Legend-ary Cross Country Trip - Day 2 Our 1st National Park

Odometer Reading: 206 - 356 Departed: Fremont, Indiana 9:50  a.m. EST Arrived: Chesterton, Indiana  11:30 CT Overnight: Indiana Dunes State Park

Along the Way

It was a short drive day, but that was because we had a day or exploration at our first National Park.  Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center was our first stop of the day. One of my goals at each National Park was to get an ornament for our Christmas tree and a stamp for my National Parks Passport.  I had something special planned for this first national park stop.  Kenobi became a “B.A.R.K. Ranger”.  He got a little certificate after we read through proper dog behavior at the National Parks. He received a special dog tag (with a small donation).  Bruce’s task at the visitor centers was to speak to the park rangers about which trails were best for us.  Between having a dog, Bruce’s impending knee replacement, my broken arm and MS, and occasionally towing the trailer into the park there were many things for us to consider.  

We were led to which Dunes Trail would fit our situation best, but I think Bruce left out a few things on this first Ranger talk, but we managed.  He was more clear in our situation as our visits went along.  We drove a few miles to the large parking lot that could accommodate our trailer and hiked the Progressive Dune Trail with Kenobi.  There were over 270 wooden steps that climbed up and over the dunes and a ¼ mile of sandy shorelines. (Our quads were sore for about 2 days afterward.)  We were amazed by the beautiful beach and sand.  We could see the skyline of Chicago across lake Michigan.

Wildlife: 15 lizards that Kenobi loved to nose after.  Lizards would become his best friends on the trip. 

Trailer: No Issues

Funny Story: I am infamous for getting the lyrics of songs wrong and reading signage incorrectly.  I saw a sign that read “Cleveland Chester Burns Harbor”.  I actually thought it was an informational sign about someone named Cleveland Chester burning the harbor.”  FYI It is not, it is a company.  Now you know.

Reflection:  I wasn’t certain what to expect at the Indiana Dunes.  They were beautiful and the white soft sand was like the sand in Destin, Florida.  We arrived to the campground around 3 p.m. which I thought was a perfect time.  I did not know that check out for the Indiana Dunes State Park is 5 p.m. on Sundays, not the standard 1 p.m. They were able to change our reserved site that was still occupied, to a different site.  I had originally planned a site with a trail that led to the Dunes for sunset.  God knew better, my legs were so sore and jumpy,  we never went back to the dunes and enjoyed a campfire instead.