.
That's fair Scott, I hope it works out that you can join for at least part of it, but if not that's a sign of progress on the jaw issue which is even better!
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
Following up on March #6, I'm actually free a few more dates (2 of the Sundays) - 11/16, 11/17, 11/23, 11/24, and 11/30 if that ends up helping.
Shall we tentatively plan on 11/16 and play it by ear with the weather? IE, if that doesn't work because of weather, kick it back the next day/weekend?
Location wise, sounds like Waterfall Glen would work well, let's do that one!
Shall we tentatively plan on 11/16 and play it by ear with the weather? IE, if that doesn't work because of weather, kick it back the next day/weekend?
Location wise, sounds like Waterfall Glen would work well, let's do that one!
-
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 8:00 am
- Location: Midwest, USA
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
If you do opt for a different weekend, I'll join the 16th/17th is my only booked weekend in the month. No hard feelings if that's the group preference! Waterfall Glen looks beautifulDave wrote: ↑Wed Oct 09, 2024 9:50 amFollowing up on March #6, I'm actually free a few more dates (2 of the Sundays) - 11/16, 11/17, 11/23, 11/24, and 11/30 if that ends up helping.
Shall we tentatively plan on 11/16 and play it by ear with the weather? IE, if that doesn't work because of weather, kick it back the next day/weekend?
Location wise, sounds like Waterfall Glen would work well, let's do that one!
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
I currently have all those days open, any time. Waterfall Glen is a great location for me. I do have two unknowns:
1. How long my feet will hold up. Might be an hour, might be 3. Definitely not hiking 25 miles. It's easy for me to bail though.
2. Jaw surgery scheduling. Still fighting with insurance. If that unblocks, it changes all my plans.
1. How long my feet will hold up. Might be an hour, might be 3. Definitely not hiking 25 miles. It's easy for me to bail though.
2. Jaw surgery scheduling. Still fighting with insurance. If that unblocks, it changes all my plans.
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
100%! Many of those outdoor setups, in dollar terms, significantly outstrip an ERE'rs entire (operating) capital assets!
It would be great if we could accommodate @brainstorm, so how about we shoot for 11/23 at 8AM at Waterfall Glen, and then try another of the days if weather doesn't cooperate?
-
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 8:00 am
- Location: Midwest, USA
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
Scott 2, I hope the surgery goes well!
Dave, that's very nice of you, and thank you for suggesting a time. I'll look into some transportation options since evidently the Metra won't even leave until 8:30, and 10am would be quite a late start for a proper hike – I'll reply back! I'd certainly love to make it
Dave, that's very nice of you, and thank you for suggesting a time. I'll look into some transportation options since evidently the Metra won't even leave until 8:30, and 10am would be quite a late start for a proper hike – I'll reply back! I'd certainly love to make it
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
I think your closest weekend option via metra, is bnsf outbound to the westmont stop. It's about 5 miles from the Cass entrance of the forest preserve. Worst case - Ride share is very reliable from there, about $20.
I finally got insurance approval and have the surgeon consult next week. If surgery is after 11/23, I'm planning to make this.
I finally got insurance approval and have the surgeon consult next week. If surgery is after 11/23, I'm planning to make this.
-
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 8:00 am
- Location: Midwest, USA
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
Thanks! I'll join for the second loop, at the very least
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
There's a 6:33 train out of Union Station on Saturday mornings that hits westmont at 7:18. Totally get it if you don't want to get to the train station that early. I'm not sure I would. But it's doable.
-
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 8:00 am
- Location: Midwest, USA
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
Thanks - I'm silly and missed that somehow I'm a go for 8am
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
11/23 at 8am is good for me
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
Surgery confirmed for early December, I'm definitely in for 11/23. Looking forward to something fun beforehand.
Tested my capacity a little this morning. I'm feeling confident in a loop at 3.5-4mph. Haven't tried any jogging in about 6 months, which I think is needed for me to go further / faster.
Gonna see what my body tells me about today's testing before trying more. I've been doing a couple hours of zone 2 work every week, but it's almost all zero impact.
Tested my capacity a little this morning. I'm feeling confident in a loop at 3.5-4mph. Haven't tried any jogging in about 6 months, which I think is needed for me to go further / faster.
Gonna see what my body tells me about today's testing before trying more. I've been doing a couple hours of zone 2 work every week, but it's almost all zero impact.
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
Coming up on 11/23. Current forecast looks to be chilly (mid 20s) and (pretty) low chance of rain, we'll stay in touch as we get closer late next week:
https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/ ... 2024-11-23
Based on Scott's comments and images, it sounds like our best best for parking will be at the parking lot near the waterfall itself (southeast portion of the loop). We can meet here and be ready to hit the trail at 8AM:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWGWRatDZy8o1WHQ9
Restroom facilities look fairly spread out. Can't tell if water access at every restroom site, so I'd bring another water for however far you want to walk. Here is a link to the official site, although the maps aren't loading for me:
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to- ... rfall-glen
The loop is just under 10 miles. Some of us will complete 1 loop, anyone welcome to do a part out and back if preferred. Any of you guys looking to do 2 full loops? If not I'll bring some dumbbells and "ruck" again!
https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/ ... 2024-11-23
Based on Scott's comments and images, it sounds like our best best for parking will be at the parking lot near the waterfall itself (southeast portion of the loop). We can meet here and be ready to hit the trail at 8AM:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWGWRatDZy8o1WHQ9
Restroom facilities look fairly spread out. Can't tell if water access at every restroom site, so I'd bring another water for however far you want to walk. Here is a link to the official site, although the maps aren't loading for me:
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to- ... rfall-glen
The loop is just under 10 miles. Some of us will complete 1 loop, anyone welcome to do a part out and back if preferred. Any of you guys looking to do 2 full loops? If not I'll bring some dumbbells and "ruck" again!
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
I agree with the waterfall lot off of Bluff. They expanded it in the last couple years. Parking is easy. Worth noting - the waterfall iis an off shoot of the main loop. It's a short walk from that lot, but easy to miss if you don't intentionally take the trail.
Not sure about water. The flush toilets are locked this time of year. I know there are porta potties at the Cass lot and model airplane field. I'm 95% certain they're at the Bluff and Lemont road lots as well. So less than 3 miles between stops.
For the full waterfall Glen experience I encourage heading towards lookout point from the bluff lot. You'll get to go up the biggest hill in the preserve, and knock off the climb early.
Not sure about water. The flush toilets are locked this time of year. I know there are porta potties at the Cass lot and model airplane field. I'm 95% certain they're at the Bluff and Lemont road lots as well. So less than 3 miles between stops.
For the full waterfall Glen experience I encourage heading towards lookout point from the bluff lot. You'll get to go up the biggest hill in the preserve, and knock off the climb early.
-
- Site Admin
- Posts: 16435
- Joined: Fri Jun 28, 2013 8:38 pm
- Location: USA, Zone 5b, Koppen Dfa, Elev. 620ft, Walkscore 77
- Contact:
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
So what's the current headcount?
I'm bringing weight for rucking the first 10M. Will probably drop the weight if we do go on for a second round.
I'm bringing weight for rucking the first 10M. Will probably drop the weight if we do go on for a second round.
Re: ERE Marching Meetup Series
I'm in.
Also bringing weight, ~25lb.
Also bringing weight, ~25lb.