There is nothing like taking a warm fall afternoon and roaming (wandering) the hills and dales (low areas for those that have never heard this saying, like the bottom of a hill) of Indiana. We were fortunate to have been in Monroe, Owen, Putnam, Greene, and Sullivan Counties most recently. The fall colors were starting to really pop on a bright, sunny day.
It is amazing what you might find while out and about on windy, curvy roads. There are many little bergs west of Bloomington and south of Spencer, and we tried to visit them all. Some are just crossroads, while some are nice small communities—Whitehall, Pottersville, Adel, New Hope, Vilas (reader participation time – what kind of festival does Vilas host?), and others.
Our stated destination, after much wandering, was Shakamak State Park. Shakamak, what is that? Never knew until reading an information board at the park. This was the name for the freshwater eels found by the Indians. You learn something every day, which should be your goal! We also discovered that the Shakamak High School mascot is an Indian, and their nickname is the Lakers.
While eating at Glory Days in Clay City, we discovered their nickname, which is the Eels. I wonder what their mascot looks like?
Trail #3 was the trail of choice while out hiking. It’s a really nice trail with beautiful scenery and many (dry) creek crossings/bridges. We also took a side trip to visit the pool area, which used to be a beach with a diving platform. Read the attached information board photo. It’s pretty amazing to see the history of the park and its tie to swimming and diving.
I mentioned Glory Days earlier. On the way home, we drove through Clay City famished, well, let’s say hungry. What better place to take on nostalgia and find some of the best fried food and handmade milkshakes than Glory Days?! You have to try it out, from Larry Bird memorabilia to small-town basketball photos and stats to music and movie star memorabilia. This is the place to see while you scarf down that wonderful food.
There was so much more in wandering. I could go on and on, but I will just give you the list of places to visit. I’m always up to hearing and talking about places to see.
Indiana Dunes State Park, Potato Creek State Park (the new inn is under construction), Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area, Pokagon State Park, Trine State Recreation Area, Crooked Lake Nature Preserve, Ouabache State Park, and several others. Get out and wander. Give me some ideas.
~ Jeff Banning
