Fishing Opportunity During the Pandemic

At some point during the COVID-19 pandemic, the loosening of shelter at home restrictions coincided with warm weather and sunshine in northeast Iowa. One of the joys of this new found freedom is fishing. Earlier this Spring, these two anglers tried their luck in Shell Rock just below the roller dam. While personal flotation devices were certainly within reach, and social distancing was practiced in the boat, the fish just were not biting that particular afternoon. These guys did not mind.

DEKALB Country in Northern Iowa

Corn is king in the Midwest. DEKALB seed corn is one of several leading brands grown throughout 42N country. In this particular field near Shell Rock, Iowa, some 203 miles from company headquarters in DeKalb, IL, there is no mistake as to what this farmer plants. I believe this display is also a weather station. 

Iowa Winds

Spring in Iowa involves changing weather. Fourteen days ago the last snow fall melted in the eastern part of the state. Warm temperatures and wind gusts have been the story ever since the melt. Time to replace the tattered flags.

Iceberg Right Ahead on Indian Creek

Ice breakup is such a bizarre scene but one that usually occurs during the end of winter on my section of Indian Creek.  Recent rain and warm temperatures help melt snow and fill creek beds. If winter is still present, the rise in water causes ice to break and float downstream. As the water recedes, the mini icebergs rest haphazardly.

Here's a wider view of the ice field. A few days later the frozen masses were all but gone. Fortunately none of these ice chunks struck any vessels, however someone should still stay on watch. The Carpathia is standing by...

Springtime Cloud Building in the Neighborhood

Nothing like a cool front pressing through the region to build these cumulus beauties in the late afternoon. While the sun was setting to the west, these clouds developed ahead of the front. Storm clouds in the west moved in two different directions on Monday evening. These pillows of white were the best, most dramatic of the bunch.

Springtime Dandelions and Tulips in Amana, Iowa

Two iconic flowers emerge in April and early May around these here latitudes - dandelions and tulips. Examples of the springtime color are from yesterday's stroll through Amana as the town celebrated Maifest.

In the front yard garden of an older Amana home is a flower bed that has been in production for many years. This Spring the grasses and dandelions have started to overtake the colorful flower garden.

The mixture of high contrast colors from the tulips and dandelions not only make for a great photo but also signal warm weather has arrived and snow will be put off until November or December.

Spring Thinking Near the End of Fall

Here along the mid-northern latitudes, the race from Fall to Winter is in full gear. To lessen the impact of warm temperatures sliding back into winter's grasp, here is a icon image from late May 2014 to help ward off any polar vortex - maybe.

Cattle Feed on Last Day of Spring Grass

In the Amana, Iowa countryside it is common to see herds of cattle munching on grass fields. Rainfall this spring delivered lots of moisture for consistent grass growth. Some fields are rotated for the cattle to graze during a particular period, then are herded to a different pasture, allowing for regeneration of food sources.

Meanwhile just a quarter mile from the above scene, a mother cow calls for her calf, who comes a running. Its a busy time as Summer begins.

A Quiet Evening in Amana

Saturday night in Amana, Iowa is pretty quiet. Some entertainment noise did come from a wedding reception at the festive hall and a live band playing outside at Millstream Brewing. However outside of the Ronneburg Restaurant there was time to relax and say 'hi' to wandering photographers.

Down the road at a flower store customers try to decide on a purchase before closing time.

Evening traffic was sparse as a rain shower moved closer. Daytime traffic in Amana is much higher on the weekends and on special occasions like Maifest and Oktoberfest.

Validation of Spring

Kids love them. Many lawn owners not so much. Dandelions, however provide visual confirmation in many parts of these mid northern latitudes that spring is really here. Mow 'em, spray 'em, pick 'em, chomp on 'em, squeeze 'em into wine or let them be. You decide but soon they will turn into white globes and spread their range closer to a lawn near you.

You Know its Spring When Air Tractors Arrive

Like returning robins, the turning back to daylight savings time, and consecutive non frost mornings, a sure sign of Spring is the sight of an aero sprayer. Currently tied to the tarmac at the Waterloo Regional Airport is this five bladed crop sprayer, ready to go for the season.

By tracing the identification number on the side of the aircraft this is an Air Tractor AT-602 model which entered service on March 16, 2004. The agricultural flyer zooms up to 198 mph, has 600 mile range and carries 630 gallons of spray (located just ahead of the pilot,) all courtesy of the 1,050 hp turboprop engine. When working a field these sprayers are fun to watch, which may be within the month or so.

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.

Winter's Rest After Harvest

A Massey Furgeson combine sits idle in an open field just north of harvested corn from the fall. Judging from the age of the combine and other vehicles parked in the field, the harvest machine may have sat still for some time.  Spring is just ten days away. Maybe we will see planting start soon however the near frozen soil and rain/snow conditions have something else to say.

Snow Birds Still Here For Some Reason

Another backyard visitor showed up today. Are these birds wintering here or have arrived early from some southern location? News alert. We are forecasted to get another big snow storm this coming Monday into Tuesday. Perhaps in a month's time these birds will be joined by the real harbinger of Spring - robins.

A Winter's Ride Near Indian Creek

Three days ago we received the season's third measurable snowfall. Not too much to complain about. A sure sign of Spring is non-Winter activities like this bike rider. While we expect another 3-5 inches of snow Tuesday midday, we know that warmer temperatures are just around the corner. Now if only this moisture could recharge subsoil depths rather than running off and thus ending the yearlong draught. However, the upside to this dilemma is the neighborhood snow melt will drain into nearby Indian Creek, then to the Cedar River, merging with the Iowa River at Columbus Junction, then finally joining the Mississippi River near Toolsboro, Iowa. Old Man River has been near historic low depths since last Fall forcing tow barges to operate only below St. Louis. Perhaps this melt will help.

Many Faces of Amana's Maifest 2012

Maifest in the Amana Colonies is one of a series of annual celebrations with themes of season, German, Amana, agrarian, and family. This past weekend's three day celebration in Main Amana featured traditional May pole dancers, German polka music and of course lots of food and beer. Saturday's exceptional summer-like weather brought many people out early to see the sights, hear the music and chow on brats and locally brewed Millstream Beer.  

If you didn't have a chance to experience Maifest, be sure to visit Amana for these celebrations: Oktoberfest Sept 28-30, Tannenbaum Forest Nov 23-December 16, Prelude to Christmas Nov 30-Dec 2 or Winterfest Jan 26th. Know that.

Lion's Tooth Signal Spring

Spring is here. And its been here since February and March. In areas where no one picks up leaves in the Fall, the vegetation is protected from the cold and snow. One sure sign of the Spring is dandelions - old french for Lion's tooth. Bright green and yellow, these plants are hearty enough to burst through a pile of oak leaves and announce the season. If left unspoiled by herbicides the plant can be eaten, the flower made into wine and the root used for a diuretic. So much uses for a plant that is the bane of lawn owners but also cherished by children. Know that.