I was at the gas station pouring a stale cup of coffee at 5:00 AM this morning getting on my way to Indiana Shades State Park located about 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville (off S.R. 47).  It used to be called "Shades of Death" because 600 Indian warriors from two tribes fought a battle there.  The winning tribe was left with 7 out of the 12 survivors.  

I headed south down US 41 until I hit Kentland.   I saw a diner filled with semis and pick up trucks.Trucks Stop   That means that the food is good and cheap.  I stopped at Joe's Fillin Station Diner. Eat at Joes It looks like and old gas station from decades ago that was converted.  Great breakfast, service, price and atmosphere.  The locals couldn't be nicer.

I got to Shades about 9:30 and attacked the "Rugged Trails" for hours.  I was hoping to do every trail in one day but my joints wanted to go home.  It was a great day and I reccomend this trip to anyone who wants to get away from everything and everyone for a day.  It is very quiet.Light Shower   I did not see a single person on any of the "Rugged" trails.  Those are the ones to take if you want to avoid other humans all together.climb

I know it was suppossed to be 87 degrees but it felt like 67 under the umbrella of the trees. trees  When you wind down the ravines, it feels like you are walking into an air conditioned room.  Very cool. cool  You will not need sunscreen.

I have three more trails to conquer before the state of Indiana considers changing the name of the park in my honor.  Fear not Indiana, I will return.green

Indiana is certainly not known for its interesting topography, but there are a few areas that present a contrast to the endless corn and bean fields.  I visited one of these areas, Fall Creek Gorge, in June.

After a short drive on a gravel road and a quick walk down a path through the woods, you reach the gorge that gives the area its name. Gorge Overview  And a closer view of the Gorge: Closer View

The creekbed that runs through the Gorge has "potholes" that are circular holes worn in the rock by the current and its load of gravel and rocks. Potholes in Creek Bed

Continuing along the creekside trail are ferns, both this year's Creekside Ferns, and last year's Last Year's Ferns, and some interesting fungus Fungus on Dead Log  Small Mushrooms in B&W, and then some more ferns More Creekside Ferns.

Finally, you reach a small, picturesque waterfall. Waterfall View from the Side Another View and also a close up view of the falling water Close View of WaterFall

Then it was time to turn around and walk back out.

This area is managed by the Nature Conservancy, and here is a link to their site. http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/indiana/work/art7920.html

Most of the flowing water photos were made with the camera on a tripod using a very slow shutter speed, one half second or more.  This gives the water the smooth silky appearence.  Here are some external links that provide additional information on this technique if you are interested:
http://www.outdoorphoto.com/guides/waterfall_photography.php
http://www.hkwaterfall.net/hk_falls/hkwf_tqu.htm
http://www.outdooradventurecanada.com/photo-v2-1.htm
http://www.hankinslawrenceimages.com/newsletter/articles/waterfall.htm.
It helps a lot to have either a polarizing or neutral density filter to aid in getting the slow shutter speeds necessary during the bright parts of the day.