Surprises in Marion County
Easing into the new year was the goal. Catching a virus and feeling poorly for two weeks was not the intended method but hey, I did not rush headlong into this new year. I spent nearly the entire first two weeks hanging out at home, resting and writing and planning. It was a nice rhythm and about week three I was finding it easier and easier to talk myself into only going out when necessary. Which is fine except that I have a project that requires going out and staying out for hours at a time.
January 16th…it was cold. The whole week had been frigid. I was finally beginning to feel a bit restless but going out when the high temperature is 12 degrees fahrenheit would do nothing for the cold I was getting over. The next day was a Friday with the promise of temps near 50 degrees! Downright balmy this time of year.
I’d made my Iowa’s99 county selections for the year, the question was which one to start with? Still feeling a bit homebody-ish, I didn’t want to go too far. I’d covered the counties directly around me, so anywhere was going to involve some time. I chose the closest next county, Marion.
Hoping to find places away from the already popular Red Rock Lake, I did some digging and landed on two candidates. At just over 16 acres, Bauer Park was a gamble. Based on the images I was finding online it looked a bit overgrown, and its main attraction was a small pond. No trails seemed visible, and parking looked challenging. Then there was Wilcox Wildlife Area, another shot in the dark. Information was limited but there was mention of a reclaimed open coal strip mine. I made my notes but wasn’t feeling overly confident.
The following morning, I got a late start which did nothing to lift the doubt I was feeling. I’d be taking pictures in less than perfect light and if the landscapes were already less than interesting, bad lighting would be the nail in the coffin of my first photo day of 2025. I’m not a great storyteller. If I was, I would find a way to weave a tale of how this ominous outing turned into something completely surprising and completely wonderful. Instead, I’m just going to say, I’m still gliding on the high that day conceived.
First surprise…County Road G76…you read that right. County Road G76 is a 40 mile stretch of road that runs east and west. It starts in New Virginia and tumbles and turns its way to Attica. It’s one of those commercial like drives with a little bit of curves, a little bit of hills and a beautiful slice of Iowa countryside throughout.
First stop…Bauer Park…located at CR G76 and Underwood St., Bauer Park was initially one of those drive by parks. No literally. The first time through I drove right past it. Thankfully there’s a gravel road just on the east side that allowed me to turn around. I would have missed the turn onto Underwood St. had another vehicle not been sitting at the stop sign.
Once onto Underwood, and after a rather graceful three point turn around, I eased into what I’d loosely call the parking lot because it shares duties with a rather primitive fire pit. A couple years ago I would have pulled in, looked around and promptly left but my adventures have taught me to be patient with a place. Take some time to look around, walk around and listen. 45 minutes later I was packing up to leave with a smile on my face. Bauer is not anything special. It’s just a lovely little park with a pretty little pond and nicely shaded picnic area. It’s also directly next to the road and makes for the perfect place to stop and get some air, maybe enjoy a late morning snack or early lunch. If you’re feeling so inclined I’m guessing it might also be a great spot to do some reading or fishing, or both.
Leaving Bauer I hopped back on G76 to enjoy a little more of that beautiful drive. After a short jog south on Highway 5 and a quick left onto T17, I soon myself driving directly through Wilcox Wildlife Area. I really had no idea what to expect. Pulling into one of the three parking lots I saw, I turned off the Blazer and sat there for nearly five minutes trying to determine if I was even allowed to be there. I don’t why exactly. There weren’t any “No Trespassing” signs or anything foreboding. It was just a small gravel parking lot, almost surrounded by trees, apart from the area directly in front of me. There I saw a large green gate and beyond that a wide mown path. That was my invitation!
Three hours later I found myself walking back past that green gate exhausted and heady from a delightful afternoon spent wandering some of the best countryside I’ve had the pleasure exploring.
Wilcox Wildlife area is 470 acres of public land. You can hike, hunt and fish. It’s not one of those public spaces with modern bathroom facilities, playgrounds or other amenities. It’s a completely natural area abundant in mixed grasses, woodland and scattered ponds. It’s what I think it might be like to wander free in the UK countryside. It just goes on and on and takes you from one beautiful view to the next, and keep in mind I was here in January. I cannot wait to revisit when spring begins to make an appearance.
The real beauty of this place, however, is its story, but that is a tale for another day. I promise to share more once I have had a chance to do a bit more research. In the meantime, I would encourage anyone who lives within driving distance and enjoys a good walk in a completely natural setting, to make the trip.
