Indiana Dunes National Park

Hi Everyone,
On Tuesday, June 11th, we went to the newest national park in our country, Indiana Dunes National Park on the shore of Lake Michigan. At the visitors center, we learned that this area was designated as a National Seashore until last year when it changed designations. There we saw sand dunes that were a high as four or five-story buildings. Very impressive! There were several very nice beaches in and around the dunes and many people were out enjoying the sunshine and getting to meet me, those lucking people.

 

Unfortunately, disaster struck and we got a flat tire. Fortunately, my Mom's brother Larry, who lives outside of Chicago, had joined us for the day and he ferried us around while the Subaru dealer in Portage, IN took care of our tire problem. Uncle Larry also knew of a place we could go and see Sand Hill Cranes. We were lucky and were able to see a breeding pair with a baby (called a colt) in tow. I had to be extra special quiet so as not to scare the cranes away while Mom and Dad took pictures to share with all of my friends on the web.

We are doing a lot of hiking and we are all enjoying the benefits of getting more exercise. Tomorrow we are going to see Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois on a bluff above the Illinois River. The park is named after a legend that tells of a band of rival Indians who attacked and killed the famous Indian chief "Red Jacket" while he attended a Council meeting. The chief's followers tracked them down and in retribution attacked them, driving them to a 125 foot high rocky bluff above the Illinois River where they surrounded them and prevented them from escape, eventually causing them to die of starvation. Thus the name, "Starved Rock". My human parents and I are looking forward to more hiking. 😀