Nothing to do but Tippecanoe: Tippecanoe SP, Winamac, IN 10/11/09

We didn’t have a lot going on today, mainly a driving day between Eastern Ohio and Western Indiana. We covered a lot of ground and left the beautiful rolling hills and fall colors of Ohio for the flat plains. Our big adventure of the day was stopping by DeBrand Chocolates in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We were hoping for a tour of the factory, but unfortunately they only give them on Tues. and Thursdays. We did sample their 52% cocoa bar and found it pretty good, but very similar to Lake Champlain Chocolates. Ned is convinced that all the US chocolatiers are buying their chocolate from the same manufacturer, Callabaut, and just molding their own bars. With the money they charge I really think we should get into this business. (The 3 lb. box was $114!). After traveling for several hours on the flat lands we were expecting to be camping in a grassy field tonight. We were pleasantly surprised to enter the nicely wooded state park of Tippecanoe, which is situated on its namesake river. (See today’s pic). It encompasses 2800 acres with many hiking and horse trails throughout the thick woods. We wished it wasn’t so cold so that we could take advantage of the biking, but at a brisk 48 deg. I wasn’t feeling convinced. We decided to go eat instead. The small town close by has a few fast food restaurants and one nice restaurant that was recommended by the teenage girl working at the park entry gate. We weren’t expecting much, and felt quite surprised by the upscale menu and presentation. The chef even came out to check on our meals. Back at the camper, it looks like it’s gonna be another night battling it out with the skippo cards. We are really looking forward to seeing Ned’s great nephew, Luke, tomorrow in the Windy City.