Unplanned sidetrip

The roadsign announced that we were approaching Indiana Dunes State Park. I have seen that so many times, each time we travel east but in my many years here in the Midwest, I’ve never been to it. I know it could be hot and challenging to walk in the sand, so I have the slightest interest in going there.

But we were hitting traffic. Everyone was travelling North to Chicago and it is only the middle of the holiday weekend. Or maybe there’s something going on in the city and I didn’t even check.

I said it loud that I have never been there, Viv seconded. But Sheila said it is beautiful there. Apparently she’s the only one who’s seen it. Then she said “let’s go watch the sunset”. I worried that I was taking her away from her studies but she seemed determined to take a break and enjoy the day.

It so happened we were so close to the exit to Manchester and the traffic was getting longer. Later our friends called to say they got caught in it and someone mentioned about an accident. Well, we missed all that because we took a detour.

The state park hugs the shoreline of Indiana and we got lost a couple of times. I didn’t realize that we would hit some forested areas, hike and bike trails. Mostly deserted but enchanted. Good thing I had the two ladies with me or I would have turned back. Am gutsy when I have company though.

At the parking area, we worried that it would be a hike to the beach. One person we asked said it is only one-and-a-half block away. Out on the street, we asked again and the person we met said it was about two blocks. Hmmm, should we proceed?

Then we saw water and the sand. And people! The hike was not bad but yes, walking in the deep fine sand was hard. But it was all worth it.

If you plan to go there, carry only what’s necessary. Go light as the beach is set far from the main road. Parking is far but people can drop off and pick up their stuff at the entrance to the beach.

If you have to stay long, carry a big umbrella or a tent for shelter. There are no shades and facilities are in the parking area. It is an ideal place to watch the sunrise/sunset and great for swimming as the water is clear and shallow.

A perfect discovery, these make for wonderful summer memories!

365 Project: Day 186