This weekend, Beth and I decided to take a short drive to Cagles Mill Lake for some kayaking and a visit to Cataract Falls. It’s a quick getaway that’s not too far from home, making it a perfect day trip for us.
Sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones you’ve spent months planning. Sometimes they’re just a few hours away.
The Kayaking Plan Didn’t Last Long
Our first stop was the lake. We unloaded the kayaks, got everything ready, and headed out.
Unfortunately, the weather had other plans.
The wind was already picking up ahead of an approaching storm, and the water was much rougher than we expected. We had our life jackets and safety gear, but after paddling for a short time, we decided it wasn’t worth pushing our luck.
There’s a difference between being adventurous and being stubborn.
We weren’t having much fun fighting the wind, and the conditions were beyond our experience level. Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is turn around and save the adventure for another day.
So that’s exactly what we did.
On To Cataract Falls
With the kayaks loaded back up, we headed over to Cataract Falls.
If you’ve never been there, it’s definitely worth the trip.
The falls are actually divided into two sections—the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Both are beautiful, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d give the edge to the Upper Falls.
One of the coolest parts of the visit was the covered bridge that crosses the creek near the falls. Walking across it felt like stepping back in time for a few minutes.
A Hidden Gem in Indiana
The falls themselves were impressive.
The water was moving fast, and the layered rock formations made for some great views and even better pictures. We spent quite a bit of time just walking around, exploring different angles, and taking it all in.
For a place that’s only a short drive from home, it really felt like we had escaped for the day.
The Fitness Part We Didn’t Expect
One thing that stood out to me was how much easier the walking felt than it would have a few months ago.
Some of the paths were steep, uneven, and required a little climbing over rocks. Not long ago I would have been out of breath and looking for the easiest route.
Instead, we handled it without much trouble.
That’s when it hit me that all of those treadmill interval workouts and walks are starting to pay off in real life.
Sometimes progress isn’t about a number on the scale. Sometimes it’s realizing that things that used to be difficult aren’t difficult anymore.
More Indiana Adventures Ahead
Before we left, we decided to purchase an Indiana State Parks annual pass.
That means we’ll be spending a lot more time exploring parks, trails, lakes, and hidden gems around the state over the next year.
Honestly, we’re pretty excited about it.
Indiana has a lot more to offer than people sometimes give it credit for, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of it.
If you know of a hidden gem in Indiana—or anywhere else—let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear about it.
And if you visit Cataract Falls, be sure to snap a few pictures and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
Until next time,
Butch & Beth