A Trip to Turkey Run

A little over a week ago, we made a quick trip down state to visit Turkey Run State Park for Jackie's birthday.  Some background...

After Maia was born, Jackie and I discussed doing birthdays a little differently.  We had, at least for the past several years, been "nonchalant" about them as between us, not getting each other presents, but possibly doing something small such as going out to dinner at a favorite restaurant/cooking a favorite dinner, etc.  With Maia, our motivation was different - we wanted to do something special, but we wanted to avoid gift giving to a certain extent, as Christmas would be just 11 days away.  We wanted her birthday to feel different than Christmas and the exchange of gifts (and we wanted Christmas to continued to be marked by the exchange of gift, so that its symbolism wouldn't be lessened by a close proximity birthday).  So, we came up with the idea that we would do an "experience" for a birthday - a trip, a concert, an event, etc.

So, last week, we headed down to Turkey Run State Park just south of Crawsfordville.  We stayed in Crawsfordville, thinking it would be a good location to allow for the drive to the Park to provide for a morning nap for Maia prior to the hiking.  Our best laid plans almost were for naught, when we went out to head down to the Park on the Friday (Oct 25th), our car wouldn't start.  Turns out we had left a light on the previous night when unpacking.  Thankfully, we quickly we able to get someone to help us jump the car, and then we were on our way.

And for our first birthday "experience" trip, we couldn't have asked for a better experience.  We got to Turkey Run, and when Maia woke up from her nap, we were able to set out on hiking at about 11:30 a.m.  It was just about 50 degrees, with Sun and practically no clouds.  And as the pictures below tell the story, the colors were beautiful, and it seemed that Maia had a wonderful time before wearing herself out.

"Hiking? You guys sure you know what
you're doing?"

Our view starting out on our selected trail.

Getting ready to set out.

Beautiful fall colors.

Braving the wobbly foot bridge.

Just a gorgeous day.

Halfway through the trail, at place marked as Camel's Back (the top of the "hump" on the map). We stopped for our lunch.  This was when Maia gave us the best indication of the fun she was having.  First, she was just memorized by another family who was also having lunch.  Then, she was almost beside herself with happiness as we sat, ate our lunch, and just enjoyed the beauty of our surroundings.

The view from atop "Camel's Back"

Hasn't learned yet that it isn't polite to stare.

This. Is. Fun.

On the way back, completing our 3 hours or so out hiking, we continued to be treated to beautiful scenery.  Well, almost all of us.  Before we made it all the way back, Maia gave in and fell asleep for the last of the hiking.

All tuckered out.

Hiking is hard work, apparently.

Following our day of hiking, we stopped at Arni's for pizza (and made Jackie's dad, a Purdue alum and Arni's lover, very jealous).  All told, we simply could have asked for a better time.

Watching us eat Arni's pizza.
Someday Maia, someday.