INDIANA DUNES

I keep on finding more proof that in my previous lifestyle, I spent way too much time being an inactive person, content to watch TV for hours on end. These days, I can spend a full week in various hotel rooms and never once turn on the TV.  This is because during the time that I used to watch TV - I am often out and about doing something far more rewarding.  After my late afternoon appointment ended in Chesterton, Indiana, my customer asked where I was headed next. (Customers of mine are always wondering which of their competitors I am going to visit next.) I said I was going to look for a trail and/or visit the local YMCA. She suggested the Indiana Dunes which were less than 10 miles away. It is ridiculous that in the nearly quarter century of living in Chicago, I had never once made the trip to Indiana to visit the dunes. Even my daughter has been to the dunes, coincidentally within the past two weeks on a school trip. I parked at the visitors center outside the National Park and walked about two miles straight to the beach. I still had to pay $2.00 admission fee entering the park on foot. I was told to look for the Dune Ridge Trail (trail 8) as it was considered the most difficult and it included the three highest peaks, which were nearly 200 feet above beach level. When my hike was over, I had traversed 12 miles. I would definitely go back with my family. It was very challenging to walk uphill in sand, as my feet sunk into the sand with each step. A more perfect end to a visit to Indiana Dunes would have one disrobe from one's hiking clothes and refresh in Lake Michigan, and then catch some rays lounging on the beach.  That would be a perfect day. Nevertheless, my completely unexpected, unplanned visit yesterday was near perfect.

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I parked for free at the Visitors Center outside the park as I was told that this was perfectly OK, but still paid the $2.00 walk in fee

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Entrance to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

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Before climbing up into the dunes, I walked straight to the beach. In the distant background is the small silhouette of Chicago.

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Mt. Tom (the summit of the first of three 'peaks' at the dunes

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It is odd to the the elevation of something called Mt. Holden be only 184 feet. (I promise you, it took some effort to get up there)

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With each step walking up to the top of a dune (on the designated trail) one's foot sinks into the loose sand.

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Taken from the rim of what is called a 'blowout' and looking back into the thick woods which  grow on the dunes. During my walk, I did see a wild turkey - although I did not snap a photo of it.  I guess you will have to take my word that I saw it.

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Your Food Diary For:

Thursday, June 2, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Quaker Oats - Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	640	132	8	16	800	48
KELLOGGS - RAISIN BRAN	380	92	2	10	420	36
	1,020	224	10	26	1,220	84
L U N C H
Oscar Mayer Lunchables - Turkey & Cheddar With Crackers Withtout Cookies, 1 package (3.2oz)	260	22	13	12	670	5
Nature Valley - Oats 'n Honey, Crunchy Granola Bar	190	29	7	3	180	11
Lunchables - Ham & Cheddar with Crackers, 1 pkg	260	22	13	14	700	5
	710	73	33	29	1,550	21
D I N N E R
Panera - Thai Chicken Broth Bowl, 1 bowl	290	37	6	23	1,320	6
Panera Bread - French Baguette, 5 oz.	360	72	2	8	880	0
Panera - Half Roasted Turkey & Avocado Blt on Sourdough, 1/2 sandwich	260	24	11	16	470	1
Panera - Chips, 1 bag	150	17	8	2	170	1
	1,060	150	27	49	2,840	8
S N A C K S
Grandmas - Mini Sandwich Cremes, 18 cookies	300	44	14	4	190	18
	300	44	14	4	190	18
Totals	3,090	491	84	108	5,800	131
Your Daily Goal	5,059	632	168	253	2,300	189
Remaining	1,969	141	84	145	-3,500	58
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 3,129 extra calories from exercise today

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Your Exercise Diary for:

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking	205	1,798
Add Exercise Quick Tools
Daily Total / Goal	205 / 30	1,798 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	866 / 210	9,825 / 4,130

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