So the scrapes from the bed rails were not too bad and I knew that the clearance between truck and trailer was 5 inches when it should have been 6 to 7 minimum, so I found a nice Amish trailer shop close by and had them raise the hitch, so that was good. Leaving Raccoon Lake for Patoka Lake was uneventful and the drive should have been a fairly straight shot south. Then the fun started as the phone started to send us off in the wrong direction. After about 30 miles in the wrong direction, we got our bearings and found our way to the park. Not too bad. As we approached the gate there was a canopy over the entrance gate that was not marked and was the only entrance to the park so I ASSumed that I could get under no problem. I missed the 2″ by 12″ sign warning that it was 12 foot high. As I slowed to the gate, CRUNCH – the sound of my front A/C unit being relocated. So the A/C unit was replaced and a patch to the foot square tear in the roof applied, we back in one piece – now that was UGLY. Patoka Lake is the second largest in Indiana and has no private property on the lake. First lake I ever saw with no houses, cabin, or RV’S in site. We did some hiking in West Baden then took a ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway. It was a pretty ride out into the country while we got a history lesson of the area. French Lick was the home to many illegal casinos and was THE place to be until Las Vegas started opening its casinos in 1948. About a decade ago. gambling returned with the opening of the new French Lick Casino.

The unspoiled view of Patoka Lake 
Elixer of life? Fountain of youth?

Time to board the French Lick RR 
Claudia was bad on the train and got locked up
Hi Mike! So cool to see and hear your travels!!! Have a blast!! Can’t wait to hear more as you two meander to the south!
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