Aug 25 & 26, 2013:: to the beach

Though it is still in the high 80s around here most days, most summer activities officially end after Labor Day next weekend. This includes most outdoor swimming opportunities. We had talked about checking out the Lake Michigan beaches all summer, but had never taken the time to do so. Last day to swim at most locations coincides with the upcoming holiday as well.

On a whim, yesterday, we decided to head north.

We spent the day picnicking and swimming at the Indiana Dunes State Park. It was so crowded, but fun. So many others had the same idea. 

We enjoyed the beautiful horizon and sand castle building.

Embree and Reeves missed the crashing waves of the Atlantic, but keeping an eye on our littlest fish was certainly easier.

All in all, it was a fun day. I think the experience was akin to eating a veggie burger. Approaching a veggie burger as if it will be the same as a Big Mac is just foolish and will bring disappointment in every bite. Accepting that veggie version on its on terms offers something new and potentially satisfying in its own right. (Yeah, I must be hungry)

If you go...With just a cursory look for directions, I missed the fact that there is actually a state park and a national park. The night before, I had read about a tour through a quaking bog and a cool educational center. These were at the Indiana Dunes National Seashore. In the morning, I accidentally pulled up directions to the state park. We didn't realize my mistake until we had paid to get in for the day. We just went with it, though, and took a few minutes as we left to drive through the other park a bit. Looks like we have an addition to our field trip list...just a great excuse to head back up there soon.

Namaste