by Melanie and Jim
The weather changes a lot in Iowa. It is one of the features of our state we like. Now and then, we enjoy some of the most splendid and beautiful days. It was like that recently with absolutely clear skies, very light breeze, and 72˚F. We changed clothes and drove a few miles to a favorite place, FW Kent County Park. We hiked around the central lake and then around a smaller pond in the northeast corner. Total distance was about 2 miles. Not far. But, it was a beautiful day. Not much needs to be said. The pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!
Central Lake
Queen of the Wildflowers. Tall patches like these are all over the park. The ample rains of summer have made them strong.
Sawtooth Sunflowers according to the Conservation Manager at the the park.
King of the Roof Truss. Many examples of old truss-style bridges are displayed on the path around the lake.
The perfect mirror.
Smaller Pond
Goldenrods.
The wild plums are ripe. The fruit pulp is sweet, but the skins are bitter.
Can you find the bee hiding in the flowers?
Purple asters.
Our View From Iowa 
Reblogged this on JAR Blog….
Beautiful indeed, the goldenrod is starting to bloom in my area too.
Isn’t it pretty? The goldenrod is pretty ordinary, but it’s one of my favorites.
Same here, they bloom together with the purple blazing star in my area. The colors yellow and purple work well together.
Wow, these are fantastic photos! I love that crisp blue sky!
We’ve yet to see this kind of weather down here where it’s definitely still summer – big time. But hopefully soon!
Isn’t the sky a perfect blue?
We might not reach 60˚ tomorrow.
Awesome! We’re being promised to have a bit of a cool down by the weekend. I’m not sure how cool it will get, but anything below 95, and with lower humidity, would be very welcomed!
We reached 90˚ on only 3 dates this summer.
Been thinking about heading out to Kent Park. You have captured the beauty! I worry about the water quality. Did you see the recent article highlighting the concern?
I did see that article. They have tried for a long time to keep the lake healthy. It needs some drastic measures now, I guess.
Will you be doing some blogging on WordPress? I hope so.
I did not know you were an acrobat too ! Be careful up there ! 🙂
He said, “You could almost walk across that.” And I said, “You should!” 🙂 Bad me…
Fantastic scenery and wonderful flowers, Jim and Melanie. Days like that are to be savored.
Glad you have the good balance to stay aloft. I am sure I would have lost mine on that truss.
It was about 10″ wide. The farther up I got. the more tense I felt. But, I made it.
What gorgeous weather. And, gorgeous photos because of it. They’re saying we’ll feel the effects of your cool front this weekend. It may get down to 90!
I haven’t seen any asters or goldenrod yet, but they’ll come. For now, it’s hot, humid, sticky and generally unpleasant. In short — it’s early September on the Gulf Coast.
I wouldn’t be happy with that weather. I hope you enjoy it. I like variety and a full range of season.
Thanks for stopping by.
I don’t like it at all. But it will be over with, eventually, and October is usually great.