Feel The Burn

Our first out of town excursion for hiking was a great remedy for the grouchies I complained about last week. Fresh air, some warm sunshine and awakening muscles that have been in winter hibernation is all it took to turn the mood around. We headed to Canyon Inn, in McCormick’s Creek State Park, located in Spencer, Indiana.

McCormick’s Creek State Park was Indiana’s first established State Park (1916) and has an interesting history beginning with John McCormick settling in the area and creating nearly a 100 acre homestead. In those early years of the 1800s animals grazed along the steep slopes, timber was cut but it was quickly learned that the creek wasn’t strong enough to power a sawmill to make that endeavor profitable, and another tried business venture was opening a limestone quarry but it was too much of a hardship to get the cut stone to the railroad line so that fell aside as well. In 1888 circumstances improved when Dr. Fredrick Denkewalter, appreciating the peaceful surroundings, purchased part of the area and built a place where weary and wealthy people could “get away from it all.” That spot is where the Inn stands today. In 1914 when Dr. Denkewalter died his estate went up for sale and the state of Indiana purchased it with the intent to keep its park like setting. It was dedicated as our first state park on July 4, 1916. In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) constructed many of the structures found throughout the park paths. The campground, pool and nature center were added in the 1970s. 1916 is also the same year President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park System. I am continually reminded and appreciative of the foresight of civic leaders and naturalists who have advocated for, secured and set aside beautiful area for many to enjoy, from the state parks to the national parks “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” That statement is carved into the entrance arch at Yellowstone, our first National Park established in 1872. Also notable, in 1903 President Teddy Roosevelt asked John Muir, known as the “father of national parks” to be his guide through Yosemite Valley. They spent several days camping together. That trip motivated the President to protect areas of wilderness.

Our Adventure

We arrived early enough on day 1 to attend a “critter” feeding at the nature center before heading out on our first trail hike. We picked trail number 5 which encompasses the Wolf Cave Nature Preserve. We quickly realized that the snow melting and recent rain had made the trails wet and pretty muddy in some spots. But, hey that’s what we are all about; MuddyBoots. We were able to traverse about ½ of the loop before the high waters of a stream caused us to turn and return the way we entered. Typically, in the summer these sort of streams are so low that it is easy to find a way to cross without getting wet, but we didn’t try this time between the water being ice cold and high. That aside, the flowing water was peaceful and very pretty.

This trail was full of reminiscent memories. A very long time ago, maybe even before we were married, we took this trail and upon arriving to Wolf Cave decided to follow a group of boys, who had flashlights, into the cave. I took about three steps into the cave and had a sudden change of heart as the feeling of claustrophobia set in. I froze and simply had to turn around. G. on the other hand had a stronger adventurous spirit and continued in. But with the few moments of me explaining I wouldn’t be joining, and him turning to continue, the boys had vanished into the dark. G. was unable to catch up to the nimble young boys who weren’t yet full height as G. was at 6’2.’’ Not having a flashlight himself, G. literally had to navigate his way through by feeling the walls and roof of the cave so as to not hit his head, sometimes on his hands and knees. I scurried over the top of the cave and met him on the opposite side. He was very thankful it was a short trudge through darkness. This week G. stepped into Wolf cave considering whether to explore this time with the help of a flashlight but explained to me that the roof of the cave is lower now so he chose not to proceed..hahaha. The area looks different than it did then. Now a railing surrounds the cave entrance, I suppose to direct traffic flow in an effort to protect the area.

On day 2 we managed to get three different trails hiked. We began the morning with trail 3. It has a trailhead just off the Inn’s parking lot and leads to the falls. Winter was literally hanging on in the area on the steep limestone cliffs and areas of deep ice remained on the steps and lookout spots. But water was melting quickly with the warm temperatures and racing its way to McCormick’s Creek. The large icicles aren’t the only feature hanging precariously to the edges, the trees that have managed to grow along these banks are remarkably clinging to the stony edge. Adaptability is what came to my mind. When faced with a challenging situation, adapt, dig in and hold on tight.

Our second hike was on trail 7. We were looking forward to making our way to the White River, but probably about 1/3 of the way in we were met with serious flooding. The creek was higher than usual, but not flooded. The White River, being the collector of all these smaller tributaries, was flooded and at the point where McCormick’s Creek flows into the river it was backed up so much there was no discerning where the trail was. Several other hikers had given us a heads up that we would not be able to get through, but we still wanted to go as far as we could. We hope to return later this year and re-walk our path to be able to complete trail 7 and reach the White River.

Our final hike was trail 2, including the off shoot trail that leads to the Old State House Quarry. With the moss covering the stone the quarry looks like ancient ruins. Cut stone from this quarry was used for the basement in the State House in Indianapolis. The stone from this particular quarry wasn’t as good as from other areas so that was the only amount used from here. Generally though, Indiana limestone is some of the best in the world and can be found in the construction of buildings in NYC, Washington DC and Chicago.

This was our last hike in McCormick’s Creek State Park. Usually, our visits to state parks are simply day trips, but by staying two days we were able to experience a lot of the park. Those muscles I mentioned getting awakened started to become far more noticed with our last ascent back up the hill, and boy did they burn. After visiting with a lady by the elevator later that day we learned one needs to be careful heading out on these trails with steep descents and accents. Two women that were on a scrapbook “retreat” with her, headed out and nearly couldn’t make their way back up the hill. She shared they were clinging to and pulling on trees to assist themselves up the steep hill. If it hadn’t been for the assistance from another hiker that helped/pushed them up she said they probably would have eventually sent a search party. The daughter of one of the ladies was growing quite concerned how long her mother had been out hiking. Yikes.

We took a short detour on our way home to make a stop at Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. We have hiked around and on the falls creek bed several times in the past. This time we were surprised to see Mill Creek so high and running so forcefully! We hiked along the trail that runs between the upper and lower falls and were amazed at the creek’s transformation from how we have experienced it before. Getting out and doing these hikes off season certainly has had its challenges, but it is interesting to create unique memories from doing familiar things at unfamiliar times.

‘Til next time.

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul.” John Muir