Across Indiana
Ain't No Cornfield High Enough
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Trekking to the highest peak in the state of Indiana.
At 1,257 feet, Hoosier Hill certainly is no Mt. Denali, Rainier, or Washington but it's the only peak we got. Located in Wayne County, just a few miles north of Richmond, Indiana's highest point of elevation stands like a lone sentinel along the Ohio border; daring anyone to trek the 0.6 mile hike to its summit. In 1991, Across Indiana producer Dave Stoelk was up for the challenge.
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Across Indiana is a local public television program presented by WFYI
Across Indiana
Ain't No Cornfield High Enough
Clip | 7m 10sVideo has Closed Captions
At 1,257 feet, Hoosier Hill certainly is no Mt. Denali, Rainier, or Washington but it's the only peak we got. Located in Wayne County, just a few miles north of Richmond, Indiana's highest point of elevation stands like a lone sentinel along the Ohio border; daring anyone to trek the 0.6 mile hike to its summit. In 1991, Across Indiana producer Dave Stoelk was up for the challenge.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship“It's flat”.
That seems to be the first observation our in-laws make when they drive across from Pennsylvania.
It's flat.
We Hoosiers have an inferiority complex about our flat landscape.
I mean, it's no “for purple mountains, majesty” that's for sure.
That's why I was surprised recently when I opened up my standar issue Indiana State Highway map and to see that denoted right here the highest point in the state of Indiana.
It's about 25 miles north of Richmond, Indiana.
Right along the Indiana/Ohio border.
Imagine that, our Buckeye neighbors almost stole our highest point.
At 1257ft it's no Pike's Peak but it's the only peak we got.
So photographer Tim Schwartz and I made a drive for the summi to the highest point in Indiana.
According to geological maps, our state's pinnacle rests in Wayne County, just outside the town of Arba, Indiana.
So off we went across Indiana in search of higher ground.
Were at 48 degrees parallel.
Five minutes.
This looks like it.
At the summits base, we were met with fog, high winds, and a dog.
We are at the home of Rob White.
As I understand it, according to the Indiana Geological Survey, he leases the land upon which the highest point in Indiana exists.
He lives here.
We'll call this base camp, if we will.
Rob White's expecting us.
Let's go up and, see if we can attack the summit, shall we?
Hi, Rob White?
Yeah!
This is Dave Stoelk from Across Indiana.
How ya doing?
Good.
Now, you live nea the highest point in the state.
Is that right?
That's right.
Would you be so kind as to show us the highest point in the state of Indiana?
Let me get my jacket on.
Alrightly!
I guess we're gonna wait outside.
Okay, so, Jeff, are we going to take a pack mule or a tram or what?
Nah well take the old Chevrolet truck.
Old Chevrolet truck?
Okay.
We're on our way up.
Our guide is taking us to the highest point in the state of Indiana.
I think we're just above the corn line.
I'm not sure.
A light fog encircles the summit, and I'm scared because our guide has a gun rack.
Yeah, so Rob... how many times have you taken the trip up to the highest point?
Oh, maybe once or twice a year.
Once or twice a year?!
And it's killing me.
Okay, so I guess the best way to approach is here on the south face the mountain through this rocky area.
Yeah.
Okay, here we go.
Gotta be very careful as you navigate through here.
(groans) You know, I'm tired, Rob.
Let's let's bed down for the night.
(laughs) Is that it right there, Rob?
Sure is!
That tall rock.
Let's, let's go on up.
Okay.
Whoof excuse me, Rob, but I feel a little lightheaded up here.
I think I'm getting a nosebleed.
Whoa!
Rob!
Would you look at the view.
It humbles me.
Yeah, it humbles a Hoosier.
Truly does.
Well here it is.
Indiana High Point.
Elevation 1257ft.
I understand that you get a lot of tourists up in this part of the country.
Up here to the highest point.
Is that true?
Seriously, we do.
What's what's this right here?
This is where people sign this piece of paper that's been up here, this kind of keep the... the High Point Club, what they call it.
The High Point Club?
Yeah.
I've been three times to get this toughie.
Wonder what that means.
I don't want to know.
But we get approximately one a week that come up regardless the weather or anything they want to come see the highest point in Indiana.
Are they welcome here?
Sure are.
Anytime they want to.
Could they stay at your house?
Nah, not quite, but, they could stay.
They could park around my house.
That's great.
It's great.
Free parking at the highes point in the state of Indiana.
Is that right?
No charge, no charge.
That's great.
That's great.
You know, this is such an auspicious occasion, I wanted to know if you could help me celebrate.
Sure will.
Well, I got here.
A bottle of Asti Spumante.
It's the best!
And I want to know if you would do me the honor of opening this bottle and sharing it with me.
I'll try.
At the highest poin in Indiana.
I appreciate that.
Hey!
To the highest point huh Rob?
Yeah.
Swig on it would you, Rob?
To the highest point.
Not too bad.
No, it's not too good either.
And finally Rob, a little more pomp and circumstance if you will.
We would like if you will allow us, we would like to plant the official Across Indiana summit flag her on the highest point in Indiana.
Is that fine with you?
That's perfect.
Would you do me the honor of, sticking this in the ground with me?
Sure, will.
Let's go for it.
Oh well hold, first a speech.
Some ask “why one would want to attack the highest point in Indiana, why someone would want to go to the farthest reaches of the Earth?” And you know what the answer to that is, don't you Rob?
No, I'm afraid I don't.
Because it's there.
Okay, so let's do it.
Okay, here we go.
Across Indiana.
It's pretty isnt it?
Now it's going to stay here?
That's correct.
So uh, it's awful lonely up here isnt it?
Yes, it is.
Well, I hate to say farewell, but it's.
I think it's time for us to make the climb back down.
I'm ready.
Woul would you please lead the way?
If you could help m with my pack here, I sure would.
You can keep the bottle of Asti too.
Oh, well.
Thank you.
You're more than welcome.
Yeah.
$7.99 For more Across Indiana stories, go to wfyi.org/acrossindiana
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