Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Growing up, my mother told me (repeatedly) not to talk to strangers, and while it's good, sound advice, sometimes a casual conversation with someone you don't know isn't a bad thing. I’ve learned that people who ride bikes are super friendly, especially to other folks on bikes, but even the people who aren’t on bikes will gladly chat with you.

I've noticed a pattern. The first thing everyone does is smile and nod, then ask where we’re from. The further we get from New Jersey, the wider their grins, the more approving their nods, and the occasional “That’s a helluva roadtrip” is exclaimed.  Sunday, while in the gas station, a well-dressed man (who was driving a stellar blue Mustang) walked up and warmly welcomed us to Indiana. Bob told us that he also rides, but unfortunately, crashed his bike a while back.  Two bruised ribs and salvage, but he plans to be out riding again soon.

Bob asked how long we’d be in town, and suggested, if we had the time and opportunity, to visit Garden of the Gods, a geological wonder in Shawnee National Forest.  He explained that these extraordinary rock formations were the result of glaciers, wind, rain and a few hundred million years.

Since Shawnee National Forest was not too far off our beaten path, we decided to stop and take a look, since we’d seen our share of budding corn and wheat fields.

We weren’t sure what to expect, but I know we didn’t expect what we found.  The hiking trail takes about 45 minutes, but I’d add a bunch of time if you are a gawker or photographer. We only got as far as the second stop, but the views and formations were absolutely awe-inspiring!

If you google “Garden of the Gods”, you can find a ton of information, pictures and videos on the area. Two I found were:

http://www.shawneeforest.com/Hiking/GardenoftheGods.aspx

http://www.backpackcamp.com/GardenOfTheGods.html

I wish we’d had more time to explore; sneakers and shorts would have been nice, but the thirty minutes we were able to spend were well worth it.

So, the moral of the story? Sometimes it is okay to talk to strangers.

Thanks, Bob!!!