Corydon, Indiana...

After leaving O'Bannon Woods State Park, we drove a short distance east to the town of Corydon, Indiana. Candace had wanted to take me to visit Corydon for a while, since it was here that Indiana's first state constitution was drafted. Corydon served as Indiana's first state capital from 1816 until 1825, when the seat of government moved to Indianapolis, and was also the site of the Battle of Corydon during the American Civil War in 1863. We walked around the downtown area and enjoyed delicious (albeit rather expensive) coffee before heading back home. It was a great day!

 Indiana's first constitution was drafted under the shade of the Constitution Elm.

 The tree died in 1925, but the trunk was preserved in this monument.

 Lovely little houses near the Constitution Elm.

 Another beautiful house.

 The Frank O'Bannon Monument in Downtown Corydon.

 The Old State Capitol.

 The Harrison County Court House, located just near the Old State Capitol.

 Captured WW1 German Howitzer.

 Enjoying coffee at a local coffee shop.

Crawford County is just next to Harrison County.

 Clouds in the sky as we drive over a hill.

View of the Ohio River on the way home.

O'Bannon Woods State Park...

We spent a day visiting O'Bannon Woods State Park recently. (Monday, 24th April.) This state park is located in the Harrison-Crawford State Forest, on the banks of the Ohio River. We looked at the Hay Press barn, the farm animals, and the pioneer farmstead. We also hiked along the Ohio River Bluff hiking trail, which offered scenic views of the Ohio River and the state of Kentucky across the river.

 A scenic overlook on the drive to O'Bannon Woods.

 Playground at O'Bannon Woods.

 The old barn housing the historic hay press.

 Old wagons outside.

 Riaan loved the farm animals!

 There were donkeys and cattle.

 The pioneer farmstead.

 Hiking up to the bluff above the Ohio River.

 View looking down at the Ohio River.

 Kentucky across the waters.

 Walking just above the river bank.

 Lots of green.

 Tall cliffs off to our left. The river was on our right as we walked along.

 A tree looking as if it is delicately balancing on a rock ledge.

 Path along the river.

 The flower of the tulip tree, the state tree of both Indiana and Kentucky.

 Ohio River.

 Mining happening on the Kentucky side of the river.

 Family selfie by the river's edge.

 Riaan hiking across the grass.

 Potato Run Church, located within O'Bannon Woods.

 The cemetery behind the church.

Gravestones in Breedens Burial Ground, near Potato Run Church.

Stormy Evenings...

A few more photos of stormy early-evening skies. It's been a turbulent - but beautiful - spring so far.

 Walking along the road with rumbling clouds in the distance.

 The sun peaks through as the storm clouds pass overhead.

 Towering cumulonimbus clouds.

Candace and Riaan enjoy the evening after a thunderstorm.

Daviess County Round Barn...

We drove past Daviess County's only round barn on our drive back from Harmonie State Park on the 16th April. Despite having lived in Daviess County since July 2014, it was my first visit to this picturesque old barn. We pulled off the road so I could take a few photos of this barn, constructed in 1908, before we headed back home.

 View from the main entrance.

Tornado Damage...

We drove past the path of a long-track EF3 tornado after our visit to Harmonie State Park. The damage was both awe-inspiring and terrifying! This particular tornado had touched down late in the evening on February 28th. It was on the ground for almost 45-miles, touching down near Crossville, Illinois and finally lifting on the outskirts of Oakland City, Indiana. This was the same severe weather event that caused substantial damage to our neighbour's property.

 Snapped and uprooted trees on the edge of a field.

 Snapped trees and destroyed buildings along a river.

 Damage where the tornado crossed Interstate-64.

Harmonie State Park...

Riaan had a pretty rough time the night before Easter, and so when Easter Sunday dawned we were all too tired to make it to church. And so after a leisurely morning, we decided to worship God another way: By getting outside and spending time in His beautiful creation! We dodged some storms and visited scenic Harmonie State Park - on the banks of the Wabash River. We hiked and had lovely family time together. It was definitely needed! :)

 Sign at the main entrance.

 Lovely trees on either side of the road.

 Storm clouds developing in the distance.

 Pretty pond.

 Walking through a valley littered with fallen trees.

 Swamps and ponds.

 Beaver activity.

 Pretty purple flowers.

 Interesting lily-type plant.

 Small ferns creating a cool pattern.

 Dogwood tree.

 White squirrels.

 Riaan and Candace hiking through the forest.

 Pretty forest scene.

 The Wabash River in the distance.

 Illinois is over the Wabash River.

 Family selfie with Illinois behind us.

 Play area.

Having fun on the swings.

 But playing with dirt and mud is more fun!

A large field at Harmonie State Park.