Indiana Dunes State Park and Michigan City...

We arrived at Valparaiso late on Saturday, 16th July. We stayed at Mercy Ships friends' home and had a lovely time there. The next day we set out and explored the area.

We first went to Indiana Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan. Here we walked on the beautiful beach as a morning thunderstorm rolled in from across the lake. We visited the Nature Centre and swam in Lake Michigan later in the day.

We also visited the old historic lighthouse at Michigan City, Indiana, and had a great seafood lunch at a restaurant nearby. We even drove into the state of Michigan so that I could add a new state to my list - and a new quarter to my collection. It was a fantastic day exploring northern Indiana.

The following day we drove back down to southern Indiana, stopping in at a couple of State Parks on our travels, including Tippecanoe River State Park and Turkey Run State Park. It was a great weekend away!

 The beach pavilion at Indiana Dunes State Park.

 Lake Michigan has claimed many ships over the centuries.

 A powerful thunderstorm comes across Lake Michigan.

 Entering Michigan - another state to add to my list.

 Michigan City, Indiana.

 Waiting to cross over the canal into the Waterfront area.

 The Overboard restaurant - where we had lunch.

 Hmmm, calamari!

 The historic Old Michigan City Light, built in 1858.

 View from the lantern room.

 Chicago skyline in the distance.

 Selfie in front of the lighthouse.

 Cute little tug boat.

 Yachts at the marina.

 Michigan City East Light.

 The beach at Michigan City.

 A yacht plows through the waves.

 About to leave our home base in Valparaiso.

 Tippecanoe River State Park.

 Fire Tower.

 We climbed some of the way up the tower.

 Walking back down the trail.

 Turtles sunning themselves on a log.

 Downy Woodpecker.

Tippecanoe River.