I have just been stuck on what to say here because I am thinking about a walk up a steep "mountain" along with getting my history right. I know reading things can come across in different ways so picture me just smiling and light-heartedly telling you the story of how my clients unexpectedly motivated me to get my butt in shape!
My dear client Jeri got me totally excited about the location we were taking photos. (Seriously.. if you know of a cool place, let me know, I am always down to do a location shoot!) I was enticed with a beautiful bridge, rows of dreamy arches and HISTORY!! OH MY! I woke up early on a Saturday as we had planned a morning/sunrise photoshoot at Rose Island Abandoned Theme Park in Charlestown, IN.Â
Rose Island is an abandoned theme park that was closed down in 1937 due to a devastating flood. In its prime, David Rose purchased the property in 1923 remaining it Rose Island and added an amusement park, hotel and swimming pool. Visitors gained access to this beautiful place through ferry ride. As time went on the Great Depression hurt business, and mother nature brought in 10 feet of water flooding the park. The damage was so bad they couldn't rebuild. Little remains of what this island once was. Later, Rose Island was given to Charlestown State Park. Trails and a bridge has been installed to gain access to the park along with some history and a nice place to have a picnic.Â
Walking down the trail to Rose Island was a pretty steep. I am out of shape so of course I feared walking back up. But rounding the corner and seeing the bridge, those worries went away. A smile spread across my face and I began setting up my camera. Jeri, her husband and sister came down a few minutes after I did and we began their session. I had a lot of laughs and fun with them while exploring the soul remains of such a beautiful place. The arches were even prettier in person. But the most beautiful part was just watching the way that Jeri and her husband look at each other!
Let me just say it was WELL worth the unexpected workout we all got walking back up to Charlestown State Park. I still think about it and hope that they didn't see the panic on my face every step up the mountain. I hoped I didn't say out loud my thoughts of a rescue helicopter saving me or walking back down to the Ohio river and possibly just floating home. At the top, sweating and out of breath, I vowed to myself by the end of the year I want to be able to walk up that mountain with minimal effort. Thank you Jeri for the fun session and trusting me with your memories. It's what I live for. And that steep mountain is going to feel my wrath 2019!!