Monarch Caterpillar

Monarch butterflies are becoming scarce in our area.

I've seen a few, but not nearly what was around when I was a kid.

 That's why I was excited when I spotted this Monarch caterpillar.

I ending up finding several actually.

Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed plants and the caterpillar feeds on the plants.

If possible, refrain from cutting down milkweed.

It gives us theses beautiful butterflies.

Glimpses of the Garden

 

 This guy helped!

Ouabache State Park

We visited Ouabache State Park in northeastern Indiana.

Ouabache is the Indian word for the Wabash River, which forms the parks southern boundery.

The park is smaller than most state parks but packs a lot into a small package.

The park is known for its small herd of bison.

They are in a 20 acre enclosure which was quite different from seeing them roaming in Custer, SD,

but its still a treat to see them.

 There is small Kunkel Lake, where kayaks, paddleboats & rowboats can be rented.

 There are several easy trails, so don't forget your hiking boots.

And bring your bikes.

Its an excellent park for biking.

There is a three mile paved bike path that stretches from one side of the park to the other.

And the bike path continues on along the Wabash River Greenway.

Leading into the nearby town of Blufton, about 10 miles round trip.

And keep an eye out for the unusual black squirrels scampering around.

Leap of Faith

Limberlost Cabin

We visited the Limberlost Cabin, home of famous Indiana author

Gene Stratton - Porter.

The house was her home from 1895 until 1913.

She wrote many of her novels here, including A Girl of the Limberlost, 

a novel about the nearby Limberlost Swamp.

Five dollars buys you a tour of the inside of the home

which displays many of Stratton-Porter's possessions & remains almost as she left it.

We had a terrific guide named Curt, who was very knowledgeable and made the author come alive for us.

 We experienced her life & home, looking out the same conservatory window as she did.

And fittingly, we saw a baby rabbit in the famed naturalist's garden.

 If you are traveling near Geneva, Indiana, the site is worth a stop.

Spicebush Swallowtail

Kayaking the Creek

Oldest granddaughter loves to kayak,

so we paddled Hinkle Creek which borders the ranch.

Grandpa stayed on shore & snapped some shots

 Ended up the day with a ride on Rocky!

Luna Moth