Chris Lee, Out & About
In a few short weeks, kids will be returning to school and those of us with kids at home will settle back into that familiar routine that’s been missing the past few months. And as much as I loathe the thought of summer nearing its end, I do somewhat look forward to that stable routine again.
I don’t know about you, but my summer has been frantic. At Des Moines County Conservation, we’ve had so much going on that I feel like I pass myself coming and going. Have you ever felt like that?
What do you do when the chaos of life becomes an unceasing din in your head?
Personally, I seek some quiet out in nature. But not all nature sites are made equal. So today I thought I’d share some insights into great local places that you can retreat to for some quiet solitude.
And maybe some wildlife encounters as well.
Let’s start with trails. It’s always good to go on a nice slow walk through the woods to clear your mind. Near town, there are trails at Crapo Park, a bike and walking path down by the river that even goes past the CNH plant, and all sorts of neighborhood routes to stroll. There are also the wooded trails at Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve on the north edge of town and at Hunt Woods to the south.
But all of those trails will have people. Sometimes lots of them. And as great as that is, sometimes you’d prefer a bit more solitude, right?
For that, you have to get out of town. Two county conservation areas are my go-to when I want to escape civilization altogether. One is the overlook area in the northeast corner of Hickory Bend Conservation Area. To get there, simply hike the Flint River Trail from the parking lot and take the left spur trail that climbs straight up the hill.
Go early in the morning or evening and sit and listen. Notice what you don’t hear. Other than the occasional vocal cow, human sounds are sparse. You won’t even hear traffic.
Take it in. Breathe the fresh air. Relax.
The second spot is Luckenbill Woods about halfway between Mediapolis and Highway 99. Acquired as a nature preserve, there’s really nothing there.
And that’s kind of the point. Hike back on one of the trails and stop. Or venture off the trail into the woods. Find a nice place to sit and take in the quiet solitude of nature. Sit long enough at either place and you’re almost certain to see deer and who-knows-what other wildlife.
What if you want an extended retreat? For that, go camping.
Everyone knows about the campground at Big Hollow. It’s the most popular campground in the county. However, I have to give credit where it’s due. Even with all the people that camp there, the park stays pretty quiet.
But for some real solitude, head down to Welter Recreation Area along the Skunk River at the south end of the county.
As our least-visited campground, there are seldom many people there and the solitude of the river flowing quietly by is soothing to the soul. The campground is far enough from the highway to eliminate that traffic noise, and the town of Augusta just upstream isn’t exactly a metropolis.
Though the great tenderloins at Fat Annie’s bar can attract a crowd on a weekend evening, the park is far enough down the road that even the most boisterous patrons won’t even perk the dog’s ears.
And finally, there is one more kind of solitude that can’t be driven to. And that’s the solitude of an island.
No, I’m not talking about the islands on the Mississippi. Too many boats and barges out there.
One county north of ours is Lake Odessa and thousands of acres of nearly undisturbed backwaters and islands.
Take a day to paddle out and find the remotest of areas to be alone the way you can only be with water to all sides.
As a combination state wildlife area and national wildlife refuge, Odessa is loaded with wildlife. I honestly feel it’s one of the more underappreciated assets we have in the region.
Just be sure to get your time in before the first of September when the earliest duck season opens. The duck hunters definitely appreciate Odessa and all the waterfowl it supports.
Summer’s not gone yet, and neither is my sanity. Yet. And while I can’t hold on to summer, a trip somewhere quiet and natural might help me save the other.
I hope it does the same for you.
Find all of Des Moines County Conservation’s parks on our website:www.DMCconservation.com.