Challenge completed!

I set a goal this year to hike at all of Indiana's State Parks and SRAs. My final hike put me on the Adventure Trail that goes through O'banon Woods State Park. What a challenge this trail was! So many ups and downs! 23.5 miles and 3,753 feet of elevation gain.This was my first multiple night backpacking trip and first time caching water. It's the hardest thing I've ever done!

34 State Parks and SRA's in all. Time for some rest!

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Friday hike part 2: Lincoln State Park

I hiked a 7.5 mile loop trail here. Nice park with wide, well maintained trails. I crossed train tracks twice and went over (and under) a state road all in the park. So weird. I took a small detour to a second lake at the park and had it all to myself. In fact, I didn't see a soul for over 2 hours.

In all yesterday, I hiked 10.5 miles with a loaded pack. I feel great today! Progress!

One more park to go!

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What a wonderful day for hiking on Friday! I started the day with a 3hr drive to Harmonie State Park in southern Indiana on the Illinois border. One of the last 3 State Parks on my list to complete my goal of hiking all of Indiana's State Parks and SRA's.

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Today I hiked at Patoka Lake SRA in southern Indiana. The highlight of the trail was Totem Rock about a mile in. I hiked another 4 miles after that, apparently to clear the trail of spider webs. Very typical Southern Indiana trail with about 100ft of elevation change per mile. Great day to be outside!

Only 3 parks to go!

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Yesterday, I finally got back to my goal of hiking at all the Indiana State Parks. I did a Northwest tour of Tippecanoe, Potato Creek, Indiana Dunes State Parks. At Indiana Dunes, I did the 3 dune challenge. That was my favorite part by far. It did my Michigander soul some good to see lake Michigan, even for just a few minutes.

Only 4 to go!

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State Park number 27 in the books! I met my cousin and did the 8 mile Hell's Point Challenge at Pokagon State Park. It was fun to hike with someone for a change. Well maintained trails but some of the worst trail markings ever. So many intersections! Even with my All Trails app, we made several wrong turns. We had a great time though.

Only 7 to go!

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I hiked at Indiana State Park number 26 today at Chain O' lakes State Park. Lots of wild flowers in bloom on trail 12. I only did 3 miles today as I'm hiking the Hell's Point challenge tomorrow at Pokagon State Park.

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This week I did most of the Bloodroot Trail at Salamonie Lake SRA and visited Oaubache State Park. 15 miles total. The best part was getting to visit an old friend who now runs Oaubache State Park. Nice little park to visit and they even have Bison!

I got in some more practice with my camping gear. I'm still learning what works and what doesn't with the safety net of my car nearby.

25 parks down and only 9 to go!

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