We took Jaryd back to Turkey Run last weekend and had a great time though I didn't get many worthy pics, except of Jaryd!  I also almost didn't make it back up the 70 steps from the creek.

The Rock The sun was just starting to get into the creek canyon. 

Throwin' Rocks You can see grandma's shadow as she hovers nearby.

Wet Feet Grandma wasn't watching!

Bright, Sun, Bright!   He wouldn't look up just said "sun bright sun"!
 

Well, I guess I'll fess up since people have been asking.  I haven't spent a lot of time here, or anywhere for that matter, for about a month or so.  The reason is that about a month ago during a routine physical they discovered what appeared to be a mass on my lung.  Last week I went to Indy to get a cat scan which confirmed that I had a mass about the size of a golf ball.  They haven't determined yet if it's malignant or not but they will probably end up removing at least part of the lung as it is appears to be impairing my breathing. I may have to change my username to onelunglo soon.
So, I haven't been online much just spending time with the grandbabies.  It just seems like most of my shots lately are crap and I don't know if it's a lack of concentration, a change of priorities, or what.  I'm working on it though.  Barb is taking it worse than me but our spirits are high and we are fine, except she threatens to kick my ass every time I make a joke.  But that's normal.
I've been trying to use the condition to get sympathy sex or gifts but so far no luck!  I did get a couple hugs and I think there might have been some slight grinding with one of them... but he denied it later.

Took a day trip thru Cimarron Canyon State Park - unfortunately it was not the ideal time of the day for light and I only had my normal lens with me.  I'll plan better next time and try for better shots.

• Did some in-camera editing on this abandoned house for a 'soft glow' effect Abandoned_Ranch_Hous

•  This canyon is known for it's crenolated granite formations and great trout fishing in the Cimarron River which runs thru it
• Palisades_Granite_Fo
• Cimarron_Canyon_NM__
• At the west end of the canyon is Eagle Nest Lake (man made)
• Eagle_Nest_New_Mexic

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