Hi friends – Beth’s not at the keyboard today – It’s me, the newest Realtor in the WARDLAW Real Estate Team, Amy. Hope you enjoy my take on Life in Southern Indiana.
You know how every once in a while, you plan something good, and it turns out absolutely fabulous???? We had one of those days last week during our “stay-cation” Spring Break. I loaded up the minivan with my girls and some of their friends on Wednesday with plans to meet another family at Charlestown State Park. Our simple plan was to have a picnic lunch and hike – it was going to be fun; me, another mom, and 8 children with ages ranging from 4-13. . . . we knew it could go bad at any minute, but we trekked on with high hopes.
We made our way back to the Trail #3 parking lot, we wanted to see Rose Island and the Portersville Bridge that spanned 14 Mile Creek. Before we could get sunscreened and bug repellanted up, as if by divine intervention, a DNR van pulled up behind us and Jeremy Beavin hopped out, putting up flyers for a Moonlight Hike (I’ll get to this later – keep reading). Jeremy looked at our crew . . . .2 Moms, 7 girls and a 4-year-old boy – he knew we might need help. He offered to give us a guided tour of Rose Island. The other mom, a teacher, and I were all over that, a Spring Break Field Trip; we’re all in!!!!
Jeremy, a Park Naturalist, took his time with us. He was not only patient, but knowledgeable and entertaining. He pointed out wildflowers, showed us Larkspurs, Garlic Mustard and Paw Paws, and even what he, in jest, described as the largest grapevine in town. He explained the interesting history of Rose Island (that’s actually a peninsula), told us about the animals attractions that were housed there, the monkeys, alligators, and even Teddy Roosevelt, a black bear! The girls and the little man were fascinated. Then we happened upon the first Olympic sized pool in Indiana – which for my girls, as swimmers, was pretty cool, even though it’s filled with frogs now – that just might have made it cooler! We toured the ruins of this once majestic place. . . . . it’s still majestic, just in a more natural way. . . .Jeremy had captured the attention of all of us. . . . . ages 4 to well. . . adult-ish!!!
Meanwhile, during the tour, Jeremy was telling us about all of the cool things that are happening at Charlestown State Park. . . .read on!
- Every Friday though the summer at 1:00 p.m., Jeremy will be giving guided tours (just like we got) around Rose Island, so everyone can hear the stories about the attractions that drew boat loads of visitors from 1880 – 1937. (Highly recommended)
- He also told us about the Full Moon Hikes that begin TONIGHT at 8:00 p.m.!! Each full moon, you are invited to hike on one of Charlestown State Park’s scenic trails using only the light of the Full Moon to guide your way. Tonight’s hike will be at Trail 2 and the next Full Moon Hike will be May 5 on Trail 6. What a neat experience!!
- He also explained that Raptor Day is April 14th from 10:00 – 4:00! How cool is that?!?
I highly recommend giving one of these guided tours a try, for that matter, give our State Parks another look – did you know that for only $36 you can get a pass for all year (or it’s $5 a car load)! Think about how much fun you and the kids can have when you unplug and get back to nature . . . . . and you might even learn something!! Check out these links for more information: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2986.htm http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/
And on another note, if you need a little more nature in your life, a change of scenery, or maybe just a new home. . . . give the gals at the WARDLAW Real Estate Team a call, we’ll be happy to help!!
Enjoy your Life in Southern Indiana!
Amy (& Beth & Faye)
We would love for you to stop by and help someone who needs our support right now! The event is from 6:00-10:00 and includes:
