turkey run

On the penultimate day of our travels with Charlotte, we headed out on our final excursion.  I had planned a hike through one of my favorite of Indiana’s state parks, Turkey Run.  About an hour away from Indianapolis, there are hiking trails through stream-carved canyons, unexpected in this midwestern state and as green and Jurassic as Kauai.  I figured that we could find a gentle trail that would take us through some of the carved rocks and wouldn’t tax my husband’s and my tender hips.  But Lottie had other ideas. 

We checked at the ranger station and were encouraged to take one of the least strenuous trails, one without descents into deep, cool overhangs or climbs up a series of ladders.  But even before we’d gone a short way up the tamest trail, I found myself climbing up waterfalls and along ledges to keep up with my mountain goat of a granddaughter.  And when I suggested that we turn back, Charlotte insisted that we press on.  So, press on we did. 

Somehow, I managed to keep up as we squelched through muddy stream bottoms.  Here is Charlotte, where a pool of water called “The Punch Bowl” sat at the base of a waterfall.  I’m so glad that she encouraged me to keep persevering along the trail.  Who knows when I might pass this way again?  Maybe someday with a new hip!

Love, Liz