Written by Kim
It’s a little cooler this morning as we leave Toledo heading to Indiana. Rain came in overnight so we needed to get some pants out to wear. The weather is a bit iffy so we didn’t rush to get started today. We again took no toll roads for a $12 savings in tolls and 20 minute longer drive. We even veered off the planned route to avoid a bit of traffic and traveled through an Amish neighborhood which was a treat because we didn’t see Amish in Lancaster. They are a people after my heart with their laundry drying on a line. I tried to get a photo but despite a number of tries didn’t. I’m not a great photographer. 😂
We visited a new state for Alex today – Indiana. That’s 2 down out of his 14. We drove about 4 hours then an hour back to our hotel from the park.
Our planned stop today was Indiana Dunes National Park. We bought the lifetime National Park pass and this is our first time using it. Indiana Dunes National Park is located in Northwest Indiana. The park runs for about 20 miles (32 km) along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and covers 15,349 acres of land. It is interesting that there is both a steel mill and power plant on the lakefront in the middle of the National Park. Additionally, there is a state park that’s intermingled here.
I don’t have much to share in words today except the views were breathtaking. We did about a 2 1/2 mile hike through the meadows and over the dunes. I think we did about 15 flights of stairs over the dunes and lots of trudging through pretty deep sand so what a workout.
When we reached the top you have gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and can even see the Chicago skyline across the lake if you look closely.
The lake had waves like the ocean because it was so windy. No boats were out in that
After a strenuous hike we were hungry so had dinner at The Chubby Trout. I decided to try a few new things – rainbow trout and perch. The rainbow trout tasted like a milder salmon and was delicious, The perch was a mild white fish a bit fishier than flounder but very good too.
I was asleep early after an amazing day of beautiful hiking, I am so lucky to have a husband who plans all these beautiful adventures. Until tomorrow…….surprise adventure awaits,
