First Blog of Indiana Hikes

So, what next?  I've started this blog as a way of recording my adventure in getting back into hiking and camping Indiana... and other places.  After being away from this sort of activity, I have had my love of the outdoor adventure rekindled by others online who have a similar feeling.  I could have chosen just to write my with pen and paper in a journal-like form, but (at least for now) have chosen to blog it for the sake of those who might be experiencing the same.  

I started getting back into my outdoor interest in January 2009, after running across some youtube videos.  After watching hours and hours of videos, I followed links to other video topics that dealt with the outdoors - especially gear for hiking.  I tinkered with some homemade stoves.  All of this lead to looking up local trails in Indiana and the surrounding states (minus IL).  Then, I started looking at what gear I currently own and compared it to contemporary standards.  I made a few purchases and poured over more and more websites. 

My first hike was at Potato Creek State Park, IN for two miles following trail number 1.   Trail one was 2 miles long and lasted me a grand total of about 45 min - this was a beginners park trail that had various optional loops for difficulty levels (I stayed on either beginner or intermediate).  When I was done, I was tired.  All I had taken with me was an older style trail hip-pack with shoulder straps, carrying water and a few snacks.  I had gathered some information about this park and a few others; however, the most interesting information was the cost.  For $36 a calendar year, you can get into all of the state parks - this is a steal of a deal.  Afterwards, I went to a county park, Ox-Bow Park, in Goshen, IN, and drove around the park loop - not impressive, but free during the week I believe.  

Just this weekend, I made a small three hour road trip to Chicago's REI in Schamburg and spent nearly four hours going over the Isles and questioning the friendly and very helpful staff.  I give the staff at this location an A++.  More importantly, I found that they have a "Garage Sale" this Saturday.  This is where REI sells the returned/used gear that customers have used and returned for whatever reason.  Note:  REI's extremely generous return policy is well worth any potential higher cost to the customer.  I would love to go, but I'm not sure I can do to other scheduling conflicts - Dang!

Now that we are up-to-date, I am waiting for items from REI to arrive from the online store; I need to finish making some of my stoves and cozies, and get some hiking in!