FREE
COUPONS INSIDE!
SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2012
e t i h W ver Riisi n g Cr u ny a p m o c e Cano rips offers t diana’s along In gem’ ‘natural pg. 10
SPELUNKING
4
LASER TAG
16
TRACTOR PULL
20
St. Paul, Indiana • 765-525-6582 www.hiddenparadise.info
SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2012
4
GOING DEEP
8
HERE, KITTY KITTY…
10
WHITE RIVER CRUISING
14
WILD WOMEN
16
CATCHING SOME RAYS
20
THE PULL OF THE PULL
22
JUST AROUND THE BEND
Publisher E. Mayer Maloney, Jr. Editors Jackie Sheckler Finch Kathryn S. Gardiner kgardiner@hoosiertimes.com 812-331-4289
Book shares expert tips, tricks and the history of Indiana caves
A big-cat phenomenon in Hoosier forests
Canoe company offers trips along Indiana’s ‘natural gem’
Indiana BOW event teaches outdoor survival skills
New French Lick laser tag range blasts off for all-ages fun
Heltonville truck and tractor event stirs up excitement
Historic Ohio River locale becomes scenic RV campground
Advertising Angie Blanton angie@tmnews.com 812-277-7243 Marketing Brooke Toole McCluskey bmccluskey@hoosiertimes.com 812-349-1400 On the cover: Photo by Haley Brown Design by Andrew Lehman
©2012 Schurz Communications, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY COPYRIGHT. Prices, specials and descriptions are accurate as of the time of publishing. This publication or parts thereof may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. Advertising information has been provided by advertisers. Schurz Communications, Inc. does not make any representations as to the opinions and facts contained herein. All terms and conditions are subject to change. The cover, cover design, format and layout of this publication are trademarks of Schurz Communications, Inc.
w w w. a d ve nt ur ei n d.c o m
GOING
DEEP Book shares expert tips, tricks and the history of Indiana caves By Jackie Sheckler Finch
Courtesy photos
4
In 2005, my boss asked if I would think about writing a book about caves and I gullibly said, ‘Oh, sure.’” — Samuel Frushour
W
hen Samuel Frushour was a student at Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis, one of his math teachers invited students on a cave tour. That simple invitation set the course for Frushour’s life. Developing a deep affinity for caves, the Bloomington man has spent almost half a century exploring caves and working to protect them and to help others understand this precious natural resource. The retired head of the Field Services Section of the Indiana Geological Survey, Frushour also is the author of a new book published by Indiana University Press. A Guide to Caves and Karst of Indiana is an excellent field guide for rookies and experts alike. “In 2005, my boss asked if I would think about writing a book about caves and I gullibly said, ‘Oh, sure,’” Frushour recalled. “I’m a very busy guy, so it was written off and on for years ... Then IU Press decided to publish it.” The result is 142 pages of valuable information
and photos, including a glossary of cave, karst and geology terms, along with a listing of cave-oriented organizations. At $22, the paperback book is a compact practical guidebook. The book is especially valuable for its information on obtaining permission to visit Indiana caves since the majority of caves are on private property or require visitation permission from county, state or federal agencies. “Many people don’t understand that many caves are located on private property,” Frushour said. “Many caves on private property are no longer open for access because people didn’t bother to get permission to go into the caves and they didn’t respect private property. Above all, cave visitors must remember that they are guests and should respect the property and wishes of the cave owners.” Written in conjunction with the Indiana Geological Survey, the book contains practical information on safety and cave etiquette, as well as caving equipment. The guide also contains descriptions of Indiana caves and their unique history. “Indiana has about 3,200 caves and it is not surprising that humans have used CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
hops Unique S aily D n e Op Door & The Blue Fiddle The Pig &
Gasthof Amish Restaurant & Bakery
True Homemade Buffet- 7 Days A Week- Groups Welcome Meeting & Banquet Facilities- up to 300 people
2012
June 9 Ga Eventsst Sept. 15 Fa hof Spring Festiv al ll Festiv Nov. 2 & 3 al & Quilt Auction Holiday Ba zaar
Gasthof Village Inn- 82 room hotel, complimentary breakfast, group rates and extended stay discounts, outdoor pool, Free WIFI
Flea Market Open April-October 9am-3pm Tues., Wed. and Saturdays
OPEN77DAYS DAYS AAWEEK OPEN WEEK
6659 E. Gasthof Village Rd., Montgomery, IN
SUMMER 2012 1 mile N. US 50 • 812-486-2600
www.gasthofamishvillage.com
812-486-2600 • www.gasthofamishvillage.com 6659 E Gasthof Village Rd., Montgomery, IN 5
Indiana has about 3,200 caves and it is not surprising that humans have used them for a variety of purposes.” — Samuel Frushour
ey Creek Park Delan
BIKE RENTAL
SALEM, IN
Your Headquarters for the Great Outdoors
Camping • Fishing • Hiking • Swimming
812-883-5101
www.delaneypark.com
6
Cabin Rentals Also Available!
• Camping Supplies - Tents, Camping Lights, Fire Starters, Grills, Coleman Heaters and Lanterns, Sleeping Bags, Cooking Utensils
• Fishing Tackle • Live Bait • Horse Tack • RV Replacement Parts • Huge Selection of Carhartt Clothing • Lodge Cast Iron Cookware
Salt Creek Plaza • Nashville (812) 988-8888 WWW.BEARHARDWARE.COM Mon - Sat 7:30am - 7:00pm Sun 10:00am - 4:00pm
We Fill Propane Tanks
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
them for a variety of purposes,” Frushour said. “Aboriginal peoples used caves as shelter and as a resource of raw materials. Early settlers found the fresh water issuing from spring caves to be an important source of drinking water and a source of power for grist mills making corn meal and flour.” In more recent years, geologists, biologists and hydrologists have studied caves as natural laboratories. The book explains how caves are created, the different geological features seen in them and the types of animals that inhabit them. A chapter in the book on “The Cave Fauna of Indiana” was contributed by Julian J. Lewis and Salisa L. Lewis. For those who would like to learn more about cave exploration, Frushour offers tips on how and where to get started. “A good place to start is to go into one of the tour caves so you can get an idea of what a cave is like,” he said. “Of course, a tour cave is not like being in a cave where you are crawling around with the only lights being what is on your head and other people’s heads.” Getting involved in cave organizations or with experienced cavers is another way to learn about caving. “It takes a long time to get really experienced,” he said. “Much of learning to be a caver is just by doing and associating with people who know how to cave and how to treat caves.” One of the most important rules, Frushour added, is to never go caving alone. “That is never a good thing,” he said. “You also have to be in pretty good shape to be a caver or it will put you in pretty good shape. It is demanding on you physically because it is a very strenuous undertaking.” After all these years, Frushour said he still gets a thrill stepping into a cave. “I have a strange affliction. I am totally color blind,” he said. “So getting in a place that is dark is better for me because I am light sensitive. And being in a place with limited coloration like a cave is a comfortable feeling for me.” For more information about A Guide to Caves and Karst of Indiana: Call (800) 842-6796 or visit www.iupress.indiana.edu.
SUMMER 2012
Courtesy photos
America’s Most SPECTACULAR Underground Adventure. Squire Boone Caverns The caverns were discovered by Squire and Daniel Boone over two centuries ago! Beautiful stalactites and stalagmites decorate the cave ceilings, walls and floors.
Mauckport, IN • Near historic Corydon 812-732-4381 www.squireboonecaverns.com
$2 OFF Cave Tour Bring in this coupon & receive $2 off per person on any Squire Boone Caverns tour.
Not valid with any other discounts.
AIM
7
8
Here, Kitty Kitty...
A big-cat phenomenon in Hoosier forests By Michael Newton
W
hen hunters shot Indiana’s last cougar in 1851, Hoosier farmers were relieved; their children and livestock were safe. As it happens, though, reports of the cat’s extinction were greatly exaggerated. Regular sightings continued: 81 recorded by the Eastern Puma Research Network between 1950 and 2005. DNR spokesmen insisted that all were cases of mistaken identity or pets released by negligent owners, but eight of those sightings included adults seen with cubs. Monroe County produces its share of cougar sightings. Picnickers at Griffy Lake saw one of the cats in May 2005. Five years later, a motion-activated trail camera confirmed the presence of a cougar in neighboring Greene County, though DNR spokesmen still hedged on whether it was wild or a fugitive pet. Lawrence County Sheriff Sam Craig issued a cougar warning in September 2010, after one of his officers saw the cat eating a deer near Bedford. October 2010 brought another rash of sightings from both Greene and Lawrence Counties. If Hoosier cougars are making a comeback, they aren’t alone. Since World War II, police statewide have logged reports of other big cats prowling Indiana woods and highways—species that have no business living in North America at all, outside of zoos. Those strange stories date from 1948, when a maned cat resembling an African lion made appearances from Wayne County down to Lawrence, mauling livestock in company with a black panther, leaving five-inch paw prints behind. And speaking of “panthers”—a generic name applied to black leopards and jaguars—they’ve been cropping up in Indiana ever since that odd couple vanished. The
Eastern Puma Research Network logged 27 black-cat sightings between 1950 and 2005, with reports continuing to the present. As with cougars, black panthers aren’t shy about visiting Monroe County and environs. Drivers spotted one along Tapp Road in May 2005. Sherry Rodman of Whitehall in Owen County lost several piglets to a night-prowling panther on January 31, 2006. Monroe County produced more sightings in March and June 2006, while December took the action back to Owen County. A reprise of panther visits to Monroe in June and July 2007 left four-inchwide paw prints as proof of something on the prowl. How may those sightings be explained? Center Point’s renowned Exotic Feline Rescue Center has several black leopards among its present population of 225 cats saved from abusive captivity, but none has ever escaped. It’s possible that unknown private owners have released exotic pets that grew too large or vicious to control, but other theories suggest alternative explanations. Some think Indiana’s “panthers” are black cougars, but no such specimens have yet been documented. Others postulate that slave traders once brought black leopards to the United States from Africa and set them free to breed—again, unproven. Cryptozoologist Loren Coleman offers the most unique theory: survival of prehistoric cave lions, whose females might display black coats. His theory explains the odd pairing reported from 1948, but paleontologists reject the possibility of ancient cats surviving to the present day. The mystery endures.
Experience the Finest on Sugar Creek...
Clements Clements Canoes Canoes Outdoor Outdoor Center Center
-Canoeing -Kayaking -Tubing
New New 2012 2012 Deer‛s Mill Livery 8295 W State Rd 234 Waveland, IN 47989 1 Mile North of Shades State Park 765-435-7285
SUMMER 2012
-Camping -Cabins
28th Annual ...September 6-9, 2012
*2 Locations* Jungle Park Livery (Turkey Run Canoe Trips)
8449 N US 41 Bloomingdale, In 47832 1 Mile North of Turkey Run SP
Antique Cars, Trucks, Tractors, Toy Displays, Exhibits, Flea Market & More!
clementscanoes.com
9
r e v i R e t i Wh
g n i s i u Cr
g n o l a s r fe f o y n a p ’ m m o e c g e l a o r n u t Ca a n ‘ s ’ a n a Brown Indi By Haley
ummer weekends are great opportunities for families, friends, coworkers and nature-lovers to take a break and relax while keeping the distance close to home. In south-eastern Delaware County east of Anderson, Daleville’s own Canoe Country offers a trip for anyone wanting to enjoy outdoor water recreation on Indiana’s West Fork White River. Easy to locate off of I-69, Canoe Country rents out canoes, kayaks and tubes for trips from 2-17 miles from Yorktown to Edgewater Park. While floating down the river, canoers can enjoy the outdoor life of ducks, geese, hawks, blue herons, bald
S
Photos by Haley Brown
10
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
ZIPLINE
Fun for the whole gang! Five line, six “hop” tour totaling over 1100’
Book Now! Call 812-988-0085 Limited amount of space per hop.
Located at the popular Rawhide Ranch, 1292 SR 135 S., Nashville, IN 47448
SUMMER 2012
Zip Line at NIGHT!
Let us help you build your team!
Relationship Development, Leadership & Team Building Professional and personalized team building services. Indoors or Out. Year Round.
Corporate Teams • Sports Organizations Clubs • Academic Institutions • Youth Groups • Family Reunions
812-935-6399 www.teameffectinc.com
11
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
ROCKVILLE LAKE PARK AA, Modern, & Primitive Camping Camping Cabins 102 Acre Lake with Excellent Fishing for Bass, Panfish, and Catfish! Rental Row Boats, Paddle Boats, and Canoes! Trails, Playgrounds, Volleyball, Concessions! Great Family Leisure Fun!! 1 Mile North of Rockville 765-569-6541 • www.rockvillelake.net 12
eagles, turtles, and river muskrats, as well as cast out fishing lines for smallmouth bass. Starting this year, Canoe Country is at a new location, 6660 S. County Rd. 900 W., and is on the other end of the bridge from its prior location. Now owned by Robbie Mixell, Canoe Country has been family-owned and operated by the Mixells for 27 years. Kevin Hannan, 23, canoed the White River often as a kid and his family knew the Mixells well. He started working summers to help pay for college at Indiana University, and is now the chief operations officer. “I know plenty of ways to sleep in a canoe,” he jokes. Canoe Country traveled to South Carolina this year to buy new canoes to pair with their new location. They now have 110 canoes and kayaks. Under an old iron bridge is the launch site for the 5-mile trip. It begins at a deep 15-feet underwater depth that shallows out at roughly 3 feet for the rest of the trip.
Hannan says the riverbanks are how the White River got its name despite other myths. As the sun hit the banks, they appeared all white from the insides of the pearly mussel shells. For this and other reasons, some people call the river Indiana’s “gem.” “With each flood, the river changes its course a bit,” Hannan says, explaining how the river’s path has shifted more to the right. With the river changing geographically, it is also changing environmentally. Canoe Country’s staff performs weekly checks of the river to monitor log jams and dry spots to prevent any danger. Hannan says the farmland runoff no longer affects the river water, life and natural algae as it did in the past. He also says Canoe Country intends to keep the river “natural.” Although the White River is close to the nearby highways and interstates, surrounding farmland and wooded areas seem to seclude the river. However, old junk and waste has in the past washed into the river from flooded areas and Canoe Country discourages people from leaving trash behind. Every year, Canoe Country organizes a river clean-up in September alongside the White River Watchers restoration organization and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Summer is the peak season for outdoor river recreation, but Hannan says the longest wait is only a half hour and it is rare that they run out of boats. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from their store in the meantime. The store also sells sunscreen, waterproof bags, hats, shirts, jackets and water shoes. “It’s good family fun,” Hannan says.
Canoe Country 6660 S. County Rd. 900 W. Daleville, Ind. (765) 378-7358 www.canoeindiana.com Hours: (weather permitting) M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sat: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sun: 12:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Canoeing Season: April 1st – October 31st
SUMMER 2012
Photos by Haley Brown
Old Stone Grill
We offer Home Style Cooking, Homemade Desserts, in a friendly casual atmosphere! Breakfast Served ANYTIME
- Lodge Guest Rooms with coffee maker, complimentary coffee, tea, blow dryers, FREE WiFi and FREE local calls.
6908 S. State Road 66 Leavenworth, IN 47137 Exit 92 off I-64 Only 14 miles from Corydon - Also available Mini Fridge • Jacuzzi Room Phone: 812•739•4700 Fax: 812•739•4709 Smoking Rooms • Pet Friendly Rooms
13
WILD WOMEN Indiana BOW event teaches outdoor survival skills By Jackie Sheckler Finch
F
Courtesy photos
14
ive years ago, Danielle Floyd signed up for a program called Becoming an Outdoors Woman. Danielle not only had a wonderful time at the three-day camp but she also credits the experience with changing her life. “It was such a great adventure. It helped me decide my future,” Danielle said. Now the Mooresville woman is the program coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement in Outdoor Education. When the 18th annual Indiana BOW camp was held this year on May 4-6, Danielle was there to help other participants enjoy it as much as she did. “I had never shot a gun until I went to that camp,” Danielle recalled. “I had never gone hunting. That is something I never thought I would do. My father wasn’t a hunter. Nobody in my family was a hunter. I might never have gotten to hunt if I hadn’t gone to the BOW program.” That is one of the main goals of Indiana BOW, Danielle said—To offer women the opportunity to experience outdoor activities in a lowpressure environment. “If you didn’t grow up with it, you might never have gone fishing or hunting, learned how to shoot a gun or how to tie a fishing fly or how to use a rod and reel,” Danielle said. “You might be surprised at how many women have never gotten to do those things.” Designed for women of all ages, the BOW workshop offers a chance
The May 2012 BOW participants
to shoot clay targets, paddle a canoe, catch Camp fee is $185 and includes class in- very active. They want to do it all,” Danielle a trophy bass, cook a campfire meal, make a struction, materials, accommodations and said. “Some of these women were from the fur hat, spot rare wild birds, track a deer and food. The number of participants this year generation where boys went out and did outmuch more. Each woman designs her own was 123. “We like to keep the numbers down door activities with their dads but girls were outdoor experience to match her interests. because we don’t want it to get too crowd- supposed to stay home with Mom ... Every“The program is for women who have ed,” Danielle said. one should have a chance to learn about and never stepped foot in the woods or forProtecting sea- Indiana’s The Land, minimum ageWildlife. to attend BOW is 18, enjoy the great outdoors.” Waters, and soned outdoors enthusiasts,” Danielle said. but there is no maximum age. “We have For more information: Contact www.Indi“There is something for everyone.” women upV1 in their 80s who go and they are anaBOW.com. Participants arrive on a Friday at about 3 p.m., check in and take their first session. Saturday is a full day, beginning with a 7 a.m. breakfast, two more sessions and a grand Olympics program. On Sunday, women gather for breakfast, one more session and lunch before departure. Participants can bring their own camping equipment or sleep in the bunkhouse. The event is held at Ross Camp By simply choosing the blue in West Lafayette. Environmental License Plate, Program choices include backpacking, you have a direct impact on backyard wildlife, basic archery, basic canoeprotecting Indiana’s land, ing, basket weaving, firearms safety (a prereqwaters, and wildlife. Through uisite for anyone taking a shooting class), fish the Indiana Heritage Trust, and game cleaning, fly fishing, turkey huntfunds from the plate translate ing, wood carving, muzzle loading, outdoor into more opportunities to cooking, outdoor photography, survival 101, enjoy the natural beauty that trapping and fur craft, tree identification, our state has to offer – from wildlife tracking and identifying wild edibles. hiking, fishing, camping and “On Saturday night, we have an Olympics boating, to visiting one of our where groups get to do fun activities. It’s not fabulous State Parks. a competition, it’s just a chance to try some of the things you’ve learned—like fire buildWe have one environment – ing or putting up a tent,” Danielle said. “Then help us protect it. If that’s not the groups get medals for completing their superhero material, we’re not tasks.” sure what is… Campers eat together in a huge dining Able to save land, waters, hall with food prepared by local caterers. and wildlife in a single bound… “The food is really delicious,” Danielle said. “Saturday is our big dinner when we have prime rib.”
CHSBLU
Indiana Heritage Trust Logo - R2
PROTECTOR OF INDIANA’S ENVIRONMENT
When you renew, choose blue. Learn more at enviroplate.IN.gov
SUMMER 2012
15
Catching
Some
Rays New French Lick laser tag range blasts off for all-ages fun By Jackie Sheckler Finch
L
ike a scene from “Mission Impossible,� the teen bends, stoops and contorts his body trying to avoid the laser rays. Of course, the Tom Cruise character in the movie successfully completes his mission after a bunch of thrills and chills. But will this competitor make it through the Laser Maze?
Photos by Patrick Petro
16
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
• Indoor Lazer Tag • 9 Hole Indoor Miniature Golf • 18 Hole Outdoor Miniature Golf • Arcade • Concessions
NOW OPEN !
812-936-2386 • 8529 W. State Road 56, French Lick, IN • www.frenchlickshotz.com
SUMMER 2012
17
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
Blue River Cabin Rentals Choose one of our 4 cabins for your perfect getaway! We have two cabins along Blue River and two cabins overlooking the Ohio River in beautiful southern Indiana.
812-267-3030 or 812-267-3031 18
“Some people can do it and some can’t,� said Jake Wolfington, 16. “It’s not as easy as it sounds ... Little kids seem to be better at it than adults. But people have a lot of fun with it.� The new Shotz Laser Tag & Mini Golf has brought challenging games for fun seekers in French Lick and West Baden. “The owners, Jerry and Carolyn Footz, saw a need for something like this and decided to build it,� said manager Rob Wolfington. “We opened Dec. 27 and seem to be doing really well.� Located at the bottom of the hill by Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort in French Lick, Shotz Laser Tag & Mini Golf offers just what the name says—laser tag and mini golf, along with laser maze. “It’s a brand new 9,000-square-foot building, brand new equipment,� Rob said. “We also sell snacks and can host groups like church groups, youth groups, Cub Scouts, birthday parties.� Since it was created in the 1980s, laser tag has evolved into both indoor and outdoor styles of play and is popular with a wide range of ages. Players attempt to score points by “tagging� targets with a hand-held infrared-emitting targeting device that registers on infrared-sensitive targets worn by each player. “You use a gun like a handgun for the rays and try to shoot your competitor in laser tag,� Rob said. “In the laser maze, you are doing it by yourself and trying to successfully get through the room without touching any of the laser rays.� When compared to paintball, laser tag is considered less painful because it uses no physical projectiles. A viewing window lets non-players watch the com-
y
baked goods, and crafts!
Find us on Facebook!
Orange County HomeGrown Farmers Markets
Orange Cou
Lawn area by the Days: Tuesdays b Hours: 2 p.m. to
Market Master mobile: (812) 653-1047 Events/Volunteers mobile: (812) 865-6225 info@orangecountyhomegrown.org www.orangecountyhomegrown.org
We gladly Find us o
Orange County
Market Master m Events/Volunteer info@orangecou www.orangecou
Certified Angus Beef, a 106” HD TV and beer chilled at 22 degrees... Featuring: a one-of-a-kind showcase of sports memorabilia items and MVP trophies owned by Larry Bird. Private room available for meetings and parties. Free Wi-Fi. Non-smoking. Families welcome!
Certified A and beer c
Featuring: a on and MVP troph meetings and pa
Good Food. Good Spirits. Legendary Atmosphere! 480 S. Maple Street, Downtown French Lick 812-936-3370 www.33brickstreet.com
All-you-can-eat fish every Friday for only $9.99. Sample a wide array of award-winning wines, including our fabulous 2008 Traminette, Indiana’s signature grape. Pair wines with your meal at the Vintage Café. Browse our extensive gift shop for unique items for your home and the wine lovers in your life.
Celebrate spring at French Lick Winery FRENCH LICK, IN
Sample a wide array o 2008 Traminette, Ind at the Vintage Café. B your home and the w
petition. “It reminds me of paintball but you don’t get hit with anything,” Jake said. “You New All-Suite Hotel put on a vest and the vest registers if you are hit, where you are hit and how many • Near Casino • Indoor Go-Karts • Winery • Patoka Lake points you have lost.” Near Casino • Indoor Go-Karts • Rail Museum • Horseback Riding • Spas 8145 W. Sinclair St. But once a person is hit, they are not • Pioneer VillageIN • Water Parks West Baden Springs, Winery • Patoka Lake • Rail Museum out of the game, Jake adds. “You get to 888-494-6380 • Cave T ours • Antique Gallery • Artisan Market Horseback Riding • Spas keep playing to see what kind of a score www.frenchlickwinery.com you can get. It would suck if you got hit as Pioneer Village • Water Parks •I soon as the game started and you couldn’t •F Cave Tours • Antique Gallery •F play anymore. You have unlimited lives.” •H Artisan Market • Laser Tag Golf Rates** When A sophomore at Springs Valley High •I You •M School, Jake first played laser tag withStay his With Us Miniature Golf •O Award father Rob and developed a game strategy •S **Call for details Winning that worked. “I stood in the corner and Hotel waited for him to pass by. I think he knew it was coming.”Hotel New All-Suite New All-Suite Hotel winner? “IGo-Karts beat my dad,” Jake said. “I Near CasinoThe • Indoor • Near Casino • Indoor Go-Karts think•I Patoka shot him about • Winery Lake20 times.” • Winery • Patoka Lake 20% OFF Each $7 laser tag game lasts 12 minutes Golf Rates** When • Rail Museum • Horseback Riding • Museum • Horseback Riding • Spas You Stay With Us • Pioneer Village • Water Parks and can be played with two competitors • Pioneer Village • Water Parks • Cave Tours • Antique Gallery • Artisan **Call for details ours • Antique Gallery • Artisan or more. “It’s more fun if youMarket have more people, like a group of friends or family,” • Indoor Pool & Whirlpool • Indoor Pool & • Indoor Pool & Whirlpool Rob said. “There isn’t any age limit. We’ve • Free Full Hot B • Free 9530 Breakfast Buffet 9530 State Road 56 West State Road 56 West • Free Full Hot Breakfast • Free Wireless 20% Off • HDTVS - HBO had some 5 and 6 year olds and some 50 812.936.5300 • Free Wireless Internet 812.936.5300 • HD TV’s - HBO Golf Rates** When • Indoor Pool www.Comfortsuites.com • HD TV’svests - HBO • Indoor Pool and 60 year olds. The are adjustable You Stay With Us www.comfortsuites.com • Micro/Fridge • Micro/Fridge • Indoor Pool For Orange County Visitor Information, and as long as •you can wear the vest, you **Call forvisit details • On-Site Pantr Call 866-309-9139 or For Orange County Visitor Information, Micro/Fridge • Convenience Store • Sofa Bed www.visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com • On-Site Pantry Call 866-309-9139 or visit can play the game.” • Sofa Bed
All Suite Hotel
20% Off
d-Winning Hotel
• Sofa Bed
SUMMER 2012
Award-Winning Ho
www.visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com
19
Pull Pull The
of the
Courtesy photos
20
Heltonville truck and tractor event stirs up excitement By Jackie Sheckler Finch
T
o test the truck they use in truck pulling competitions, Justin and Lana Blackwell decided to buy a weighted apparatus called a “sled.” When they used the sled and truck in the pasture in front of their Heltonville home, the action drew quite a bit of attention. “People found out about it and asked if they could come test their machines and do a little pulling competition,” Lana said. “We said, ‘That sounds like fun. Let’s do it.’ And that’s how Hillbilly Truck and Tractor Pulls got its start.” Now the Blackwells are the happy owners of their own truck and tractor pull track. They also own three sleds and rent the sleds to local fairs and other pulling organizations.
“We decided we would give it a try,” Lana said. “Our thought was, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ And people really have been coming. We are very happy with how it has gone.” Located at 5003 State Road 446 on property the Blackwells own near their Heltonville home, the track opened four years ago. “It was a lot of work,” Lana said. “We built the track and the bleachers and the parking and a concession stand. We sell hamburgers that we cook on a grill, plus cheeseburgers, corn dogs, nachos, pop and candy.” A family affair, the Blackwell’s 19-year-old daughter Larissa runs the concession stand; 17-year-old Garrett is a track official as well as a truck pull competitor; and 14-year-old Wyatt helps around the track wherever he is needed. “It’s good family entertainment,” Lana said. “People will bring their lawn chairs, back their trucks up to the fence and sit there and watch the pulls for hours. You really get your money’s worth of fun.” Opened for the season on April 7 and running until October, Hillbilly Truck and Tractor Pulls offers competitions every other Saturday. Gates open at 2 p.m., tractor pulls start at 4 p.m. and truck pulls begin at 8 p.m. “On opening day, we had about 600 people and at least 200 took part in the pulls,” Lana said. “That’s a really good turnout.”
On alternate Saturdays, the track is used for go-kart races. “This is Indiana. We will race anything,” Lana said with a laugh. Truck and tractor pulls have probably been around about as long as the vehicles themselves, Lana said. As early as the 1920s, farmers began hitching their tractors to weighted sleds then roaring down a track to see who could pull it the farthest. Then they would tinker with their tractors to make them stronger and faster. It wasn’t long before county fairs across the nation began featuring tractor pulls. Folks like to see the machines that would “pull on Sunday, plow on Monday.” “A long time ago, they would use people to add weight to make the sled heavier or lighter,” Lana said. “As the tractor would move along, more and more people would jump on the sled to add weight every so many feet of the pull. They don’t do that anymore. Too dangerous.” Instead, a weight-exchanging sled is now used. Created in the late 1960s, the sled is like a flatbed truck trailer with wheels at the back and a sled at the front. A moveable mass of up to 65,000 pounds can be increased as the pull moves along. In 1969, the National Tractor Pullers Association was established to standardize the rules and various classes, as well as to emphasize safety rules for spectators and competitors. The tractors or trucks each get a chance at the
pull individually. “It’s not like in a race where they all do it at once to see who wins,” Lana said. “One tractor or truck will line up and see how much weight it can pull for how long of a distance. Then another tractor or truck will take its turn.” Pull offs are now big business with Super Stock Open class machines pulling out over 5,000 horsepower. National cable networks regularly televise the events and people flock to watch the action in person. “We run 100 percent payback pulls,” Lana said. “It costs $25 to enter a pull and the winners get all of the entry fees. We don’t keep any of that money. The admission fee is what we get for our expenses. It costs $10 to get in the gate for an adult. Kids 8 and under are free.” Although she didn’t grow up with the sport, Lana says she has embraced it wholeheartedly. “I’m surprised at how well our track is doing. At first we thought this is not going to go anywhere, but it gets better every year.” To show how much she is a fan, Lana points out that for their 18th wedding anniversary last year, Justin presented her with tickets to an indoor tractor pull in Kentucky. “That was great,” she said. “I love the tractor pulls. A perfect gift for me.” For more information: Contact Hillbilly Truck and Tractor Pulls at (812) 834-6350 or follow them on Facebook.
COMPLETE
BICYCLE TUNE-UP $ 49.99 Ask about our Custom Fitting Services
SINCE 1980
507 E. Kirkwood 1/2 block west of IU Campus Downtown Bloomington
339-3457 w w w. b i k e g a r a g e . c o m
SUMMER 2012
21
Just
Around the
Bend Historic Ohio River locale becomes scenic RV campground By Jackie Sheckler Finch
M
issi Bush-Sawtelle grew up boating on the Ohio River, spending leisurely summer days enjoying the water and the wildlife. The family often would launch their boat from a scenic river spot in Leavenworth. Today, Missi and her husband Bob Sawtelle own one of their favorite spots along the river. Redoing the old Leavenworth campground would be “a great adventure,” Missi says. “I’d never owned a campground before and it was in pretty bad shape when I saw it.” Working with her father for 35 years in
the transportation business, Missi thought the campground could use a major renovation. Along with being a devoted boater and outdoor adventure person, Missy also is an avid preservationist. She served two terms on Indiana Landmarks and helped save several historic buildings from destruction. “Historic preservation is a passion of mine,” Missi says. “My husband and I are now in the process of saving the original Wyandotte Cave hotel. Bob and I like old buildings and green spaces as well. We think they go together.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
Courtesy photos
22
The Longest, Fastest, in Indiana! The Longest, Fastest, TallestTallest Zips inZips Indiana!
OBERMEYER YAMAHA 866-YAMAHA-6 102 THIRD AVE. JASPER
www.obyamaha.com WE ARE NOW A YAMAHA WAVERUNNER DEALER!
SUMMER 2012
zipon zip onon zip winter fun! 812-988-7750 winter fun!
zip canopy zip linetours canopy zipline line canopy tourstours paintball, atv tours paintball paintball mtn atv tours atv biking tours cabins/camping mtn biking mtn biking
eXplore eXplore
Brown County Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat
at Valley Branch Retreat eXploreBrownCounty.com 812.988.7750 eXploreBrownCounty.com 812.988.7750
23
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22
M
Courtesy photos
Carved in Stone
The great outdoors are even greater in Limestone Country! Thanks to the limestone terrain, we have rolling hills to hike, caves to explore, rivers to paddle and one of the best state parks around. Rent a GPS at the Visitor Center and hunt for geocaches in the area. So pack your sense of adventure, some energy bars and carve out some time for fun and excitement in Limestone Country. (Luckily, we have some great spots to relax and spend the night, too!)
1-800-798-0769
limestonecountry.com 533 W Main Street
Historic Downtown Mitchell, IN
M 24
So for three years, Missi and her husband have been redoing the campground from scratch. “It is all new infrastructure,” she says. “New water, sewer and electric. It’s not the same campground at all.” In fact, the original name of the rundown campground has gotten lost in time. “We knew it was there. We just didn’t know its name, if it had a name,” she says. To christen the new facility, the new owners chose a name that reflects the campground’s lovely location—Horseshoe Bend RV Campground & Boat Ramp, located on the banks of the Ohio River at mile 664.5. The locks and dams at Louisville and Cannelton create the “Cannelton Pool” of the Ohio River, a 130-mile long “lake.” Included in this section is the sharpest curve on the river, known as “Horseshoe Bend.” “In fact,” Missi says, “oncoming barges must communicate with each other and time their maneuvers precisely so they don’t pass at this sharp curve and risk collision.” The new RV campground has 70 fullservice sites, some along the river and some on interior sites. Each site has sewer, water, 30/50-amp electric service, picnic table and fire ring. Sites are 40 foot wide and 60 foot long and designed to hold an RV, a vehicle and a recreational boat trailer. Each campsite is surfaced with packed gravel to the main campground roadways. No tents or outside sleeping shelters are permitted. “It is only for RVs,” Missi says. “We have no shower house or bathrooms. You have to have that in your camper ... We have sites for the season, for the week or for the night.” Open May through October, Horseshoe Bend has a private doublewide boat ramp for easy access to the Ohio River. Rules enforced at the gated campground include “quiet hours” from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. “This is a very family-oriented campground,” Missi says. “The river itself is the main attraction. Whether you like to boat or fish or just enjoy watching the river or the bald eagles, there is always something to see.” This year, Missi and Bob are busy with new campground projects, includ-
ing building a playground, adding volleyball and badminton nets, a basketball goal and horseshoe pits. “We are also opening a store [where] we hope to sell supplies and limited food,” Missi says. “This will be housed in a small old barn that I couldn’t stand to see fall down. So, along with my Amish friends from South Boston, we raised the roof, added an old store counter and an old Coke cooler and made a really neat little store. We plan to sell hard candy, popcorn, limited emergency supplies—typical things from an old country store. We plan for it to be open
Thursday through Sunday. For those who would like to enjoy the campground but don’t own an RV, Horseshoe Bend offers two cabins. An A-frame cabin with two bedrooms, two baths and a wrap-around deck, Horseshoe Bend Cabin is located in the campground. “The Horseshoe Bend Cabin is a small bungalow-style house from the 1940s,” Missi says. “It was the original farmhouse that was on this property. We didn’t want to destroy it, so we repaired it to be a cabin and now it’s lovely.” Located outside the campground, the
Ohio River Overlook Cabin sits high atop a bluff and has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, two gas fireplaces, and two wraparound decks with wonderful views of the Ohio River. “That house is probably about 10 years old,” Missi says. “Most people would probably have torn down both houses, but I like to save houses and help them find a new life.” For more information: Contact Horseshoe Bend RV Campground & Boat Ramp at Antiques, (812) 267-3031 or www.horseshoebendrv. Primitives, Collectibles, Indoor/ com/ . Outdoor Decor, Tools, Quilts, Linens, Candles and More!
LLC
Antique Shop, Bed & Breakfast, & Gathering Place
20 miles W of I-65 at Exit 29 • 29 miles N of I-64 at Exit 105 35 miles NW of Louisville 20 miles W of I-65 at Exit 29 • 29 miles N of I-64 at Exit 105 35 miles NW of Louisville
LLC
Prizes • Food • Tours • Reservations Bed &• Breakfast Opening August 2012 Prizes Food Come • Tours • Reservations Stay With Us! Bed & Breakfast Opening Come ShopAugust With 2012 Us!
1st Annual Extravaganza at
Tools • Quilts • Linens • Candles • & More!
10am - 5pm
Tools • Quilts • Linens • Candles • & More!
Antique Shop, hop Hou Bed & 19 Breakfast May 10am - T5pm hurs.-S rs 10am-5pat. May 19 10am 5pm m 206 Harristown Road • Salem, IN &NGathering 206 N Harristown Road • Salem, IN Place Antique Shop, Bed & Breakfast, & Gathering Place Antique Shop, Bed & Breakfast, & GatheringSPlace
May 19
SUMMER 2012
20 miles W of I-65 at Exit 29 • 29 miles N of I-64 at Exit 105 35 miles NW of Louisville
812-267-3031 or 812-267-3030
LLC
206 N Harristown Road • Salem, IN
Located on the Ohio River at Mile Marker #664.5 Just off I-64 on Hwy. 62, Leavenworth, IN
Prizes • Food • Tours • Reservations Bed & Breakfast Opening August 2012
• Beautiful Ohio River Frontage RV Sites • Sewer, Water and Electric at Each Site • Convenient Boat Ramp on Location
Antiques • Primitives • Collectibles • Indoor/Outdoor Décor
RV CAMPGROUND, CABINS & BOAT RAMP
Tools • Quilts • Linens • Candles • & More!
HorseshoeBendRV.com
1 Annual Extravaganza at 1st Annual Extravaganza at st
Antiques • Primitives • Collectibles • Indoor/Outdoor Décor
Antiques • Primitives • Collectibles • Indoor/Outdoor Décor
206 N. Harristown Road, Salem, IN 20 miles W of I-65 at Exit 29 29 miles N of I-64 at Exit 105 35 miles NW of Louisville 812-896-1369 • thedestination.info
25
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. Photo courtesy Eric Black; 2. Photo courtesy Leigh Ann Marker; 3. Photo courtesy Michelle Rogers; 4. Photo courtesy Holly Mummert; 5. Photo courtesy Christina Pence; 6. Photo courtesy Tess
Share your photos with us at adventure@hoosiertimes.com 26
COUPON PAGE COUPON
$2.00 OFF Adult Buffet
COUPON
zip on Night Flight Zip Line Canopy Tours Paintball • ATV Tours Mtn Biking
10% OFF
812-486-4900 6659 E. Gasthof Village Rd. Montgomery, IN www.gasthofamishvillage.com Limit 4 adults per coupon good for lunch or dinner. (Not valild on Holidays or with other coupons, discounts or promotions) Exp. 8/31/12 AI
eXplore
Brown County
at Valley Branch Retreat eXploreBrownCounty.com 812.988.7750 Discount applies only to activities listed above, based on availability. Call in advance to reserve your time, must present this coupon during check-in to receive discount. Valid for two people, one time use only. Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with any other discount.
COUPON
COUPON
America’s Most SPECTACULAR Underground Adventure. Squire Boone Caverns
$2 OFF per person
.com
Cave Tours or Canoe / Kayak Rental
*limit 4 people/2boats. Coupon valid through December 2012
COUPON
RV CAMPGROUND, CABINS & BOAT RAMP
Pay for 3 nights of camping and get the 4th night FREE.
Mauckport, IN • Near historic Corydon 812-732-4381 www.squireboonecaverns.com
$2 OFF Cave Tour Bring in this coupon & receive $2 off per person on any Squire Boone Caverns tour. Not valid with any other discounts. AIM
COUPON
The Longest, Fastest, Tallest Zips in Indiana!
812-367-3031 or 812-267-3030 HorseshoeBendRV.com
Must be used Monday through Thursday, May through October 2012.
Must be used May through October 2012.
FREE
Find us on
local coupons! p
O G N E R A M cave
.com
.com
Create Memor ie
s
Our fo ndest m emorie involv s don’ e expe t usual n s i pools ly or wild ve hotels wi t h crow r o admit ller co ded that’s fun too asters (altho we spe u ) g . h we It’s the nd wit h fami simple this ye l y t . ime ar... w Create e know memo and it’ the pe ries s just d r fect pl own th ace... e road !
Snickerdoodle on her first canoe trip. She loved the water! Our new river friends.
$2 OFF per person*
Cave Tours or Canoe/Kayak Rental
*Limit 4 people/2 boats. Coupon valid through December 2012.