Tag Archives: #trip

The Midwest Beach, Indiana Dunes

Loving the Beach

Hi all. I appreciate every single one of you following my journey. Now I want to share a place that’s quickly becoming a favorite getaway for me. I’ve had the good fortune on multiple occasions now, to visit the Indiana Dunes. This area in North West Indiana boasts a State Park and National Park . It’s the midwest beach. I wrote about scattering some of Eric here a few months ago. Several of you have messaged me and asked about it. So I thought I would feature an article about this wonderful destination spot.

There are many reasons to love this beach. Indiana Dunes National Park has 15,000 acres and 15 miles miles of beach according to the national parks website. This beach sits on Lake Michigan a freshwater lake, so the salt of the oceans’ beaches are not a problem here. It’s closer to the midwestern states than driving south to visit the ocean and there’s plenty of sand and sun during the summer months.

Getting to The Midwest Beach

map from the govenment parks website showing indiana dunes national park

Of course I’m not telling you anything the locals here don’t already know. I’ve visited this gorgeous place since I met my late husband in 1997. But I didn’t really appreciate it until now. Now I’ve had time. Time to go and just sit whenever I want. Time to spend just enjoying it, so I wanted to share it with you.

The sunsets here are amazing. On a clear night, I can even see the Chicago skyline. But besides these highlights, there is so much more this national park has to offer. The park has 50 miles of hiking trails. This midwest beach not only offers “rugged dunes” but also boasts wetlands, prairies, rivers, and forests.

sunset at the midwest beach in northern indiana
view of the midwest beach from central beach

Attractions

Tucked around the park you will also find lots of local eateries. If you are looking for a place to stay while here, there are also plenty of options depending on your budget and stay requirements. The government parks website also has a page to help plan your trip according to what you want to do. Although just sitting and listening to the waves is always my favorite. So if you are looking for a quick getaway without having to drive or fly and spend tons of money, check out the midwest beach in northern Indiana. I guarantee you will love it plus, if you want to get spicy there’s always Chicago within an hours drive.

Another Lucy Update- Travel Cat

Pre-Travel Cat Prep

Hi there! Lucy (my travel cat companion) is doing as well as to be expected with all things considering. The new vet is working out great. All meds are filled easily now. I visited the pet store and stocked up on her favorites before heading out. Leaving was pretty straight forward.

Before traveling, Lucy had never been on a trip except to the vet. She did not like traveling at all. So before her first trip out, I went to the (old) vet and asked how to make her a travel cat. I needed a way to calm her anxiety and relieve her motion sickness. The vet prescribed alprazolam. It’s worked really well. I give it about an hour before we leave. Lucy’s reaction has become predictable which helped me. I have to restrict food and water or I am constantly pulling over to clean her up.

Lucy sleeping pre trip

Pre trip prep also included lots of rest, a good ear cleaning and fresh bandana. Bandanas are staying. It keeps her from scratching and licking the area of her neck which has become itchy. A bandana is not only stylish, it also keeps the area dry. She doesn’t try to get it off. The new vet agreed that because of her age and we can’t determine the cause of her itchy spot, a bandana works.

On The Road

As I said, she’s become predictable. She lets me know when she’s ready for a fresh pee pad which may or may not require pulling over, depending on the severity. The link is to the ones I love the most. I’ve tried several brands and keep coming back to these made by Glad. #ad

She tells me when she’s thirsty and hungry and gets a small snack and water during gas fill ups. Which is usually around every 3 hours. As I said before, restricting keeps us both calm and clean.

Lucy in her carrier in the front seat of my truck

This carrier continues to amaze me. I got it on Amazon. Here’s the Link if you want to check it out. #ad

It’s by Siivton and airline approved! All sides fold out to become this large tent like thing. It doubles as a carrier and a litter box. I put a pee pad inside and she goes in and does her business. It’s so easy and convenient. It unzips all the way around so when we get to where we are going. I can unzip it, spray it down and keep using it. This carrier is completely soft sided but it’s maintained it’s structure for now.

Easy carry on straps. If I’m going somewhere I don’t want to advertise I have an animal, I throw a blanket over the carrier and it looks like luggage. Whoever designed this was a genius.

Staying In Kansas City

Lucy is becoming an old pro at being a travel cat. We have developed a routine when we get to where we are going. I get her set up and leave her alone. She needs time to herself. Then when Lucy is ready, she interacts and acclimates to her new surroundings.

One trip to the pet store while in Kansas City was required to stock up on food and more treats!

Travel Cat Leaving KC

The road trip back to Kentucky was uneventful. We talked for about 4 hours. Then she decided to nap the rest of the way. When we got back, she was tired so she slept some more. She was her usual self the following morning. She purred, ate, and did all of her kitty things. Until our next adventure!!

Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask any questions or leave any tips. We are still learning on this new adventure of ours.

A Castle in Colorado, Visiting Bishop Castle

First Impressions

First off, I want to say when I decided to visit a castle in Colorado, this was not what I was expecting. I knew nothing about this place beforehand. After driving more than hour, what I encountered was easily something out of fairytales and days gone by.

Parking was on the road and I had to walk up a hill before the whole area came into view. Then I was completely amazed. Bishop Castle is free to visit and it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Enter at your own risk!

out front of bishop castle
the exterior of bishop castle

A Little History About The Castle in Colorado

From the website Bishop Castle this was the dream of Jim Bishop and he has been working on construction for more than 60 years. There are 3 floors with a grand ball room, lots of staircases, landings, and little secret spots.

Navigating The Castle Interior

No part of the castle is off limits but be warned. The staircases are narrow and lots of landings are high. Although there is railing, one could easily go off or over. The floors are well, sketchy in parts but the views are worth it.

the glass ceiling of the grand hall. castle in colorado. bishop castle.
standing outside the roof of the grand hall. castle in colorado. bishop castle.
ceiling of the grand hall. castle in colorado
This is the ceiling in the grand ball room from inside.

The history page on the website is fascinating and full of information about how the castle came to be. It tells that at the tallest point the castle stands at roughly 160 feet. The Learn and explore page gives more information about the dragon and how it was born.

castle in colorado. bishop castle in rye, colorado.

The website and signs say that from the beginning and subsequently, until the addition of the gift shop, the castle relied solely on donations.

The gift shop can be seen in the distance.

So if you ever find yourself out near Rye, Colorado, the Bishop Castle is a must see. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve heard it’s gorgeous at night also. Remember it NEVER closes! Thanks for reading!