The best laid plans of mice and men…….., oh well! Right from the get-go we were confronted with real life. Plans to visit Jackie’s cousin in Illinois were withdrawn due to death of a close friend of the family and church he is pastor of. We altered the plan out of respect for his need to spend time facing the loss and honor the friend. We’ll reschedule a visit down the road. God’s plan trumps “mice and men” plans.
Implementing a plan change was complicated by the Covered Bridge Festival taking place in the western half of Indiana which left no room in the “inn”. I selected Lost Bridge West State Park campground southwest of Fort Wayne. We traveled there by way of US 131, Indiana 5, and Indiana 105.
I began to notice a minimum of highway signs, businesses, and traffic as I traveled south along ever-narrowing roads. Farms were right and left and fields were being harvested. I felt grateful to the farmers who supply the food chains I partake of daily.
Farmers first as I learn patience and appreciation
At our destination we selected a site near two bath houses, a water spigot, and on a high level gravel site. With only electric hookup we’re learning to manage water and waste carefully to avoid unnecessary teardown and setup.
A teardrop rally group were camped nearby so we walked through the display of authentic restore and retro-repro trailers along with some cool tow vehicles.
The next day we traveled to a site near Marion, IN to view a “reenactment” of a battle in the War of 1812.
The location was well staged with period correct camps of the British soldiers, American soldiers, Native Indians, militia, villagers, and pirates along the Mississinewa river. The battle was narrated as it smoked and blasted our senses. A huge cast of performers and props made the well attended event take us to a place back in time.
Back at the state park we checked out the Salamonie dam that creates the lake we were on. Salamonie Lake Recreational Area is a multiuse park and pretty well maintained. It served us well for our initial landing after finally launching into our travels.
-LA
AustinsOnWheels 