Evening Glow of Quaker Oats Over the Quiet Cedar River

Just minutes after sunset, the glow of cereal mill Quaker Oats shines brightly over the placid Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Look closely at the base of the main building - you can see a backhoe doing work. The cereal plant continues to make improvements in their floodwall as the city of Cedar Rapids determines what it needs to protect the homes and businesses along the river from future floods. This June will be 10 years since the great flood that severely impacted the city. Compare this April 2018 photo (above) of the plant with the view found at this link. Quaker Oats is located towards the top of the linked photo. 

Quaker Oats Home of Cap'n Crunch

These two photos could be joined to show the expansiveness of the Pepsico Quaker Oats plant/mill here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The century old plant receives oats and corn from the surrounding agricultural lands and then performs cereal magic.

Somewhere in that complex the site produces kid (and adult) favorite Cap'n Crunch cereal. When the wind is just right and the ingredients are just so, you can smell Crunch Berries being made. Its been that way for years.

The advantage point of this photo is across from the Cedar River. In 2008 the river rose to historic levels and damaged the plant. As the city discussed how to solve long term flooding issues the plant workers installed a metal barrier along the east shore of the river to help in future flood prevention. The wall has not been hard tested since 2008. Good to know that the Cap'n won't let his plant stop production come rain or high water.

Snow from Canada, Oh the Irony!

So I'm out looking for snow scenes to photograph since we received the first of the season white stuff last night and this morning. Locally 7.5 inches of wet snow blanketed everything. At the Quaker Oats mills here in Cedar Rapids, four hopper grain cars from the Canadian Pacific Railway were not spared from the frozen precipitation. Its the white cap of snow over word "Canada" that caught my attention. Snow from the Great White North is something generally expected, now it is confirmed! Good one eh?

Nighttime Glow of Cedar Rapids on the First Day of Spring

During a second evening dedicated to photographing Comet Pan-Starrs, the city of of Cedar Rapids presented itself as a more attainable target than the fading ice ball in space. From the hill where Mount Mercy University sits you can see much of the downtown area of Cedar Rapids including the historic Quaker Oats mill. However from this perspective the comet would be located far to the right (off frame) and near the horizon.

Much more evident in this photo, which is slightly to the left (south) of the previous shot, is the force of the northern wind. In the 23 F air the windchill had to be -700 F. That's what it felt like. These photos show the extent of mercury or sodium vapor (orangish glow) light pollution. Unfortunately that glow was also evident in my photos of the comet too.

Government of Canada at Quaker Oats

The Quaker Oats plant in 42N's Cedar Rapids, Iowa is one of the world's largest cereal production facilities. On some days throughout the city of five seasons you can smell which cereal is being made - some say Cedar Rapids is the city of five smells. Anyways, behind the plant are railroad tracks which deliver raw material to Quaker for processing. On this day the Government of Canada's railroad freight car was in position for unloading. Many rail cars left in accessible areas display artwork of graffiti painters - some good and others pure crap. Too bad these artists can't direct their talent towards something positive like updating the 1970s-ish logo of grain haulers for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Know that.

Calm Crunching Along the Cedar River

Twight on the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Across the now calm river (not the out of control flood of 2008 river) is the iconic cityscape. Quaker Oats manufactures among other things Capt'n Crunch cereal from corn and oats at this plant. During the flood of 2008, boat houses dislodged from nearby Ellis Park floated downriver to be caught by this bridge which was being reinforced by parked railroad cars. Flood video here and here.

Last evening (two and 1/2 years later) the river was almost completely calm and within its banks - invoking the thought - what flood? Oh its impact is still being dealt with by the city's residents and government. But on this night at this location the river is calm. Know that.

Statue of Liberty on a Dry May's Island

About a year ago this miniature Statue of Liberty was up to her heels in Cedar River flood water on May's Island in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - the heart of 42N country. Today she oversees a much more normal Cedar River, an abandoned City Hall, and a vibrant Quaker Oats plant. City officials are still deciding how to proceed with the Veterans' Coliseum building as it relates to housing the city's government offices. Here's a view of the flooded river from last year. Note the statue's location in the flood waters to the far right. Know that.

(Photo courtesy of sbphotoblog.com)

Plus Side of Living in Cedar Rapids

Canada geese hang out in below zero degree weather near the Quaker Oats and Cargill plants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa last week. What is the attraction to sticking around sub-zero quarters instead of someplace warm? The answer is food - lots of it. Where these geese hang out is one of the staging areas for grain trucks heading to the plants. Spills of grain by the waiting trucks accumulates on the road. This in turn attracts the large birds from the north keeping them well fed over the winter. Watch your step. Know that.