#ThinkKit11 Day 7: Don't tell the authorities ...

Today is December 7th. Before diving into today's #ThinkKit11 Blog entry, let us remember December 7th, 1941 and those involved at Pearl Harbor. A day that will live in infamy - may we always remember.

So - let's get thinking again, shall we: 

Wednesday, Dec 7: Neighborhood

Tell a neighborhood story. Did you meet someone new? Run into an old friend? Find a hidden spot you love?

One of the biggest concerns I had moving to Indianapolis wasn't necessarily with me, but rather with Camber (the golden retriever, as spoken in previous blog posts). You see, I owned a house in Lafayette. It was the typical starter house: 3-bed / 2-bath ranch, nicely landscaped, fireplace, great room, etc., etc., but it also had a decent backyard. Cam & I could throw the ball around, our neighborhood kids could come by and play. It was comfortable.  And then, I decided to move on, and sold the house in 3 weeks in a rough economic environment.

I moved to the Broad Ripple area, primarily because it was the only place I could find in short notice with an available place w/ space for me and Cam. Unfortunately, we moved from a quarter-acre plot of land, to a 15' x 20' concrete patio. Thankfully, I found Broad Ripple Park had an area specific for dogs, which was something we hadn't experienced in Lafayette, so we tried it out. It was wonderful! Like a duck to water, Camber really made herself right at home.

The added bonus was that I got to meet many other dog owners at the park. You can find out a lot from starting a conversation at the dog park. One such owner, having both a labrador and golden mix, told me a secret swimming place - Marott Park & Nature Preserve. Of course, being new to Indianapolis, I had no clue what she was talking about, so we had to go find it.

(of course ... I asked if she would like to join the two of us. She brought up her boyfriend and yada-yada-yada. Well, it was worth a shot, right?)

Anyway, we found Marott Park, ventured into the unknown wooded trails, and found the stream. Camber's face lit up like a Christmas tree. It was her Utopia. The park has a stream that feeds into the White River, but is only 8-16" deep in some places, and 2-4' deep in others - perfect for swimming or more importantly, splashing anything (and anyone) within range. Our first visit there, there were no other dogs around! The stream was hers, and hers only, and she knew it. After a good hour of swimming, Camber was just exhausted, and I was noticeably relieved of stress.

Now, why do I bring Marott Park & Nature Preserve up?

I wholeheartedly believe Marott Park is a completely unsung gem in the heart of Broad Ripple & Indianapolis. Living in a large metropolitan area, in one of the more eclectic & vivacious locations within the city, and here we were - standing in a rocky/sandy stream, in the middle of a forest preserve, splashing away. We could've been in Colorado or Idaho for all we knew. We were isolated from city life, even if for only a brief period of time. That stream made both of us feel carefree and young again. The stress of school and the capstone project - gone. The agonizing effort of job hunting - forgotten about. All the concerns about whether I made the right decision leaving Lafayette ... yeah, it was worth this afternoon. It was worth every second.

Camber and I made it to Marott Park & Nature Preserve several more times before I (reluctantly) relocated from Indianapolis. Sometimes, there were other dogs and people there, and it was great for socialization. Sadly, the cute brunette whom introduced me to Marott - I never saw her there. Come to think of it, I'm not sure if I recall seeing her again at the Broad Ripple Dog Park. C'est la vie, I guess.

SWIMMIN' HOLE!! And with a friend (Summer 2011)

I've promised myself if I relocate back to Indianapolis (I hope, I hope, I hope - cross fingers), I'm need to take my camera. Just don't tell the authorities - I'm not sure dogs are to be off their leash there.

Shhhh ...