I did another practice hike today with my pack. It was a little more challenging than it needed to be. The trail entrance was closed at the park due to construction and I forgot my water bottle. After driving to the other entrance, I forgot my water again and took the wrong trail! It worked out for the better as I circled back around to my car and got my water bottle.

A little under 4 miles in all. Fall is here and I saw an amazing hornet nest right on the trail!

#hiking

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 I completed the "5 Mile" challenge at Turkey Run State Park today. It's actually over 7 miles, including over 1,500 man made steps! It took me 3 hours including an unexpected detour and a very long conversation with a friendly hiker.

It's such an amazing park! Definitely in my top 3 in Indiana. I had been waiting since last year for trail 3 to open back up to complete the challenge. I even called ahead to be sure. They failed to tell me trail 4 was closed but I found a way around.

#hiking

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 That feeling you get when you are 5 mi into a  "5 Mile challenge" and discover the trail is closed. 

It would have been good information to know when I called the state park yesterday about trail closures... Needless to say I didn't let this little sign stop me.

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 Out enjoying the last of the summer's wildflowers at the Portland Arch nature preserve. The bees were busy preparing for winter. My wife did not care for them. Lol

#hiking #indiana #bees #insects

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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!

#hiking #HoosierHikerChallenge2023 #HHC2023

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