I'd been wanting to try out Jim Edgar Panther Creek campground for several years. Since Lianne is a distant cousin to former Governor Edgar, it became our first camping excursion for June '05. Okay, so she's a "very distant" cousin!

     JEPC was once known as Site M; the name change took place in 1999. Getting there from Arcola one must travel a round-about route. However, once we arrived we were very impressed with the cleanliness of the entire campground. Because it was a weekday, we had our choice of almost all of the 51 Class A sites which are graveled and level. Each site has its own picnic table and firering though I brought along my own to try out since it had been given to me as a gift from a friend who often camps with me. Hitching rails and electric hook-ups are provided at each site, but be prepared to carry water from the hydrants which are scattered widely about.

     Maps of the horse trails are available both online and at the Visitor Center which we stopped at. (Click here for a copy of mine.) Trails are extremely easy to follow making it almost impossible for even a novice to get lost! The campground is located at the northern edge of the trails which are divided into 3 consecutive loops running north and south. In all, there are 26 miles of trails. Because we're basically flat-landers, my friend and I enjoyed the gently rolling and often shady trails scattered along the loops. There are scenic overlooks which offer a nice resting place and a photo-op! Trail mile markers are found all along the way, so it is easy to judge your distance. We also stopped at a day camp trailhead where we checked a large map of the area and were pleased that the toilets were clean. Though not frequent, we did enjoy the small water crossings where I spotted a huge turtle the size of a dinner plate.

     JEPC does not offer the steepest or roughest trails, but it's sure a lot nicer than riding along the flat country roads watching out for speeding cars. By far it's one of the cleanest campgrounds you'll find around. I'm anxious to go back and spend more than just one night of camping there. Wonder if former Gov. Edgar rides horses?

     Footnote: OK, as Paul Harvey stated: and now the rest of the story! Our stay was cut short by two amorous tom turkeys who rattled the underbrush and then proceeded to bring their fight within yards of our horses as were ready to tack up for our second full day of riding (destination: the far south "orange" trail). My horse has literally hundreds if not a thousand miles of trail experience with little spook in him. But that first close-up encounter with those 2 toms proved far too much. He and his partner, Hondo, broke loose and bolted. Thanks to fellow campers, neighbors in the area, and other strangers, the runaways were caught alive. Witnesses reported their having run right through Chandlerville full speed ahead and right on down the highway, which is where we found mine pretty cut up from what was left of his leadrope. It was a very lucky outcome, thanks to the generous help of those who assisted in the roundup! We're forever grateful.