The American Midwest has had virtually no "spring" this year, just cold and maybe rainy weather. Today we have cold with "wintry mix" all day long. But last week was projected two nice days, so off we went for a "shake down" cruise for camping in 2018. We drove directly south by about 200 miles.
From my college days, I knew of these parks in western Indiana (Shades and Turkey Run State Parks). It's has been 50 years since I visited either one. Surprisingly, there are steep ravines, rugged trails, strange rock formations and dramatic overlooks you might not expect for Indiana, USA.
The Sugar Creek (which feels more like a river) flows through Shades. There are legends about how the place got its name, but formerly it was known as the Shades of Death! The park facilities have grown since I was last here, with many new camp sites added. It is easy to find real toilets and showers, for example. I always loved the place for its dramatic landscapes. The wildflowers began to bloom during our short stay.
Shades is located near a little town that is (like many small towns in the US, sadly) dying a slow death before our eyes. Turkey Run, about 10 miles away is near a larger, more vital town.
Nearby there is a covered bridge from the 19th Century. Of course, Southern Indiana is one of the areas where they still have covered bridges, if only for exhibition and walking. Wednesday and Thursday last week were like summertime here. Then we drove back north to the "deep freeze" to avoid a "wet tear down" of the camp on Saturday morning. Glad we did.
Covered Bridges are for lovers, you know.
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