Transitions

This marks the 14th anniversary of my blog. It's hard to believe it's been that long.

Generally at this time of year, the dunes are covered in snow and ice, but this winter has so far been different. The dunes are brown and seemingly dull- until you look a bit closer. In the warmer months, leaves fill the trees and block a lot of the features of the dunes themselves. Here in the photo above, you can see the transition from Lake Michigan to the wooded dunes, then to the grassy dunes. The leaf-covered ground is brown and grass-less under the trees, and the transition to the grassy area is quite abrupt. The trails are also easier to see now, as are some of the low growing plants and shrubs. There hasn't been a time I've visited this trail when I haven't discovered something new or different; and I've been hiking this dozens of times each year. Some of the grand things don't change, but if you pay attention, things change week to week all year long. Once we climbed the first series of dunes, we headed down into the valley, then up again on the taller dunes. Looking back, we can see the rolling dunes we traversed - hill after hill after hill, some small, others quite challenging. Carrying my usual 40 pounds of camera gear on my back, and a tripod in one had, climbing some of these trails can be difficult, especially those that pass close to shrubs and trees. I tend to get caught up on every possible branch. Winter hiking can be a bit uncomfortable here. There are even transitions in temperature and wind. On the unprotected beach, the wind can go right through you, while in the valley between dunes, there is little or no wind. Dressing in layers certainly helps, you can keep warm while on the beach and remove some layers when in the protected areas where it gets warm. You just need to remember the old saying, warm to start, cold to finish; cold to start, warm to finish. Start off being a bit cool and try to keep from sweating, then if you're not sweating, you'll stay warm for the walk back. It's very uncomfortable on the hike back if you stay so warm at first you begin perspiring. Still, it's well worth the time to hike the dunes in winter - even if you freeze on the way back.

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The Seven Pillars of The Mississinewa

A sacred gathering place for the Miami Indians in years past, the Seven Pillars of the Mississinewa lie on the north bank of the Mississinewa River. The 25 foot tall limestone formation was carved by wind and water over thousands of years. The "rooms" created by erosion within the rock face were used by The Miami Indian Council for meetings and other activities for generations. One of Indiana's best kept secrets, the Pillars of Mississinewa are owned by the Acres Land Trust along with many acres of land directly across the river where the Pillars can be easily viewed. A 1.8 mile moderately strenuous trail winds through the hilly, wooded preserve where beech and maple trees flourish. A feeling of calm was in the air when visiting this site. I wonder how many tribal meetings and important events took place here over the years. The Miami Indians still gather here today.

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The Ladders

While hiking trail three in Turkey Run State Park, one must use "The Ladders" - large wooden ladders set up to assist with some drastic elevation changes within the canyon. While not too precarious, the ladders do create a small bottleneck for visitors. It takes a bit of work to turn your back to the drop-off and grab the ladder to descend to the canyon floor - especially when you have 40 pounds of camera gear on your back, a camera and tripod in one hand, and the ladder is icy. On one visit, people were backed up on the top and the bottom of the canyon, waiting to use the ladders. One at a time, people climbed or descended the ladders. While we waited our turn at the top of the canyon, a person in my group backed up just a bit too far and slid down the side of the canyon. Luckily, he only fell about 6 feet to a ledge, but the ledge had a pool of water about two feet deep. Wet from the knees down, he continued to hike the rest of the day. That could have been a disaster if he was standing a few feet left or right. Each time I visit and hike this trail, I'm grateful the park did not build stairs in this area. The ladders keep this part of the trail a bit more rustic, and make for a more strenuous and interesting hike.

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Ice in the Punch Bowl

Winter temperatures created a bit of ice along the edges of the waterfall called the Punch Bowl in Parke County Indiana's Turkey Run State Park. This feature is located just after navigating a tight walled canyon where you either need to hike through a narrow stream, or climb up the side of the canyon wall using some carved hand and foot holds. While not overly difficult, it does offer a bit of a challenge while hiking. Located on a short branch trail, the punch bowl is a narrow waterfall approximately 15 feet tall that flows into a small pool at the bottom of the canyon. Generally this fall is running throughout the year and varies from a trickle to a full flow, so it's a dependable waterfall to freeze during the winter months. In warmer times, we enjoy a short additional hike up to the top of the Punch Bowl's waterfall. The small stream meanders through a series of turns and potholes before cascading down to the Punch Bowl, and it's an interesting and mesmerizing flow of water.

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