The beginning of October was simply gorgeous in Iowa, mid-70's to low 80's, beautiful sunshine, and mild breezes. One particularly dazzling Sunday morning the sunlight burst through the curtains with every gentle breeze, I felt a yearning to be outdoors. As I looked around the house at Bug on his computer, Anthony on his, and Nan sound asleep I thought this is no way to waste this gift of a day away! So I packed up a cooler with sandwiches and as soon as Nan woke up I hollered at the boys. We were going on a picnic! I just didn't know where we should venture to since I'm still not completely familiar with the area.
Anthony solved that small dilemma. He drove us to Squirrel Hollow, a state park along the Raccoon River, about 10 miles from our door. It was the perfect setting for our little out of doors adventure. We enjoyed the sunlight filtering through the colored fall leaves as we took a short hike before lunch to acquaint ourselves with the park.
Anthony solved that small dilemma. He drove us to Squirrel Hollow, a state park along the Raccoon River, about 10 miles from our door. It was the perfect setting for our little out of doors adventure. We enjoyed the sunlight filtering through the colored fall leaves as we took a short hike before lunch to acquaint ourselves with the park.
Nan and Bug were enjoying some Uncle/Niece bonding time as they posed for this picture on a wooden bridge spanning a small ravine & even smaller creek.
Always the adventurous 10-year-old Bug tried to shimmy down to the bottom of the ravine.
Pausing to look over the river Nanbaby quietly took in the scenery.
Bug and Sam were curious as only a boy and dog can be to check out this cabin, which turned out to be an outhouse.
We stopped for lunch at a little play area. Anthony pushed Bug on this Merry-go-round a few times before Bug decided to take a more leisurely spin.
Nan was quite taken with this leaf she caught skipping across the picnic table.
She had to explain her find to PopPop in great detail.
After lunch we wandered down to the river. Bug and Sam climbed this fallen tree (the same one that Bug investigated when we were at that spot on New Year's Day). I have only ever known one other dog to climb a tree.
With Nanbaby loaded up we trekked down the river.
Bug and Sam took off ahead of us to make sure there were no sharks in them there waters.
Bug toyed with the thought of taking a swim but settled for just dipping his toes in instead.
We found a bar of beautiful white sand. Nan wasn't sure what to think of this new substance at first.
But she finally decided she was impressed and this new stuff was pretty neat although not very tasty.
Bug had a grand time running up the small dunes of sand and rolling down the other side.
"Hey PopPop! How about we take some of this stuff home?"
Even Sam seemed to enjoy the sand.
I'm sad that the weather is changing and winter will soon be upon us. I can't wait for spring to make her appearance so we can continue our explorations.
