My NEW FAVORITE VIEW in Illinois | LaRue Pine Hills Exploring Snake Road and Shawnee National Forest

[@nancysueleske7819]

Sent your vide I sent this video to my husband. We are now too old to do some of these hikes. We live in Anna. Loved it! You bet that was a moccasin. Color varies a bit according to age and time of year.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Thank you! That was my closest encounter with a venomous snake. Didn’t know about about the color differences. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Scott65J]

yup it was - it was cold and shedding its skin

[@janettemarks3049]

Such a super video. Lived here all my life and never been to this area so your video was educational for me. Thank you

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Thank You! I remember seeing this for the first time probably in 1997 and thinking how could I have not known about this. It’s something to see. Happy I could provide some information on this area to you 👍

[@jesseharvey6628]

that is one beautiful cottonmouth...

[@MarksofCuriosity]

and very calm, too

[@AttorneyBCollins]

After the first 40 ft the rest is just for show. I was finishing my R2R through hike a couple of days after the woman fell to her death and was able to resist the morbid impulse to go see if I could tell where she fell. There were several people on top as I went by and very gusty. You are right it isn't a joke. And yes, I have been up there but it is always going to be a risk.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Yeah, that was a sad incident. Just one wrong stumble on that point could be disastrous. Just have to weigh the risks and realize I am not an exception to these risks. Be aware of you surrounds and don't let down your guard, when the risks are higher. Congrats, on your River to River hike!

[@Foomba]

Scenic along with good commentary. Thanks.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Thank you :)

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you

[@MarksofCuriosity]

My pleasure 👍

[@michaelscott8430]

Keep up the vids! Even though we have been to these places, you always find something new to share.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Thank you! Same as you, I have been to these places numerous times, but an following my curiosity to keep things interesting.

[@michaelscott8430]

@@MarksofCuriosity As they say, "Get off the trail." That's what I like about winter hiking. Getting off the trail and seeing so much more. Found several homesteads and unique places. See more wildlife too.

[@jackiehuegen1203]

I live real close to Carlyle Lake in Clinton Co. IL. where there is protected pygmy rattlers. Awesome little burgers.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Never run in to one of those - very interesting

[@suemar63]

Great video---so beautiful there. I'm glad you did a piece on Inspiration Point, as that is on my "list".....and now I don't think I can do it as I am deathly afraid of heights. But wow--what views and so glad I got to see them anyway! Question---what are you relying on for emergencies? I am sure there is no cell service there if you get hurt.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

My absolute pleasure! I would still encourage you to keep on your list. You do not need to get on The Point to enjoy the view. There are plenty of "safe" views from the top. Good Question on Emergencies - Verizon has good service there, which is great. Not sure about other providers. I, also, carry a Garmin InReach device, which is that little orange box-like device on my backpack strap in the videos. This uses a series of satellites, where I can text out and it has a SOS button in case of serious emergencies. There is a monthly charge, but as much as I'm out by myself it is just an added measure to potentially reach someone.

[@kevinjoest2738]

Great video! I took a screenshot of your snake and put it in i-naturalist, top suggestion was northern cottonmouth.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Thank you! I think at the time I was trying to convince myself it wasn’t venomous.

[@kevinjoest2738]

Audubon State Park has water snakes, they do look venomous!

[@CheesyCheetah]

100% a Cottonmouth that was. I've seen them in that exact spot.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

@@CheesyCheetah I was afraid so when I was there. I was trying to talk myself out of almost putting my hand on a venomous snake. Thanks, though for the confirmation and for watching 👍

[@FollowThomas]

Thanks for sharing. When I come to Illinois I'll look up this park. Nice video 👍

[@MarksofCuriosity]

My pleasure and Thank You! It is a unique place in all of Illinois and worthy of a look if you are around.

[@MrShackleneck]

Another exemplary video . Love it. One of my most favorite places . Thanks.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Thank you! It is a great place. Thanks for watching:)

[@Liamm_McPoyle]

Another woman died at Inspiration Point last week. Remember these trails are very dangerous. It's not a game.

[@justinyates3415]

Went there on my honda goldwing last fall a week after an older woman fell to her death. It was super Erie and almost sinister vibes thru out. I would definitely go again tho.

[@MarksofCuriosity]

Such a sad tragedy. It always is unnerving to here these stores. It’s the chance we take exploring. It is worth a revisit. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@alexshelton7229]

That is a Cottonmouth

[@deborahtheredbrickchick468]

All mountains are mountains of red brick ruins from the old world not recorded in history ~ there is a new field of study called meltology that is researching and investigating this ✨