Brown County, IN

First, if you are ever in IN in the fall, Brown County State Park near Nashville, IN is a MUST visit.  The state park has several hiking trails, a couple of lakes, and view after view of fall color that are all stunning.  The area has been protected since 1941, but prior to that, like so many other wooded areas, was abused without consideration.  Now it's become an internationally known area for fall color.  The small town of Nashville historically has been an area where artisans of all kinds gather to practice their crafts.  Shop owners have tried to hold to that tradition although some measure of commercialism has seeped into the area.

In addition, Brown County has sentimental meaning to Jerry and me.  This is where he proposed to me 34 years ago.  This is where we returned every year to honor that time.  Our plans were to be here a week, walk and enjoy returning to our roots and move on to another stint in Red Bay, AL.  Wellllll....

Remember what I said about life's twists and turns?  Revise the last statement from my previous post...  Cool mornings, coffee and NO walks with the dogs.  We were only in Brown County State Park a few days before we attempted a moderate hike with the dogs.  Halfway to Ogle Lake, I slipped on gravel, fell - breaking my left ankle.  No it wasn't the puppy's fault.  Fortunately, a friend from Elkhart was also here for a few days.  While I started to hobble my way back to the trail head, Jerry took both dogs to get help.  Before Jerry got back with help, I had several offers of assistance from other hikers. I wasn't about to let someone carry me out.  I was hobbling and at that point hoping I had only sprained my ankle.  I know not every single person is good hearted, but thankfully we've only met the ones who are.  A young couple with a two year old came by on the path and were clearly very bothered that I insisted I was just fine.  They finally walked ahead only for the young man to return a bit later with a sizable tree branch he had cut for me to use as a walking stick.  Somehow my ankle didn't hurt that much after that.

Jerry came with assistance, and we found our way to an emergency clinic and an orthopedic doctor only to find out no sprain, spiral break.  Six weeks in a removable walking cast.  We figured it was best to try to stay put and found one open spot for an additional 8 days in the state park.  The spot just happened to be in the handicapped area, and the park management approved our stay in that spot.  We are now comfortably set up in a handicapped spot - all concrete, a fire pit and picnic table - for the next 8 days.  I'll see the orthopedic doctor again before we move on to a couple of weeks at Mammoth Cave National Park.  After that we may check out a state park in Alabama before settling in at Red Bay, AL.  We need the ankle to be usable before we hit Red Bay.

Here's the thing about our travels.  Everything is negotiable, adjustable - the art of making in-flight corrections.  We don't have to be anywhere at any specific time.  In fact, we are starting to find it quite constraining when we do.  So for now we will alter our journey to accommodate the healing process, and we will enjoy watching the colors of Brown County change literally before our eyes.

One of many vistas in Brown County State Park.
Taken at the beginning of our stay.  Touch of color barely visible.