Why are SO many Illinois folk attracted to Arizona? (Chicago: taxes, to live in)

[WLUTZ]

No kidding Steve-o, that is some real BS.

You can find decent places to hike in the suburbs let alone downstate IL
and at the Big Muddy.

While it's not the mountains of AZ there are great places to hike in IL and the Midwest.

[AaronK]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Complete BS. Have you even ventured out of Chicagoland? There are dozens of state parks that offer some excellent hiking (ie Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Apple River Canyon, Garden of the Gods, Mississippi Palisades, etc). And on the weekends, guess what? Those parks are PACKED with hikers. You know, those people that "dont appreciate" it.

I said they existed, but aren't that special. Starved Rock is a joke. Garden of the Gods is alright. Southern Illinois is alright too. As stated, the terrain of Illinois sucks, and so does the scenery. It is sad that I have to drive out an hour and a half to enjoy nature.

Have you guys ever been to a real state before? I noticed when I first moved here a trend in a lot of native Chicago and Illinois people. They think Illinois is the end all to America. Nothing beats it. Haha!

I can find much cheaper, and much nicer/prettier places to live in with ample job oppurtunities. As soon as I get my degree, I will hold myself up to it. I can't wait. The day I get out of this ugly cesspool will be one of the happiest days of my life.

[aragx6]

If I had to live in Romeoville I'd probably feel that way too.

[Havasu]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Complete BS. Have you even ventured out of Chicagoland? There are dozens of state parks that offer some excellent hiking (ie Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Apple River Canyon, Garden of the Gods, Mississippi Palisades, etc). And on the weekends, guess what? Those parks are PACKED with hikers. You know, those people that "dont appreciate" it.

I have to side with Steve on this.One thing that I liked about Illinois was the nice Parks rather they be State or Local. I traveled thru mostly the West and North part of the State and almost always was able to find a nice Park to enjoy and walk thru. As far was Arizona Parks they are there but the nice ones are usual crowded. If you look on your over inflated Tax bill you will see that a very small portion goes to maintaining parks. So I figured since I was paying I better be enjoying and that I did.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by AaronK

I said they existed, but aren't that special. Starved Rock is a joke. Garden of the Gods is alright. Southern Illinois is alright too. As stated, the terrain of Illinois sucks, and so does the scenery. It is sad that I have to drive out an hour and a half to enjoy nature.

Have you guys ever been to a real state before? I noticed when I first moved here a trend in a lot of native Chicago and Illinois people. They think Illinois is the end all to America. Nothing beats it. Haha!

I can find much cheaper, and much nicer/prettier places to live in with ample job oppurtunities. As soon as I get my degree, I will hold myself up to it. I can't wait. The day I get out of this ugly cesspool will be one of the happiest days of my life.

Ive been to every corner of this country almost. Im well aware that IL doesnt offer anything like the Rockies, but who really cares?!?! There is also nowhere in Colorado that offers what Chicago does. Should I rip them for that?

Anyways, "Starved Rock is a joke"? Did you venture off the main trails, to one of the 30 mile long trails through that place? Truth be told, Starved Rock has some of the most dangerous trails Ive EVER encountered in a state park in any state. There are times where the 12" wide trail leads you directly next to the edge of some 100 ft deep canyons. Its incredibly hairy at times, and its evident by how many people slip and fall to their deaths in there. Whats great about Starved Rock are the dozens of canyons, beautiful waterfalls, abundant wildlife, etc. One minute youre hiking through an oak-laden forest, the next youre out in a tallgrass prairie, the next youre 100 feet down inside a canyon standing next to a gorgeous waterfall, the next youre being led beside the river, etc, etc.

Listen, youre just a college-aged kid who probably doesnt even have to shave yet. Once you get some notches on your belt and have traveled extensively abroad, then come back to me and give me your story. Im sure it will change by then.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by aragx6

If I had to live in Romeoville I'd probably feel that way too.

No joke. Romeoville is about as exciting as a lobotomy.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Havasu

I have to side with Steve on this.One thing that I liked about Illinois was the nice Parks rather they be State or Local. I traveled thru mostly the West and North part of the State and almost always was able to find a nice Park to enjoy and walk thru. As far was Arizona Parks they are there but the nice ones are usual crowded. If you look on your over inflated Tax bill you will see that a very small portion goes to maintaining parks. So I figured since I was paying I better be enjoying and that I did.

Thanks.

I do enjoy AZs parks too, but the ones in the northern part of the state (Sedona and north on 17). The southern parks are ok, but only in winter and late fall. Most of them offer no shade whatsoever, all the plants poke and sting, you have to watch your step for rattlers (my hobby), you get dehydrated in no time and have to lug around copious amounts of water. With that being said, I did immensely enjoy Saguaro National Park, Piestewa Peak, Pinnacle Peak, Mummy Mountain, Camelback, the Superstitions, McDowells and the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. I just wish it wasnt so blazing hot, it would be much more enjoyable. Take care.

[Steve-o]

I stumbled upon this pic in my gallery when searching for spider shots... this is one of hidden waterfalls way back in the park, about 3-4 miles from the main entrance. The hike to get to this waterfall was quite treacherous in many spots, and the cool thing is we didnt even see another single soul along the whole trail. It was just us and the deer, thats it. I hiked down the slick sandstone rock to get as close as I could to this waterfall. The waterfall was about 40 ft high...

[aragx6]

That is truly beautiful. It reminds me to get out more and off the beaten path.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by aragx6

That is truly beautiful. It reminds me to get out more and off the beaten path.

Just watch your step.

Oh, go to Mathhiessen (sp?) State Park, just down the road from Starved Rock. The canyons arent nearly as treacherous (see below) and there are a LOT less visitors for some strange reason.

Credit:Google Image Result for http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/yourfavoriteplaces/admin/place_pics/place_20070716121525_9594417_large.jpg



Credit:Google Image Result for http://photo.accuweather.com/photogallery/500/fce7c4a25.jpg



Credit:http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/phot...mathiessen.jpg



Credit:Google Image Result for http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarking/display/12384d0e-5119-408f-ac81-e4e7459f08b4.jpg