DH took a 4 day weekend (as per his employment contract with his new
company, he gets 3 weeks vacation a year, and that's just to start, the
longer he's there, the more vacation time he'll get), taking Thursday &
Friday off (Thursday morning I had my annual checkup at my eye doctor - it's
been 5 years since I had the Lasik surgery to correct my 20/400 vision, and
I'm now 20/20 in my right eye and 20/25 in my left - and they said they
would be dilating my eyes so DH needed to drive me home).  He decided we
needed to try out our new backpacking & camping equipment (lightweight
backpacks, super-light tent
(http://www.marmot.com/products/product.php?cat=tents&subcat=48&style_id=F2727#,
barely over 5 lbs when packed), sleeping bags that can be stuffed into
amazingly small 'stuff bags', freeze-dried food, super-small camping stove &
cooking and eating utensils (knives & forks made from Lexan!!!) - all the
stuff I wished had been invented when I went camping as a Girl Scout 30
years ago).

Anyway, we really didn't leave for our little adventure until later that
afternoon, about the time my eyesight became normal again.

It was about 3:30-4:00 pm by the time we got to the parking area.  This is
in the Charles C Deem Wilderness area of the Hoosier National Forest
(Hoosier National Forest is actually several forests scattered in different
areas of Indiana), which is southeast of Lake Monroe (and Lake Monroe is
south and east (yes, it's that big - one of the largest in Indiana) of
Bloomington).  We strap on our packs (ugh) and set off.

The first part of the trail was fairly easy, but not being used to having a
20lb pack strapped to my back, I took it slow.  That and the fact that there
was some gravel (used to help stop erosion), the big 3 inch kind, and I have
small feet (wear anywhere from size5 to 6, US sizes), and even smaller
ankles (neither of which appreciated the extra weight of the backpack), and
my ankles do not take kindly to those gravel hunks (or twigs or whatever)
that decide to sun their undersides just when you step on them.  We'd be
happily strolling along, when DH would hear me mutter "Ouch, !$%!$%$#%-ing
rocks".

This is a hike that is just less than 5 miles, and some would consider it
fairly easy, but I consider it rugged.  The trail is also used for horseback
riding, so in addition to dodging the ankle-turning rocks, we were dodging
horsepoo (and some very muddy (suck your shoes off) places).

And the trail didn't stay downhill for long.  It mostly follows some of the
ridgelines in the woods, but there are some dips into hollows, and one point
(at about mid way into the hike) you are on a 2-foot-wide trail, one that's
not very level, on the side of a very steep hill.  One slip and "buh-bye".
You're on your way to a quick dip in Lake Monroe.  A bumpy ride as you
rebound off the trees on the way.  DH very quickly traverses that part, and
leaves me behind.  I let him know that I'm not happy with that, as I am
slowing down as my poor feet have started to throb with every step.

For an example of the trail, go here (this is a mockup I made & not very
exact): http://community.webshots.com/photo/76978303/373868640udwFAd

Or, you can go here for an online topographical map (you'll need Adobe
reader to see it):
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/images/maps/trail_maps/deam_wilderness_backpage.pdf

The trail we took is known as Peninsula Trail, but it follows Grub Ridge
Loop for a bit before branching off.

Anyway, after what was probably only 2.5-3 hours of hiking (but seemed like
a week to my poor feet), we finally reached the lakeside campsite.  As
usual, some slobs visiting before us had left a lot of garbage.
Fortunately, most of it was off to the side.  We pitched out tent up the
rest of our camp.  Then it was time to take the hiking boots of and slip
into the beach shoes (similar to these
http://www.kids-kaper.co.uk/pages/limages/kooshiesbluebig.jpg) to rest my
poor abused feet.  Didn't really help.  Each step was agony.  The good thing
was that I didn't have the (ugh) pack on any more.

We settled down to have a bite to eat (nice DNR & park maintenance people so
thoughtfully placed a picnic table at the came site), and after our
re-hydrated freeze-dried meal, went to clean the dishes.  I couldn't move.
It seemed every muscle in my body ached, not just the soles of my (poor)
feet.  It wasn't far to the shore of the lake, maybe 20-30 yards, but I
think I moved like a 95-year-old!  Oh.  My.  Gosh.  We finally got the
dishes "washed" and dried (MSR (http://www.msrcorp.com/) makes a handy-dandy
camping towel with which you can wash/dry your camping dishes & utensils
with, and even bigger ones to wash & dry yourself with, too).

DH originally wanted to stay for more than one night, but we both knew that
there were hungry-hungry kitties at home to be fed.  After not much sleep
(crickets - aaaaaaaagh) that night (I had to go & pee behind a tree at
around midnight), we had a quick breakfast, packed everything back up,
loaded up & headed out.  Again, about half-2/3 way into the hike, my feet
felt gawdawful.  I have never been so happy to see a vehicle.  I shed my
packer faster than a cat sheds fur on a hot summer day.  Located my beach
shoes, and quickly donned them (after shedding my hiking boots).  We climbed
into the Jeep (yes, I actually own a Jeep - green with tan soft-top that has
been down for 8 days running now), and headed back, with only a stop at a
gas station/convenience store/bait shop (there are tons of bait shops around
Lake Monroe - the lake is not only recreational, but contains some wildlife
habitats (bald eagles!!!) and is Bloomington's main source of water
(mmm-mmm-mmm fish-pee. my favorite!) as well as some prime properties and
fishing spots) for some junk food & sodas (gotta have my Dew).

After returning home, we set the tent out in a sunny spot to dry.  It
actually did NOT rain while we were out, but it got in the upper 50s to
lower 60sF (10-15C) and we had condensation on the inside of the tent - from
our breath!  Went inside, took a HOT shower and then proceeded to unpack all
the camping stuff.

The sleeping bags still need to be washed, though, but the instruction tags
say to wash in front-load machines only - to avoid getting them all twisted
and tangled by a top-load's agitator.

HOME SWEET HOME

Those words never sounded so good!

PS - since we were in the woods 85% of the time, I didn't use sunscreen and
didn't break out in that rash like I have before.  I've even tried baby
sunblock once or twice, and I still broke out.  I guess I'm stuck dealing
with peeling skin & a deep tan afterwards (and the dangers of the big M,
too).  MMJ