Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - October 2020

View and purchase all my photos at: davidcgray.smugmug.com/
2020 has certainly been an 'interesting' year, and it got even more interesting for me personally after the June 2020 Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness hike. On that hike I took a fall coming down the uber-steep descent from The Gothics, and my left knee twisted underneath me in a sort of elongated 'hurdlers stretch'. It certainly didn't feel good but I was fortunately able to finish the hike (otherwise you might have been able to watch a helicopter evacuation to end one of my hikes!).
Well, it turns out that I tore the medial meniscus in my left knee during that fall. The ensuring series of surgeon visits, x-rays, MRI, surgery, and recovery effectively eliminated, for me, the 'prime' 2020 backpacking months of July, August, and September. But if there was ever a year to go on 'injured reserve' during that period it was 2020 - 'The Year of the Covid'!
By the beginning of October the knee healing was going well, and I was chomping at the bit to get out into the woods to enjoy the fall foliage colors. So Christian, the dogs, and I decided to head out on a local overnight 'test hike', and in choosing a destination we decided to head back to where backpacking started for me back in 2010 - the Peninsula Trail in the Deam Wilderness near Bloomington, IN.
I recently did a re-edited remake 'Throwback Time' video of my original 2010 hike, and I incorporated a little of that old footage into this new video. The contrast is fun to see. The hike we did in 2020, a 5-mile out and back to the shore of Lake Monroe, is identical to the 2010 hike, and we camped within 50 yards or so of my original camp on that first hike.
It wasn't a perfect replacement for an epic 2020 western hike, but it was still great to spend some quality time in the woods with Christian and the dogs. That night in front of the fire, eating grilled Spam and hot dogs, watching the sunset will always be a special memory for me. And the fall colors were really spectacular.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a half hour 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/3dHJvni
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

[@jessicafuller9170]

Cheers to ten years!

[@susanbrown2909]

Lovely trip...just catching up. Not watched in a while. Nice to see you out with Christen n the dogs. Really enjoyed this hike.

[@nancycronin601]

What a great surprise. Love that Christian and the dogs are with you. Did not realize that Indiana had such beautiful scenery, especially in the fall. Thanks for the video. Continue to heal. 🐶

[@gretchenlopez787]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful gem. We went last weekend, rain and all, and spent 2 nights there. Comfortable drive from Ohio, we will definitely go back.

[@richardbartley3089]

Glad to see you back. Hope the knee does well.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

I can’t tell you how great it is to see you and Christian again in the woods. 👍🏻

[@mikemasters2882]

Glad you are back and thank you for sharing your hike

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Awesome to see you back on the trail David! Looked like a successful test run! Good to see the pups out, and you getting to spend some father and son time in the woods as well.

[@wood-keeps8356]

Glad to see you back! I went to that lake/trail about 8 years ago because of your first video. Then came back with the wife about 4 years ago and could not find a site. People boat out, setup and leave things, it was really noisy and a party place. Unfortunate.

[@naoh4213]

Glad to see you back on the trail David!!

[@georgereimuth3382]

watched your new October backpacking video , take care of those knees , see you next year

[@DavidAmsler]

Nice to see you're out and about again

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Glad to see you back David with your son. Hope the knee is back to where it was before.

[@jasonmears4393]

Good to see you back on the trail. Sorry to hear about your knee. Your home state looks beautiful. Looking forward to your next adventures ⛰🌄🏕🥾👊👊

[@theadventuresofgibby7823]

Good to see you back! It's not about the miles but the memories! Can't wait to see what 2031 has in store!

[@DJshutterfly]

Good health and so glad you're back at it again!!

[@Rangerphillips]

So glad your knee is better and you have made it out, it’s a great time of the year

[@kristinslauter]

That video made me smile. I loved the comparisons to your 2010 trip. So sorry about the knee issues but glad you’re back at it, & maybe next year you can do a big trip out west someplace.

[@JoshEbersole]

I really enjoyed the video, David. My dogs and I were watched this last night and even my dogs seemed to watch along and enjoy it. Can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store for your videos.

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Great video and great to see you all on the trail again.

[@andysaverageoutdoor7473]

Glad you’re healing up! The ADKs are no joke!

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

As usual, great video!! So glad your knee is better!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@davidallen6970]

do more you are great.

[@gretchenlopez787]

Im glad you're doing better. Great video, added this place to the bucket list. ❤

[@christinerolle3876]

Glad that you are doing better.and so nice that you back on track!!

[@tughoward]

Glad to see your videos again! Was wondering what happened to you. Great video, good luck on your recovery.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

GLAD YOU ARE DOING BETTER ! PLUS WITH EVERYTHING ELSE GOING ON YOU ARE LUCKY THEY TOOK YOU IN .

[@markathey5329]

Glad to see you back and in good health

[@turtlecrawford6468]

Hey look who’s back yay!

[@lastdaystravellastdaystrav2233]

oh and i forgot to say happy hikingversary !!!

[@courtneyb4169]

Grab a glass of wine, David’s on.

[@safromnc8616]

welcome back !

[@cottonballs2776]

Great video David, glad to here your doing well

[@jamesbarclay4433]

Great to see you back in action David! Sorry to hear you suffered an injury. Chalk it up to #2020. COVID derailed my out west plans this year. Had to keep it close to home, but had an excuse to tick Pictured Rocks and Manistee River off the list. Hoping to see some of the more spectacular west through your lens next year. FYI, consider adding Sahale Glacier to your Washington permit lottery entries. I’m going for that next year myself. The Sahale backcountry campsite is widely considered the best in the US!

[@davidgrayin]

I hadn't heard of the Sahale Glacier. Thank you for the suggestion! I will certainly look into it, and add it to the list of permit applications for 2021. Thank you!

[@davidlounsberry4127]

I've been wondering what happened! I hate to hear about your knee but glad it's doing better now!

[@chrisclark4183]

HES BACK BABY

[@olmedaenrique]

SURGERY? Oh no! Please be careful!

[@HikerGal1]

Good to see you and Christian on the trail again! Thanks for sharing your trip and taking us along with you. ...Donna Monin Davis from the Smokies in TN

[@HikerGal1]

@johnny tyler so do we!

[@bobeallison]

Great to see you back. Thank you for taking the time to video and edit. I’ve missed your new videos. You didn’t comment on how you knee did; hope that means it is good!

[@davidgrayin]

The knee is actually doing great. After the Adirondack trip there were a couple 'rough' months there where I basically couldn't walk more than a few feet, but right after the surgery I was able to get back onto it immediately. Pretty incredible actually! I'm hoping to get at least one more trip done in 2020, and then a really full backpacking season in 2021

[@bobb7029]

Back where it all started! Nice! Great video. Good to see you again, brother! Wishing you and your family all the best...

[@bobb7029]

Triple Crown tacos.....Ohhhh yeeaahhhh! Those were the best tacos I have ever eaten!

[@davidgrayin]

Oh Dude! When can we go again?! So much to catch up on. I know you have a lot going on in 'life' but I would sure like to get out on a hike with you again soon - even a short local one. I hope all is well with you, Bob.

[@bobb7029]

@@davidgrayin I'm in...lets figure something out

[@garyburgan503]

Wish I could get out with you but my has has set me back so I can’t be get out and do some hiking which I love to do. Happy new year Regards Indy Diver (Geocaching Name)

[@velsnow1]

Fun video! Glad your knee is healing.

[@nelsonminingandabandonedplaces]

Awesome glad to see another epic video david. I always look forward to your videos, be safe and glad you are doing better.

[@arneservatius8686]

The birds in the air were vultures migrating south. First episode just found you. Michigan

[@pigfender]

Wonderful video. Great to see such lovely autumn colours on the trail and a glorious sunset! Hope the knee felt ok. THANK YOU to you, Christian and the dogs!

[@jogger1987]

Glad that you healed up! Foliage looks beautiful, keep em coming.

[@MADHippiesLife]

Just what the doctor ordered on a cold and snowy day in Denver. Thanks for another great video, we always enjoy them. Glad to see you're all healed up.

[@larkenyoung]

Your an inspiration for it never being to late to start backpacking. My lab watches KZbin videos with me and when she saw your labs, she had to run and get her chewy and show it off. It cracks me up. 👍👍🍻🍻

[@thepsg]

Great to see you out on the trail again! I was sorry to hear about your knee, but I’m glad that it is healing well. Your videos are always an inspiration to me, since I like to hike with my wife of 39 years, and I am definitely not a young man!

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Great to see you back hiking! Hope your knee is doing well. I always enjoy watching your camping adventures.

[@daniellepiper5179]

Thoroughly enjoyed as always! Dogs are always the stars of the show

[@capsoutdoors]

Great to see you back out!

[@AdventureDeNorthVlogs]

Wow this is awesome

[@KatWoman_]

So sorry to hear about your knee, David. I was glad to see you didn’t fall off that bushcraft swing and break something as an added layer to a rough year. Nice to see the Autumn colors on this pretty trail. How old is Jaden now?

[@barb61]

Well my heart bout stopped when I saw a David Gray video in my feed! so happy to see you!!!!! Sorry to hear about the knee but glad you're feeling better!

[@davidlounsberry4127]

I got into backpacking this year when I watched a documentary series about the hey dude trail and my piqued interest led me to stumble upon your videos. I've been 4 times this year, each one spectacular. I am grateful for your videos! They're educational, inspiring, and peacefully entertaining. Thank you for this channel!

[@benhikingoutdoors1632]

How did I not get notified of the new vid?? I'm a day late!

[@nancystephens7663]

Glad you're back and healthy! Always enjoy your hikes. Everytime I see Dunkin' Donuts I think of you and coffee. LOL. Good coffee. Keep hiking and taking us along on the beautiful scenic trails and views. Stay safe.

[@drc1883]

You and the dogs are an inspiration, David. Greg, fellow Hoosier

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

Not Glacier for sure but pleasant. I think we explored that area a little bit a few years ago. My husband had a job interview so we joined him and explored a bit. Sorry about the meniscus tear, I know firsthand what it is like! Well, actually mine was just torn cartilage irritating my misshapen patellar tendon, but that is what they thought it was. Hope you are not scared off of the Adirondacks, there is much more to it than the high peaks. We go as often as we can day hiking or kayaking and car camping. I hope to backpack a some short trails next year. So did the knees hold up after this short trip? All the best to you and glad to see your young hiking companion with you again! So sweet sharing the geodes with his sisters!

[@davidgrayin]

Regarding the Adirondacks, I loved it despite the 'challenges', and I want to get back there - better prepared physically and mentally, and with better planning. That is such a beautiful area, for backpacking, car camping, or just getting a cabin on a lake to relax. The knee did just fine on the trip and afterward, and I feel like I'm good-to-go for any type of backpacking. It definitely feels 'different', and if I twist it 'wrong' it lets me know I shouldn't do that! But I think that's still just the 'getting used to it' part of the process.

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

​@@davidgrayin It does take a while to get used. If you can try not to compensate with the other leg, if it bothers you. I was a teen when I injured mine, and didn't realize it right away. It took a long time to figure out what was wrong with my knee, MRI's were a new thing back then and was the only way they discovered it. Anyways It caused issues with my opposite hip. Glad your not scared off of the Adirondacks! I grew up in the foothills, and miss being closer to them. Although we are thinking about moving out of New York state, just where to and affordable is we have to decide yet!

[@RuralMontanaLiving]

Great to see you back. Stinks about the knee, but I'm glad you recovered. That camp site looked pretty sweet. Record lows for October here in Montana last night, so it was the perfect night to come along with you on a Midwest hike.

[@cgriggsiv]

Awesome to see you and Christian back out on the trail looks like your knees doing pretty good And it's always nice to see the little puppies out and about with you Again excellent video

[@gunnyd2008]

Good to see you back!

[@snaponjohn100]

It is wonderful to see you out again. And I’m really glad that you hiked where you did. I miss Indiana. I grew up in Vincennes; Went to college for a couple years at Indiana University in Bloomington and then I got my degree from Purdue, and from that point on I’ve never been back to Indiana. God bless you both. John

[@HooksandHammocks]

Great to see you back at it. My wife and I are planning a peninsula trip next week! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@HooksandHammocks]

My wife and I were able to do the Peninsula trail and we loved it! Enjoy all your videos! We are big fans of Glacier National Park, we took a train out there several years ago and are wanting to go back! Hope to meet you out on the trail someday!

[@larrybell5144]

Good to see you out on an adventure again. I am glad that you had a good result from your surgery. The positive attitude you have and the way you make us feel like we are a part of your trip is really cool.

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Glad to see you recovered from your knee injury! I really want to head over to Bloomington and hit this trail and explore Charles Deem Wilderness. Looks like a nice trip.

[@tannenherz]

High, a nice camp-side. Here it is impossible to have this ( mad law ). Kindly Fiete

[@rickloging5709]

David, glad to see you and Christian back in action! Happy 10th backpacking anniversary! Thanks for sharing. Take care of yourself.

[@vy4648]

I was wondering all summer why there is no trip from you, glad you are back on your feet. Good Backpacking.

[@mysterious.hiker.x]

David Gray, back from the dead! Very glad to hear ATOD didn't kill you. On a serious note, awesome to see you healed up and headed outside to make videos again. Your videos have been missed. Hopefully you remain injury-free from here on out.

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, ATOD put together a 'Ninja Warrior' hike for us in the 'dacks, but I have no regrets. Great challenge, and even better group to hike with. I'm hoping to stay injury free from here on out too - can't afford to have too many more body parts removed! (Though I am choosing to look at half my meniscus being removed as a 'weight savings'! :-)

[@mysterious.hiker.x]

@@davidgrayin love your outlook! Laughed pretty hard at the weight savings comment. Forgot to say I enjoyed how you spliced the footage from 10 years ago into this one. I'm looking forward to doing that for my own videos on youtube if I can continue to produce them for years down the road.

[@DrJohn493]

Good to see you're back out and about after blowing out your knee. Sounds like you feel about backpacking in Indiana about the same way I do for the same in Alabama...wishing we were in the western mountains. But the Fall is probably one of the best times to get on the trail in our respective necks of the woods.

[@ozarklife9996]

The Ozark Trail is waiting for you. Nice easy drive.

[@chrishinklez7226]

I was just on the same trail with my girlfriend and pup a few days ago! So cool to see this video just days after we did the same thing. Camped super close to that spot too!

[@olmedaenrique]

Just started the video. I know the dogs are happy to go! Have fun!

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

It’s bow season around here in the Midwest ... dems Turkey Vultures probably hanging over a gut pile out in the woods ....Glad you’re better and getting out and about ..., that looks a great spot .. lovely video as always ATB Dave Mc

[@porkchop5678]

Glad to see you back ,I was just thinking about you yesterday.

[@dianeclarke2618]

I am so sorry to hear you were injured! Also saddened to hear they had to cut and paste you back together!! You look like you're mending just fine though!! Nice to see you out there trying out your trail legs again!! Happy Trails!! I am hoping and praying next year is a better year than this has been for Backpacking out West.... I already have to think about getting in shape for it... I mean, ROUND is a shape... but not conducive to uphill climbs!

[@davidgrayin]

I totally understand, Diane. The whole covid thing has me a little more round than I'm comfortable with, and I'm working hard to remedy that before 2021 kicks in. Between getting a bit older (slower metabolism) and also having my normal workout routine disrupted for months, then throw a couple more months of little exercise due to the knee issue, I'm packing a few more pounds than my usual 'game weight'. But the gyms are (sort of) back open, and I've been hitting the road bike too so I'm hoping to change my 'shape' for the better.

[@nagaviper1169]

First, I'm glad that you are okay and your knee is healing up well. I am actually planning on doing the grub Trail here soon. I've just been waiting for my arc blast backpack to be delivered which coincidentally is today. Always look forward to seeing your videos. I hope you and your family stay safe.

[@charlesduncan6529]

Welcome back neighbor, I say that because I live in Ohio...........for now, recently retired, now ready to start back packing, here and out west!!!

[@philipward6300]

I'm glad to see you back out. A couple of former coworkers and I just did the Penisula Trail this past summer. The Peninsula Trail was my first backpacking experience back in the summer of 2013. It was interesting seeing how different it is in your video. That approach to the lake was green and overgrown in the summer. Have you given any thoughts on what trips you will be doing in 2021?

[@davidgrayin]

Ahhh... 2021?! That sure brings in thoughts of better times and opportunities, huh? Like 2020, it's hard to plan anything for 2021 currently (for all of us probably!), but I currently plan/hope for it to be an 'epic' year of backpacking trips... partly to make up for 2020. I will apply for the full complement of hard-to-get permits - John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, Enchantments Wilderness, Glacier - and the finally itinerary will depend on which of those permits I land, if any... Supplementing that, I want to get back to the Sierra in California, Wind River Range in Wyoming, and then other spots in Idaho and Montana start to come onto the list. For early season hikes I plan to get back to some section of the southern AT in Spring, and maybe even a few local midwest hikes! The virus and the extended down time from my knee surgery have me chomping at the bit to get out on the trails as much as possible in 2021.

[@philipward6300]

@@davidgrayin after watching your Ansel Adams video, I would love to get out to Sierra one of these days. I am scheduled to have a conference in Denver at the beginning of July, so I am hoping to get at least one trip in while I am out there. Here's to hoping things somewhat calms down so we can get out there and do some hiking.

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

That dust! I’ve actually washed rental cars on vacation after backpacking if I’m gonna be driving it around, because having a layer of dust on a car drives me nuts. Looks like you had a great time.

[@cconstancemarie]

Tried the Packit Gourmet cheddar cheese spread a few weeks ago on a camping trip my friends and I loved it. I’ve loved Packit for the last few years but had not tried the cheddar cheese spread you take on every trip till now. It will be going on many more of my camping trips. Thanks for the recommendation

[@thathikingguy]

Haha glad someone else experienced the same amount of wind I did recently LOL. Best sunsets out there for sure. Enjoyed it man

[@davidgrayin]

In hindsight, despite the frustration and profanity or three, that tent setup scene was a missed video opportunity for sure. I was at it for 30 minutes or so, going back and forth between corners pulling out, and it would have been a hilarious 'fast motion' time-lapse sort of thing, with some appropriate music. Ahh... next time!

[@thathikingguy]

@@davidgrayin LOL yes

[@Mikelen11]

Hi David, I have watched almost all of your amazing videos, and I can't ever recall seeing you have an encounter with any wild animals such as Mountain Lions, Bears, or even snakes. Have you just been lucky, or do you just not show that in your videos?

[@davidgrayin]

Your observation is almost correct - Christian and I had one brief encounter with a bear during the 2014 Glacier trip, on the trail between Kootenai Lake and Goat Haunt, but it didn't last long enough to even get the camera out to film it. Oh, I did get a pretty nice long range shot of a bull Moose on the first day of the Four Pass Loop hike in 2015. But in general you're correct, and the lack of large animal encounters has always been a bit of a mystery to me, especially given the places I've hiked with large populations of bears (Glacier, Great Smoky Mountains NP, the Sierra, Yellowstone, etc.) - a bit of a disappointment too (I'd love to capture some large animals on video, preferably at a safe distance!).

[@Mikelen11]

@@davidgrayin Yes, it is quite a mystery considering the places you've hiked. I always wondered if it was because you had the dogs with you, but you also often solo hike, so that isn't it. Just want to say thank you to you for all of the videos and bringing us along with you. You have been my main Inspiration for getting into backpacking.

[@april906outdoors3]

Great trip! So sorry about your knee, David, but glad it's better. Where did you get the water bottle holder on your shoulder strap/who is the manufacturer?

[@davidgrayin]

The water bottle holder is from Zpacks - their standard water bottle shoulder pouch. I ordered it as part of my Zpacks Arc Blast pack, and it works great, but there are many other companies that sell the same sort of thing so check around to see if you can find one at a cheaper price.

[@markcooke4379]

Nice to see you back out in the woods, that was a great campsite and view you had. I remember back over 10 years ago hiking in the same area in late January and the lake was frozen. We heard some terrific moans and groans as the ice was expanding, like a monster from beneath. I believe those birds that were circling the wagons were buzzards (turkey vultures) and there must have been a fairly large carcass for that many to congregate. Hope your knee continues to strengthen as it appeared you are recovering well. Thanks for sharing your hike with your son and the dogs. Always enjoy your videos and stills at the end. Greetings from KY.

[@WeaponsMachinist]

Great to see you back hiking. How's your knee after the hike?

[@davidgrayin]

It is very nice to be hiking again! There was a two month period there that was pretty rough - couldn't even take the dogs for their daily walk - but the knee feels really good now. Amazing what the surgeons can do with only two tiny holes to work their orthoscopic magic through. I can tell the knee is 'different' but not in a way that will hinder me from backpacking. I'll still have to test it on longer and more challenging hikes to see how it holds up, but I'm confident I'm good to go again.

[@WeaponsMachinist]

@@davidgrayin That's alright man.

[@scottstutzman4523]

Had a little Buffalo Trace a few weekends ago not to far south of where you were. 🍻

[@LWilli5]

What, no lasagna? Glad to see you out there on a nice little overnight with Christian and the dogs. 👍🏻

[@TripleE76]

How much water did you hike in and can you filter water from the lake? Been wanting to do this hike … soon!

[@Sparker408]

I have a few questions about the park if that's okay? I'm planning a camping trip and I was wondering just how safe it was to leave the car parked overnight. Without sounding to paranoid I'd hate to have my jeep broken into. Also are teenagers and rowdy people ever a problem out there? Should I bring my gun?

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

I need to know what that coffee pour over device is that you use.

[@davidgrayin]

That is an MSR drip coffee filter. In the earliest days of my backpacking (2010) I used Starbucks Via instant, but I fairly quickly realized I needed to have 'real' drip coffee in the morning - coffee in the woods is one of life's great pleasures! - so I bought the MSR filter in 2011 I think. The one I'm using now is still that original filter. It's a little beat up but still works fine. I just did a quick check and they still seem to make/sell the same filter - $16.95 at Amazon, Moosejaw, Backcountry, etc.). It's a pretty basic/simple device so I'm sure any brand of filter similar to that would work just fine.

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

@@davidgrayin do you have an Amazon affiliation for us to go through to help you out.

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

@@davidgrayin can you show me what it looks like i cant find it.

[@lastdaystravellastdaystrav2233]

everyone is tired except for Christian 😄😄😄🎇🎈☺ and if you are gonna comit food abuse at least get the hotdogs from costco grand tetons