Blogarithmic Function: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Trail #10

I finally got back out to the Dunes to try Trail 10 again this week. I did a few things differently, which made the hike much easier. First, I didn't start out with the 3-Dune Challenge. That stole a good deal of energy I needed for the long runs. Second, I stuck to the beach, rather than hiking the constant up and downs in the dunes. Finally, I picked a day that was only 80 degrees.

The Nature Center, where most trailheads are located.

The hike started at the Nature Center. I took trail 7 through the wooded area to the lake front. From there, I traveled on the beach close to the water. Just a little tip: If you walk within a few feet of the water's edge, the sand retains a small amount of water that improves its rigidity, making for a much easier walk than walking in soft dry sand. The route along the beach offers a level hike with the waves ever present in the background. The views of the dunes are very picturesque, as well.

A view of the dunes from the beach

After a couple miles, the trail turned back into the woodland, and it was really nice. One downside: the mosquitoes were really bad. I sprayed repellent as soon as I entered the woods, which only kept them from landing and biting. The continued to swarm around my head for the bulk of the walk. The bugs notwithstanding, the trail is well maintained, and winding through very quiet woods.

A view of the wetlands south of Trail 10. Trail #2 heading in and around the wetlands was closed due to high water.

I did get to see a lizard, and a baby garter snake, though both were off into the brush before I could get my camera out.

One thing I did that was quite different this time was to shoot a video of the hike. I'll be posting that soon on YouTube and will link to it here when it's ready.

The profile is flat on the beach and in the woodlands, with a few small inclines entering each.

The 10 Km hike covers beach sands, and woodlands, and is the longest in the Dunes parks.

And now, my first hiking video. The audio in the beginning is a little low, as I underestimated the loss of volume due to the distance, and the sound of cicadas in the background. The camera is also a bit shaky, so next time I'll play with stabilization features.