October 15-17; SHAKE-DOWN CRUISE FOR "FOUR WINDS"

We're on the road again.

When Chris & I arrived home from Alaska, we decided to put Palomino up for sale, and move into a larger recreational vehicle. We put Palomino on Craigslist, and began our search. We were not in a crunch by any means. We just kept looking for a good used Class C or "pull-behind" trailer. A wonderful young pilot, contacted me about our wonderful, sturdy little pop-up; after many measurements, dealing, etc., the day came when he came with his Toyota Tundra to pick up our trusty little Palomino. It sure made me nervous...had to rip off the extra bins that Chris had installed; then had to use a shoe horn to get it on. But with everyone pitching in, and me getting out of the way....there was success....in spite of my worrying. Palomino's new owner was totally tickled and eager to get on his way.

And...just the day before Palomino left, we had found a wonderful 10 yr old Four Winds Class C, that was totally babied by it's one owner; the inside was in mint condition. It lived inside a barn when it wasn't on a trip. And, the biggest thing was that it only had 38,000 miles on it....merely broken in.

After bringing "Four Winds" to her new home the following week, Andrea asked if we wanted to go to Turkey Run State Park, west of Indianapolis, IN for a week end of hiking....a real "shake down cruise".

Here she is: "Four Winds" in all her glory. We were in our campsite here. Turkey Run was actually full, so we stayed at Shades State Park, just 14 miles away. We drove over to Turkey Run to hike on Saturday. What fun.. Andrea & David...and 3 1/2 yr. old Charolette did a 6 mile hike. Chris and I did 1.25 miles on another trail. It was fantastic. We had a great time. Then came lunch and a nap! and another short walk waiting for the 3 Musketeers to return.
This was a most cool Lieber Cabin, named for the man who got Indiana State Parks going. Look at those huge poplar slabs that the cabin was built with!

This is Sugar Creek, running through the park.

We hiked along this run-off creek going into Sugar Creek. Look at those huge cliffs. I felt so insignificant looking up.

On our hike today in Shades State Park, we had a whole new set of adventures. Here Charolette poses under a picturesque tree.

It was a long gentle walk down along Sugar Creek....then started the climb up through the ravine. What fun! I noticed that Tommy once again had a spring in her step about the hiking. Toward the end of our Alaska Trek this year, I think she got tired of the trip. The last few weeks we were kind of "dragging" her on walks. That "spring" was definitely back. We could take her off lead, and she found her way right by us climbing that ravine. But the ladder was insurmountable for her! Chris carried her up! She took it like a trooper.

And here's Charolette climbing the second ladder, with the caring hands of mommy right behind her. She wasn't even scared!
Was a fun week end. The weather was fantastic, though the color was not quite as full as here in northeast Indiana. The only blip on the radar screen was when Charolette missed the step on the camper and did a face plant on the curb....and needed 4 stitches in her pretty little chinny, chin chin.
Where to next? I have no idea. But we're ready.

So, until we connect again...