Insane Hoosier even made Jason de-mask in befuddlement while the Adventure Travel vampire looks on
The Chicago Backpackers haunted the Charles Deam Wilderness in the Hoosier National Forest this past weekend for Halloween and the woods will never be the same. Fourteen Chicago hikers dressed up in various costumes and headed out to the peninsula campsite on Monroe Lake.
It was an inauspicious start when our Catholic nun and the crazy Hoosier crossed the street and received some incredulous stares from a car of innocent hikers heading farther into the forest. Those people will never be the same. Once the crazy Hoosier is seen he will haunt the dreams of his victims forever.
Catholic nun before de-frocking tries to out hike the crazy Hoosier while Jason takes a peak
After weathering a bit of rain on Friday night not to mention the twisting turning Indiana scenic roads, the club set out in costume the next day on a cool, clear, crisp Autumn day. Unfortunately, the leaves were a little past their prime or maybe they saw the crazy Hoosier coming and all fell in advance of his maddening stare.
The rain took its toll on the trail as the hiking was slow going through the Indiana mud. Or was this nature’s defense against the insane Hoosier? Nature has a penchant to develop odd forms of defense to ward off intruders and the crazy Hoosier was definitely that. Just like the thorn thickets protect with irritating slashes to bare arms and legs perhaps the mud was nature’s way of resistance to the hysteric Hoosier, or whatever he really was.
When hiking with a forty plus pound pack that digs into the shoulder and weighs on sore feet, one must do all they can to make themselves as comfortable as possible. This mode of self-preservation did away with many costumes soon after the hiking festivities began. The walking canvas became de-easled, the adventure travel vampire took off his fangs, the catholic nun de-frocked himself (or herself), and even Jason took off his mask.
Jason tries to kill the crazy Hoosier, but he somehow came back
Despite the series of discomforts, nothing could stop the descent of the crazy Hoosier into the heartland of Brown County. Although the Chicago Backpackers have gone home, legend has it that the crazy Hoosier still walks these woods with his wild-eyed stare and those that even glance into his kooky kinetic kaleidoscope eyes will never have a restful night again.
Insane Hoosier is not a crook
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Comments
Cute article
Funny story, loved the pictures.
I wonder if anyone had a Blair Witch Project moment that day? I'm also laughing imagining other hikers spotting this costume-wearing crew
That is hysterical. I am glad I was not an innocent backpacker that day.I would be haunted for life!
As a Hoosier by birth, I resent the use of the term "Crazy Hoosier". Just kidding.
So sorry the leaves were less than spectacular. The winds and rain at the end of the week probably did most of them in.
Great story. I wished I could be there having fun, but then I remembered -- you aren't partying, you are hiking...wearing heavy backpacks. As we travel I always remember there is a difference between hikers and walkers, and I am the latter. I do enjoy reading about your adventures.
Since I lived in Indiana for most of my life, the "crazy Hoosier" could've been an old neighbor of mine! Great narrative; love the pix! Visit Hoosierland anytime! Not a bad place to spend Halloween...
Likes like an "insanely" good time!
Have fun and then share a great story and cool pictures. That's what it is all about!
Looks like a great time..fun article
Looks like a blast!
As if bears weren't enough to be afraid of in the woods! Yow!
What I want to know is... where can I find those crazy glasses?
What a great pic that first one is. Enjoyed the story, too.
Hiking in costume...what an adventure. Thanks for entertaining piece.
Great article! I love the photos, too.
Hilarious.
Great article, sooo fun to read- bet it's more fun to participate.
this is fun. i love it!
Sounds like so much fun! What a great idea. Love the costumes.
These photos are great, and what a clever idea. Must admit I've never come across folks in costume out in the wilderness; I wonder why more people don't do this? Thanks for the fun piece!
Much scarier than the Blair Witch Project, even though it's in living (mostly) color.
wow, a Hoosier Howler.
Looks like some of my family members! Funny!
Looks like you had fun. Love the Nixon reference. Great job Ted.
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