Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Pikes Peak State Park

Pikes Peak is a pretty good sized park. It has many Indian Burial Mounds and very tall trees. There was one balcony where you could see Wisconsin, but you weren't in Wisconsin. There were many different kinds of trees and bushes-just BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!


Pikes Peak State Park DNR Link

Pikes Peak State Park WIKI Link


Looking at Wisconsin


Looking at Wisconsin


Looking at Wisconsin


Mocha licking a puddle for no reason :)


Fire Red Sumac Bushes


Sumac Bushes


Ladybug on Fern


View of Forest


Indian Burial Mounds


Kiersten (my sister) playing in the leaves


Kiersten, throwing leaves in the air?!


Beautiful, tall trees


Me, standing by one of the tall trees, with Indian Mound behind


View of the Mississippi River


My mom, Mocha, and I


Little waterfall

Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park

 Banner Lakes is Iowa's newest park. It was originally mined for coal in the early 1930's. Many locals remember the area as "Banner Pits." Some activities include picnicking, biking, mountain biking, boating, and fishing.

Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park DNR Link



Goose on Banner Lake


Geese on Banner Lake


Banner Lake


Banner Lake


Geese, geese, GEESE!!!!


Banner Lake


Beaver-eaten tree


More Geese!


Sign at front of park

Monday, May 2, 2011

Big Creek State Park pics

I forgot to put pictures on about Big Creek, so here they are!!!



My sister by Big Creek




Rocks by the water





Mocha, sniffing out a hole






Close up snapshot of one of many plants at the park

Friday, April 29, 2011

Big Creek State Park

I have been to Big Creek many times, since I live very close by. There is a huge playstructure, lots of trails you can hike on, and of course, a big creek. It is located in Polk County, near Polk City. You can do many things there including: hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hunting.

Big Creek State Park DNR Link

Monday, April 25, 2011

Eagle Cam

My family and I have been watching an eagle family on the Internet. The camera is set up in Decorah, Iowa in a tree about 80 feet high. The nest is about 6 feet across, 4 feet deep, and weighs nearly 1000 lbs.

Here is the link. Enjoy!!!
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Lake Ahquabi State Park

Lake Ahquabi is located in Warren county near Indianola. You can camp, hike, snow-mobile, cross country ski, and much more!! There is a 115-acre man-made lake that you can swim, boat, and fish in. "Ahquabi" is a Sauk and Fox word meaning "resting place", that is fitting to the park. The park was recommended for a state park site by "Ding" Darling, famous Iowan cartoonist and conservationalist.

These are some interesting links on Lake Ahquabi:
 Lake Ahquabi DNR Link

Lake Ahquabi WIKI Link

 These are the pictures we took from our visit to Lake Ahquabi.

Lake Ahquabi Entrance
Lake Ahquabi Lodge
Squirrel
 Squirrel on tree stump
 Burning Underbrush to refresh mother nature
Lake Ahquabi
Nature Center at Ahquabi

Me by the barb wire buffalo

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Backbone State Park

I went to Backbone State Park last summer. It had been flooded, so we couldn't drive through some of it. What we DID see, was beautiful: LOTS of trees, hiking and biking trails, big rocks, and a LOT more. You can boat, fish, and swim, plus, there's a playground. Lots to do!!!!
 These are some links to websites on Backbone State Park: 

Backbone State Park DNR Link 

Backbone State Park WIKI Link 

 These are the pictures we took during our visit

Beautiful Scenery

Beautiful Scenery

My sister and I

White-Tailed Deer with tail up