Indiana Dunes felt like walking through layers of time — sandy trails, quiet forests, and a wide-open beach framed by pines. It’s a place shaped by ice, wind, and water, still shifting today. After a long, rainy drive north, I was met in Lansing with a warm welcome that made all those miles worth it.

As I left Tippecanoe and drove north through Indiana’s quiet farmland, the countryside began to change—flat fields gave way to scattered lakes and low wetlands. Nearing Indiana Dunes State Park, the land felt shaped by water and time, with hints of glacial history revealing themselves in the pools and shifting sand beneath a wide, open sky.

A quiet morning hike at Tippecanoe River State Park took a turn as the mosquitoes closed in and the air thickened near the stream. Along the trail, I spotted the vivid red caps of Russula emetica—a toxic mushroom with a name as memorable as its effects. I’ve been trying to learn mushroom names, but it’s proving to be a daunting task.

What started as a quiet morning hike at Fall Creek Preserve led to a drive through dust, turbines, and industrial rhythm. Windmills stood still, a mail truck kicked up gravel, and a lot of stacked timber dried under the sun. The patterns and pace of the day were anything but still.

ChatGPT said:

Today was a detour-filled, heat-drenched kind of day. I woke up to birdsong on the farm, with a peaceful start and a surprise visit from 14 species identified by the Merlin Bird ID app. I set out for Fall Creek Gorge but accidentally crossed into Illinois after realizing my Harvest Host reservation was an hour in the wrong direction. Obligated to honor the booking, I arrived in sweltering heat and chatted with a neighbor named Bob about everything from tornadoes to tomatoes. I briefly explored nearby Forest Glen Preserve, a beautiful but ironically low-shade sanctuary, before retreating to my van to battle the 100-degree temps with fans and watermelon. Not much accomplished, but a quirky, memorable stop on my Indiana adventure.

On a sweltering Sunday, I chose the quiet beauty of Shades State Park over the noisy chaos of nearby recreation areas. What started as a peaceful hike turned into a rugged adventure through six steep ravines, mossy creek beds, and forgotten folklore—including the park’s former name, Shades of Death. Along the way, I met lost hikers, climbed a massive ladder, and learned how a fourth-grade classroom once helped save this wild place. After 6 miles of humidity and history, I returned to the farm for a sunset, a cold drink, and a well-earned outdoor shower under the Midwestern sky.

Summary:
A full day exploring Parke County included a scenic hike through Turkey Run State Park and a covered bridge photography adventure. The day began with a detour to the wrong bridge after misreading a map, followed by a hot but rewarding hike through muddy, rain-slicked trails, steep steps, and striking rock formations. After cooling off and recharging, the evening was spent tracking down several covered bridges, including an unexpected encounter in a preserved historic village. Along the way, the day offered both natural beauty and small misadventures, tied together by a mix of curiosity, persistence, and a little humor.

A full day in Indianapolis included a powerful visit to the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, where exhibits on his wartime trauma, censorship, and personal life added depth to his writing. Downtown, the futuristic Artsgarden offered art exhibits and skywalks connecting nearby buildings. A stroll along the Canal Walk revealed a scenic path lined with bridges, modern apartments, and museums, including a quick stop at the Indiana State Museum bookstore. The day ended at a 1,000-acre Harvest Host farm, where the host shared travel stories and local tips before a quiet evening with fellow van travelers.