Home » 2009 Cross Country Camping Trip

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 - 4:00pm by Tommy
756 miles and 12 hours from our last stop - 1 night stay

Travelogue

Day 1

And so it begins…

After waking up at 4:30am to navigate the murky waters of Route 80 for the next twelve hours (it only seemed like six) our arrival to, as Tommy put so eloquently the “Buttcrack of America,” went very well.

Getting A Workout In At The CampgroundGetting A Workout In At The CampgroundWe weren’t out of Paramus and Colin filled us in that he forgot his utensils. We then questioned and he also forgot the garbage bags and paper towels. After much abuse, we allowed him to accompany us for the remainder of our adventure.

As I mentioned earlier, the drive seemed surprisingly short. I think we were all prepared for a 12 hour “hellish” trail of tears (especially for us relatively inexperienced “long-drivers:” everyone but Tommy). But jokes and laughter led the way with morale in high spirits and low points were few and far between.
Fireworks Over Lake MichiganFireworks Over Lake Michigan
We arrived thinking we made good time, and then remembered the time zone change and ended up making great time. The campsite was nice but stuffed to the rafters. Just about every site was full. Burgers and corn were a great dinner, and the fireworks on the beach were a great way to end the night. The patriotic explosions that lit up a gorgeous coast line littered with smoke stacks and pollution was a site like no other, but none-the-less, enjoyable.

- Jake

Description

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which stretches about 15 miles along the southern shoreline of Lake Michigan between Gary and Michigan City, has some of the highest dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. These dunes are called "living" dunes because they continue to move inland a few feet each year, burying plants and trees as they go.

Within the National Lakeshore, a 3-mile section of the beach is actually a very popular State Park. This is where most of the action and facilities at Indiana Dunes are located. There is a large beach pavilion complete with snack bar and gift shop, a nature center, a lifeguard protected swimming beach, over 16 miles of dune hiking trails, and a large 286-site campground.

Another popular trail is the 9.2-mile Calumet Bike Trail, which is located in the National Lakeshore section of the Dunes about 2 miles inland. This trail runs along a railroad bed through a wide variety of habitats--beach, sand dunes, black oak forest, and marshes.

- Lolo

Herb on July 2, 2009

Fantastic journal and photos guys! I can't believe you found time to write up a narrative, edit some great photos, and find an internet connection to make a post! You've set a high standard of journalistic performance. I can't wait to see how your next stop at Badlands National Park turns out.

Mark Marotta on July 2, 2009

Great job fellas. Have fun!

Irene on July 2, 2009

Hey Boys, what great fireworks! You couldn't have had better seats! I LOVE the travelogue. Thanks for allowing us to tag along. You guys are the best! Great photos! Hope todays drive was as much fun as yesterday. Can't wait for the next stop! Hugs and Kisses.

Uncle G-Unit on July 3, 2009

Hey Jake,
The reason the trip seemed short is related to the inconsistency of time accross the country. Few know this, but time is not a universally consistent value, much like the wind it moves at varying speed related to geography and experience. In the central US time moves VERY slowly thus 60 miles per hour is actually much faster!

As we know a mile is a mile however with the lack of consistency in time values, reality is distorted. This phenomenon is the reason for the saying "fast as a NY minute" which we know is VERY fast.

Have a ball.....Gary

Uncle G-Unit's Child #2 on July 3, 2009

The above post was made by a crazy old man please disregard. I hope the rest of your trip is fun!

Uncle G-Units Original Child on July 3, 2009

Agreed, the post by uncle G-Unit was surely made by an imposter. There is no way that he actually knows so many big words. Words like, "Time" or "Minute". I mean really, thats preposterous!

Omi on July 4, 2009

Hi Tommy, I'm impressed and envious . You guys are not wasting any time. Keep enjoying yourselves.
I'm thinking of you. Love Omi

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore location map

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