It was a drizzly morning with thunderstorms in the forecast, so we went early to beat the rain.  We were ALMOST the only people in the park...

The Pioneer Village was calling my name.  If I believed in reincarnation (which I don't...but if I did...) I'd think I lived back in those days.  I love anything pioneer-related.

Two hundred years ago, most of these homes were originally right where they are now, although many have obviously been restored and furnished.

The working gristmill, the centerpiece of the village, was built in 1817.  Old stuff...

We left before he actually began running it for the day (we heard some nasty thunder and decided to high-tail it back to the car...don't want my camera to get wet!)...

But still really cool.

Harnessing the power of this little creek...

The tulip trees were blooming!

I love the rocking chair just inside the door!  As if pioneer women ever had time to just sit down and casually rock...

Old stone walls...I want one....

Former stagecoach road made into a hiking trail.  Can you imagine what an uncomfortable ride that was?

Inside the school.  Love....

Beautiful gardens...I'm always amazed at people's desires to make even functional things beautiful, like the stone arches.  How much extra trouble they went to!

When can I move in???

Had the storm clouds not been threatening, I could have whiled the day away at...

...Spring Mill State Park.