(final post in a 5-part series)

The last stop on my trip around Lake Michigan was at Indiana Dunes National Park, which hugs 15 miles of the southern shore, encompassing some 15,000 acres and 50 miles of trails.

While not as massive as the Sleeping Bear dunes, these were still impressive.

I met Hazelnut the wonder pup while walking the beach. She barked, jumped, and generally refused to do anything photogenic in my presence. So I walked on, returning about 30 minutes later heading back to the car. As soon as the dog spotted me, she began running in my direction at full speed, sliding to a dramatic sand-spraying “hockey stop” inches from my feet. She shook herself off, gave a few playful barks, then went back to the owners to get her favorite ball.

On my second evening at Indiana dunes, the sunset was especially dramatic, so I took the opportunity to pose for a self-portrait commemorating my last night on the road.