Summer Roadtrip Part 1: Pit Stop in Indiana

After much anticipation, working, packing, stress, and excitement - we finally headed out on our journey westward in mid-July.

The business of the days leading up to our trip is still somewhat of a blur, but it can be summarized as something like this:

Knowing we would be changing schools and cities when we returned, we looked for a new apartment to come back to and ended the lease at our previous one in Saranac Lake, NY. 

We booked showings while Yaz drove to go see them, and luckily, we found something that worked for all of us without Leo or I seeing it in person. 

I was busy finishing up my job at the Paul Smith's College VIC, which I left with quite a lot of sadness - it was a wonderful place to work, and I had such awesome opportunities to work on projects that I loved. I have a special place in my heart for the VIC and the people who work there...but this isn't the post to get sentimental about that in.

Leo finished up his job working at the Brewery, and then we had a day or so to really get ourselves organized, packed, and completely moved out of the apartment. 

My grandparents were kind enough to let us store our furniture and belongings in their basement, and we packed our essentials, food, and camping gear into Delphi (the jeep).

We celebrated my gramma's birthday, packed Inali, Gomez, and the three of us into Delphi, and headed out on the road.

Our first real stop was in Indiana. We didn't plan much for this, as it was really just a stop to stretch our legs, but we were able to enjoy a beautiful, and hot, morning near the Indiana Dunes National Seashore.

Lake Michigan is gorgeous. It's incredible how much it resembles the ocean, but considering its size, 22,404 sq.mi (58,026 sq. km), I suppose it shouldn't be very surprising.

We were even lucky enough to spot an American mink!

And of course, we had a chance to get our feet wet. Yasmend enjoyed a dip, while Leo and I watched little fish swim around our toes. 

Indiana offered a nice little pit stop for us to stretch our legs and get some fresh air after being crammed in the jeep for 12+ hours. It was Leo and my second time being here and I definitely think it's one of the nicest places to stop and rest when we make such long trips E - W or W- E.

STATS:
Date: July 19, 2017
Location: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Length of Stay: 1/6 of a day
Time from last stop: 12 hours
Miles from last stop: 695 miles


Accumulated # of Days: 1
Accumulated Miles: 695 miles


Highlights: Sunshine, Lakeside, Sandy beaches, Swimming
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Until next time!

<3

Fern