A GREAT RIDE IN ANY WARM SEASON,

Leave Harrisburg on Illnois 34/145 going south. The ride passes through
the small towns of Pankyville and Mitchellsville before turning left on Route 34
at the seperation of Routes 34/145 as you leave Michellsville. At Rudiment,
you begin climbing the foothills of Womble Mt. Expect winding, hilly roads
through small valleys, with flowing streams. Near Herod you will begin to see
rock out-crops. The cliff on the right contains a small rock shelter. Note that
many towns in Southern Illinois have Egyptian names as this area was
once called "Little Egypt".

Watch for and turn left(east) on the Karbers Ridge road. After traveling about
a mile, you will see the Garden of Gods rock formations to your left. Situated
on a ridge overlooking this magnificent view is the renovated Honeycomb Church.

Continue on the Karbers Ridge road, past the Garden of the Gods exit. About
a mile east of the community of Karbers Ridge turn right (south) on the road
directing you towards the Arrowhead Ranch. Follow this road to Route 1 at
Elizabethtown. You will travel past the Forest Service Ranger station at E'town.
Turn right on Illinois Route 1. Go to the fourway Stop in the center of town.
Turn left towards the Ohio River. Ahead of you on the Ohio is the River Restaurant,
one of the best catfish dinners around. I recommend the farm raised fillets. We
refer to this floating restaurant as the, "Yacht Club". The Rose Hotel in,
E'town is the oldest Hotel in Illinois.

Return to Illinois Route 1. The ride continues north. Turn east towards the
Ohio River on the Tower Rock Road. Continue traveling north from the National
Forest Tower Rock Campground road to the town of Cave-in Rock. Turn right then left
following the signs to CAVE-IN-ROCK STATE PARK -------high above the Ohio but the
view is unsurpassed. Here one can see for miles into Kentucky as the river flows
south into the Mississippi at Cario, Illinois. Cabins and a large restaruant are available
here. Don't miss the cave where pirates captured many innocent travelers as the raft
up river. You head up IL Rt1 as you leave Cave-in-Rock, up a winding road that takes
you past a large limestone quarry mine. Caution this is a busy road for gravel trucks.

Continue on north on Route 1. Watch for the Karbers Ridge Road. Yes, this is the East
end of the road we were on earlier. The ride continues toward the Forest Service
Recreation area. at Pounds Hollow. This recreation area has recently been remodeled
with upscale camp sites and a new beach. The next feature on the Karbers Ridge
road is The Rim Rock Trial. It may be closed part of 2005 for reconstruction.

The ride continues on west to the Garden of The Gods road. This time turn right
and follow the signs to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. A established
wilderness is visible to the north from the rock outcrops. Use caution as
this is a highly visited area with steep grades and blind curves. Use care walking the
short trails. As you leave the recreation area, turn north (left) at the first intersection
towards the Saline County Conservation area, Glen O Jones.----a jewel set in hills similar
to the Ozarks with its clear waters.

Here you can enjoy fishing, overnight camping , and walking trails that take us to a cave at
Sulpher Springs Church. At the entrance to the trail is a life size statue ofTecumseh---
famous chief of the Shawnee noted for his wisdom and strength.

For the final leg of the ride turn left as leave Glen O Jones area. Follow the signs to Route
34/145 back to Harrisburg.