Middle River was my wild card. Based on what I was able to find online, I was not entirely sure what sort of park or forest, or boat ramp, I would be exploring. Located 3.6 miles (according to Google Maps) north of highway 92 and approximately 12 miles south of Stuart, Iowa, Middle River Forest Area is as rural as it gets. As one of the main access points to Middle River, this small woodland park has very little in the way of amenities but offers one of the most peaceful access points to a river I’ve seen.

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.

Taking pictures is one of my favorite things. I suppose that makes sense given that I am a photographer. I also love a good drive in the country. Do people do that anymore? When I was a kid it was something we did on occasion to get out, blow the stink off, get some fresh air. We’d load up in my grandma’s Cadillac, roll the windows down and roam the streets of Marshalltown. Deep down I think it was my grandma’s excuse to look for garage sales.