Hiking at Turkey Run State Park

Today my friend Jennifer and I decided to hike one of my favorite state parks in Indiana, Turkey Run.  Jennifer's birthday is at the end of July, but I decided to give her an early gift- a book about hiking.  I read Wild by Cheryl Strayed and it is currently one of my favorite books.  (Oprah loved it, too.)  While I was reading the book, I kept thinking about Jennifer and how much I thought she would enjoy it.  Jennifer and I both love nature.  We love analyzing relationships.  And we are both into self-improvement and personal growth.

Then we got into the car and took off.
One of the reasons we went to Turkey Run was because of the ladders trail. 
From the trail description: 
*3. VERY RUGGED (1.7 miles)—The ladders trail. Unusual hiking between the steep walls of both Rocky and Bear hollows. Be careful. Portions may be impassable during high water.

Jennifer

me

While we were hiking we had some rain-   but most of the time the canopy overhead was so thick that the rain never reached us.  It was lovely.  Indiana is in a drought this summer and we long for rain and will take it whenever we can get it.
In this park you are often hiking in deep canyons and it is damp and the rocks are slick. 
There were some high school football players- all wearing bandannas and different ones carrying flags.  As they rushed by us I said "Survivor?"  One of the guys said "Amazing Race."  These guys were really kind of dangerous  to others and Jennifer told them so.   As you can expect, her chastisement had little effect on them. 
Later on the trail, an especially wet, slippery portion, when I was faced with the possibility of falling on rocks or scooting on my rear and getting wet, I was rescued by a gallant Latino man who observed my predicament and offered his hand to me.  It was nice to be near a gentleman when I needed one.

This park is beautiful with huge rocks everywhere. 

Ferns spilling down over the edge of the rocks.

 Sunlight peeking through.

Moss kissed canyon wall.

 Trees grow from the edge.

 We found this huge wedge of a rock and I asked Jennifer to give us some perspective.

dwarfed

 After leaving the park we stopped to peruse this interesting looking farmhouse filled with antiques.

 Two outbuildings, as well.

 First thing, I hit the restroom and learned you can shop in there, as well.

 looking at the hallway and bathroom door

 Second story porch

We rummaged about and Jennifer found an old suitcase and some vintage aprons that looked like something off of Mad Men.  I found what we referred to as a "foot"- a wooden form probably used to make shoes. 
Another stop closer to home- Cataract Falls. I was able to capture some perfect light and amazing sky.
Because of the drought, leaves are down, the grass is brown and it looks more like fall than July.

We decided this might be a pleasant spot for a picnic in the fall.  It isn't too far from the town that we both live in.

Jennifer and I both work full time at the university.  At one point in time we worked together in the same office- that is how we met and became friends.  It was wonderful to get  away- to be out in nature, to hike for three hours, to do some exploring, and have lots of time to talk.
You can visit her at Bess Wess.