Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - June 2022

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Christian, Bailey, Jaden, and I took advantage of Christian being home for the Indianapolis 500 to squeeze in an overnight backpacking trip on the Peninsula Trail in the Deam Wilderness of Indiana. And that's right... my old trail partner Jaden was able to join us, which made it an extra special night in the woods.
In October 2021, I made a trip with Jaden on the Tecumseh Trail, and at that time, I was pretty confident it would be Jaden's last backpacking trip. But he still handles our daily 3-mile walks reasonably well, so I was convinced he could handle a Peninsula Trail hike. And I'm happy to say that he did very well. It wouldn't surprise me if he could get out on another trip with me soon.
The Peninsula Trail is a 10-mile out-and-back hike to the shore of Lake Monroe, southeast of Bloomington, Indiana. The Indiana weather in early June can give you anything from cold and rainy to 95-deg and humid. We were fortunate to hit a window of ideal weather - clear, 75 degF, and low humidity. The highlight of any Peninsula Trail hike is watching the sunset while enjoying the campfire in your camp - we were treated to a magnificent sunset and a perfect evening with the dogs around the fire.
A Peninsula Trail hike is generally pretty 'tame' compared to a hike in the Winds, Glacier, or Colorado, but this hike did give us a couple moments of 'excitement' (I won't spoil the 'surprise' here!). Plus, I brought the drone along to capture a few aerial views along the lakeshore. Overall, it was a nice, unexpected night in the woods with Christian and the dogs.
For those who have watched my other videos, this one is done in the same style - 30 minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride,' and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3Q3Gsco
Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/3znpOP7
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e

[@natehoover5266]

You are breaking my heart with this Jaden stuff. 💔 I haven't watched all your videos but I've watched quite a few and you are one of my favorite KZbin backpackers. You don't do it for the views and it shows. Its not about the best gear and the lightest tent and latest apparel, its about you and your son and your dogs and memories. Gosh buddy this one got me...thanks for giving me the reminder that it's all about the memories.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for those comments, Nate. Yeah, I've always done the videos to record the memories - originally just for my family but then for others too. We did many family car camping trips when I was growing up and I didn't have 'records' of those trips. I wanted to make sure my kids (and me!) had something to remember the trips by - KZbin came along at just the right time. I keep thinking each trip will be Jaden's last so I want to make sure I capture it, but that dogs is so amazing he may just live forever! (Well, I know that's not possible, but maybe he has another trip or two in him).

[@nancycronin601]

Beautiful video. Your dogs are definitely living their best lives. Last shot with Christian, Jaden and Baily was my favorite. Thanks for sharing.

[@rogermueller9143]

you have a great soul David and i love your puppers

[@dorothypinckney885]

I so enjoy gwhen you bring the pooches. So glad Jayden got the trip with Bailey. Great video as usual David.

[@trailape5810]

I’ve been watching your videos for about 2 years. I just found your Ansel Adams trip back in September of 2015 and I’m blown away !

[@kurtbraasch4200]

That area was amazing. I really never considered hiking there. I figured too crowded. Lots of places between there and my home in the Ozarks- CO, MT, WY, Utah etc. But this video has changed my mind.

[@sandrab2884]

Christian is totally your "mini me". He looks just like his dad. I love watching you guys! I hope Jaden is doing well.

[@LMay64]

After watching this video, I went back to watch your very first trip with Jaden on the Peninsula Trail. Wow, what a neat comparison in nearly every way! Your equipment and video style have come so far, obviously, but also seeing the transformation from young Jaden to senior Jaden is just brilliant to have documented within all of your adventures. I loved seeing the very first time you tested the packit gourmet cheese spread on ritz crackers as well as filtering water. (It really wigged me out too the first time I did it down in Texas at a state park,) Most of all, I love the way you seem to see everything fresh and with a positively fresh artistic vision, no matter how many times you've visited a backcountry site. Your laugh and outlook, no matter how muddy or adverse the trail may become (even when you trip up and fall flat on your face while filming lol) is refreshing. My heart is with Jaden, especially when seeing Bailey nuzzle her brother. Your sunset drone shots were beautiful and tell your son he should offer up a master class in stone skipping! Thanks for taking us along!

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

Good to see Jaydyn, he looks good for 16 years old. Looked like a great hike with your son, love your videos!!!

[@jhuntsberger718]

Here's to "Man's BEST Friend !!! Only got one hike with mine before I lost her...memories !!! Thanks for sharing and taking us along...(walkingfool AT86)

[@ajkylen]

The woods are lovely dark and deep and I have many miles to go before I sleep. Cheers

[@srameypr]

My heart goes out to Jaden. We are all getting older.

[@collegedad8656]

A great time in the woods👍

[@richardmcquade8669]

Drone is a nice addition. Hope DD is sending you some coffee after all these vids.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Great video David!! Man, I bet those boxed in trails made you question every step after hearing that rattle. Lol A really fun watch! And I still say Jaden is the tuffest trail dog that ever was. See you soon!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI DAVID 👋 BEAUTIFUL VIDEO 📹 ❤ HOPEFULLY MANY 🙏 MORE . GORGEOUS CAMPSITE 😉 GLAD YOU GET TO SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY LIKE THAT 👍 MEMORIES SOMETIMES KEEP YOU GOING 😊 BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 THANK YOU 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 😊

[@JoshEbersole]

David you could release a video of you walking through Lowes and I’d probably enjoy it 😂 it’s sad to think that this could be Jadens last hike but he seemed to really enjoy this trip.

[@brunoamendes]

Your videos "never get old" ;)

[@Mike-cj3nw]

So green there. I'll bet lots of ticks and chiggers. We have lots of rattlesnakes in Arizona 11kinds. Last June I went backpacking in the John Muir wilderness area in the California high sierras. We packed to Blue Lake at 10,400 foot elevation. All around us were 14,000 foot glacier carved peaks. I recommend it!

[@LWilli5]

It’s so good to see Jaden on the trail. ❤️

[@davidgrayin]

Hi Lisa. Yeah, Jaden is still plugging along, though much more slowly! His back legs are a little 'wobbly' but I don't think he's in any pain when we walk. And he sure seems to enjoy his time in the woods.

[@96money96]

Just did this trail yesterday! Always a fun overnight trail. Just wished more people would pick up their trash.

[@Xzarferion]

I can't believe that I missed you guys by a week! I went out to the Peninsula for my birthday on the 9th/10th and stayed just one campsite down from you. Your rattlesnake friends were gone though, I didn't encounter them!

[@shadydillinger1267]

Dan Becker mentioned your name, I can't wait to watch your videos.

[@hewjbacca]

Thanks for the video Dave as always top notch! Doo want to tell you about what happened to the wife and I, quickly!! On June 10 we went down to Blue Rock State Park in Ohio for a weekend camping trip, read about this place online, they called it the loneliest park in Ohio, which is what I thought was strange! So we spent 2 days down there and btw its down south of the city of Zanesville, and after arriving there I know why its called that now, its way back in the sticks and doesnt have much for amenities, but a very nice park otherwise, so we came back home that Sunday then on Monday night the tornado hit! Our home and our lives were spared, this time, but our daughters place not so much, her home got beat up but not destroyed, but the small acreage of trees in the back part of her property are gone and its going to take some time cutting them up and burned off, some 20+ adult trees tossed aside like nothing, but everyone is allright which is the main thing here, all the pets are safe, so, just wanted to give you heads up on that and btw it was nice to see Christian again, was wondering how he was doing , OK Im done yakking at ya, so take care and stay on trail my friend!!!

[@craigsmith6446]

Jaden's such a trooper! Nice to see him come full circle. I hope he enjoys his retirement!

[@markviereck4547]

My dog is 16 years old. She’s still doing ok. She definitely doesn’t want to walk anymore. This morning she was acting very weird, scared me to death. Walking in circles. We love our dogs so much. I will be a mess soon.

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Very nice video David. I loved seeing both dogs & a great trip with Christian. I loved the drone footage & one of my favorite slide shows. You captured some truly sentimental moments.

[@davidgrayin]

Hey Kevin! It was kind of an unexpected trip which made it really special. And we go really lucky with the weather - it had rained for days before the trip and then got hot and miserable after. I love the drone stuff but there aren't many places I use to (try to respect the wilderness rules). On this trip I knew I could fly it over the lake, which isn't in the wilderness.

[@rayd6416]

Always enjoy your videos. I think I just saw you at dinner. Pretty sure I know where your next video is from!!!

[@adamnun-ya819]

That's my favorite trail at the Charles Deam Wildness park

[@marysmith2854]

I love all your videos,this one brought me to tears.So glad to see Jaden get out on the trail,good to see Christian also.I'm in Ohio and backpack overnight once in awhile usually at Zaleski.Thank you for all the videos.

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

sweet old pup. nice that he still gets to go with you! pretty little hike as well.

[@porkchop5678]

Thanks for taking Jaden along it made his day.

[@BrianWest58]

Those are a couple good pups you have! So when you tripped and the bleep, the video went to an ad like a cliff hanger. lol

[@MarkfromArizona]

Great as always. Loved seeing the whole family. Christian, Jaden and Bailey. Beautiful photography and Christian the stone skipper , lol👍👍

[@tridudyonthetrail]

Thank you for sharing this (and so many other great trips!) So much fun to enjoy the adventure with you (and company!) Cheers!

[@janetantill3312]

You did a great thing for Jadan. That dog (God Bless him) reminds me of my dog years ago now. Thank you for helping , his last days be special. Dogs are our children also. I wish I could have done something like this for my Lyda. Love that dog like my child for almost 16 years. Thank you ! God Bless to all.

[@m.t.2758]

"Dogs are our children also". Only dogs? Ah ... I forgot. When you have a juicy steak on your plate, you only see one side of the coin.

[@kchastain401]

I enjoy your videos so much. You keep it real.

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

Omg you had me in tears 🤣. Thx I needed that

[@Booboomiss]

Such a heartfelt video ❤️ keep them coming ✅✅✅

[@adventurebythemile]

I wish my husky would ride in a vehicle like your pups, I’m totally jealous🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@710denverterp4]

let’s go!!!!! I missed you

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Good to see Jaden and Bailey hiking with David and Christian. Jaden looked like he did really well! Bless his heart💕One good thing about hiking the mountains of Colorado , where I live, as opposed to lower elevations, is you rarely see rattlers They do like the rocks at lower elevations and I have run into them in Montana when I used to hike there. Not a fan of snakes at all

[@nagaviper1169]

I took my son on that trail in 2019. It was a trial run for our trip to Glacier ( I was inspired by you). I am planning to revisit Glacier next year.

[@davidgrayin]

That's really cool. And coincidentally, I'm heading back to Glacier for my 4th backpacking trip on July 3rd. The Peninsula Trail is nice, but Glacier is REALLY nice!

[@nagaviper1169]

@@davidgrayin Can't wait for the video. Have a safe and fun trip.

[@vy4648]

Is the Packit-Gourmet cheese spread your new favorite? What did you have before? I didn't recall a single trip you have not bring along the cheddar cheese spread. I notice you got a drone now, your pack is getting heavier, LOL. Again, thanks for sharing.

[@markviereck4547]

It’s amazing that Spam is so good camping and at home not so good.

[@davidgrayin]

Totally agree. Just not the same at home, but it's pretty darn good over a fire in the woods.

[@daveandcherylbrown4560]

When we used to get skunked fishing in Canada my mom would fry some up, serve it with cheese and fresh french bread! Yum!

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

It’s weird to love a dog that I’ve never met. Is he 16?

[@davidgrayin]

Yep, Jaden is 16 (and change - birthday is estimated as April 15, 2006). He is certainly slowing down, but he's still able to knock out our daily 3-mile walks. As long as he can keep doing that I'll keep taking him on trips (really short ones!).

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

That is extraordinary for a lab. I have no doubt all the hiking with you on your local route has added to his fitness and longevity. ❤️

[@rogermueller9143]

you mean Dolly Sogs

[@angelcrusher420]

Hey David I know that you have had this question post to you a lot. Do you possibly have a link to where I can order that cheddar cheese spread?

[@davidgrayin]

It's from Packit Gourmet (www.packitgourmet.com). Expensive, but I've never found anything comparable. I was going to say it's $9.99 per package but I just checked their website and it's now $10.99 per package! Ouch. No escape from inflation I guess. To put that in context, when I first bought it in early 2010 it was $3.99 per package.