Right here in Indiana!

What a wonderful afternoon...lots of ooooohhhhhs and ahhhhhhhs....and yep, we were in Indiana! We left the Visitor's Center in Chesterton, Indiana and headed to check into the Indiana Dune State Park to settle in the RV for the day. We were assigned a beautiful spot, shaded and backed up to a sandy tree covered dune. We then drove the CRV to Beverly Shores...a very large, beach with clean light colored sand. The first thing we noticed as we pulled in was the turquoise colored water against the clear dark blue sky. The second thing was the beautiful old building (see photo) facing the beach. This was the beach colonnade (I believe this is the correct term). It housed a store, grill, snack shop, and large changing/bath rooms (and still does, but not to the extent it once did). The building is beautiful and I became fascinated to think of the history that had to go match this structure. Turns out, in the late 1920s and 1930s, this area once had a hotel (next to the colonnade, casino, and many other buildings. It was quite the bustling area. Seems some influential people moved on to other projects and things began to change and slow down on the Beverly Shores. Now it is a rather peaceful state park,(probably because the season is nearly over). It is maintained very nicely...but I could imagine how this was once a thriving and active community of sun-beach lovers.

Since the children are already in school...the beach was nearly deserted. The waves gently rocked back and forth into the shore and the sea-gulls hopped about the sand and water, searching for food (yep, you read that right...I typed "sea" gulls - these little guys must not realize this isn't the SEA). It was so very soothing. We sat for a while in the lifeguard's massive chair ... and I remembered the movie "Lifeguard" with Sam Elliott (wow - nothing soothing about that memory!). We walked to the water, sat there for awhile and contemplated our nearly completed journey. We both have mixed emotions about the end of our trip. I will try to express mine to you later.

We then drove to Mt. Baldy. We were told it was a 3/4 mile to the top. As we started the hike through the sand - uphill, I wasn't sure this would be a fun. However, we were quickly at the top and realized it was a short 1/4 mile trip. It was breath-taking to stand on top of the sand dunes and look out over Lake Michigan.

We had a late lunch at a small bar and grill called Bartlett's (Beverly Shores). We both ordered the pulled pork sandwich and were amazed at the beautiful presentation of the food. The food was equally as special - the pork was flavorful and the portions were very large (apparently something we expect in Indiana). Ken and I recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the area - even those with the most refined taste buds.

Why haven't I been here to the Dunes before? This is just 5 hours from my home! This is definitely one of our hidden American treasures...or at least a hidden Southern Indiana treasure. Apparently, many do know about it...as it is Indiana's second favorite state park (second only to Brown County). We will definitely be back to visit the Indiana Dunes again in the future.

Tomorrow, Jeff will meet us at Patoka Lake (less than an hour from where we live in Jeffersonville). I have been there before, but it has been many years and I wasn't an Indiana resident at the time. I hope it is as beautiful as I remember. Jeff is bringing the dogs with him. We are looking forward to seeing our family after being away for 2 months! We will be home Friday afternoon.
Nite~ Carol and Ken
P.S. Jan Barrett sent me a note of reminder that Charlestown State Park is a wonderful RV friendly and beautiful place to camp, hike, and enjoy nature. I have hiked through Charlestown State Park and it is truly beautiful. If you want to explore the beauty of nature, Indiana has some great spots. Get off the couch and start walking (no matter your pace).
P.S.S. Let me add another special place in Indiana...French Lick - lots of fascinating history and WEST BADEN...which was considered the 8th wonder of the world at one time...or so I was told (and I believe it). The building is something amazing to see. If you have not been to French Lick, make this one of your weekend trips in Indiana and if you have been before...make plans to visit again - it has changed drastically in the past couple of years.