We found a motel in Indiana for the night - none of us wanted to try to find and set up a campsite in the dark, and then sleep in the cold and rain. Not to mention pack up a wet tent the next chilly morning.

The next morning we stopped at a place to try for Copperbelly Water Snakes, but could only turn up a very cold Midland Water Snake from a pile of riprap. This day was again cloudy and cool, with the temperatures hovering in the fifties after another night of rain. As we traveled north the skies cleared up a bit and the sun peeked out, so we stopped at another place, in search of the elusive Kirtland's Snake. We walked an open wet meadow that seemed like a perfect spot; crayfish chimneys were scattered about, and we spotted several 'land lobsters' out and about. No Clonophis were in evidence, but we did find a number of Blue Racers out sunning themselves. After about an hour's work we had spotted a half-dozen, not too bad for what started out as a pretty dismal day. It occurred to me that these big predators were probably eating any kirtlandi they came across, if there were any here at all.

Jeff found the last herp of the trip, a pretty little Smallmouth Salamander under a trash can. Then it was time to point Jim's big truck towards my house, and to Iowa from there.

Despite the less than optimal weather, and having to come home a day earlier, it was a successful trip. We had seen a number of new species; the Green Salamander alone worth the trip to me. Meeting and getting out with the group of Kentucky field herpers was also a highlight - their hospitality and generosity were much appreciated!