Getting back to nature. It’s something we could all use a bit more of, unless, of course, you are struggling with allergies. If that’s the case, a weekend with the windows closed and the AC on hits the spot. But those who are willing to explore the outdoors of central Iowa are fortunate to have many options nearby. For those of you outside of the state who are reading this and only see the media coverage of the Iowa Caucuses, yes, we do have more than cornfields in Iowa. In fact, Iowa has 68 state parks and four state forests, and those are just the state-operated facilities. Throw in county parks and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers grounds, and the choices are bountiful.
I talked with my friend Chad Kelchen the other day. He is the supervisor for state parks in south central Iowa for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. I asked him if the parks were still full of campers. “It’s manageable now,” he said. “Last year was crazy, but you can find some camping spots this year, especially if you are willing to drive a little.”
And so we did — all the way to Jester Park. We packed up the RV this past weekend and set out for these great outdoors. Electric campsites have been scarce, but we were able to find one. With temperature highs in the lower 80s and lows in the lower 60s, we didn’t have much need for the AC anyway — and a campfire actually felt good.
Jolene and I have camped for years — in tents, then a pop-up camper, then a travel trailer, then another travel trailer and now a small RV. It gives us a calming peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the world. You can call it “glamping” if you like. We don’t mind. As long as we stay dry and cool, we are happy.
What about you? Could you use some back-to-nature time, but overnight camping is not your thing? Take a walk in the woods. Ride a bike on the paths. Grill some burgers at a shelter house. The options are aplenty, and then you can still go home, close the windows and turn on the AC.
I hope to see you in the parks.
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
