Northeast Iowa Iceberg Patrol

From early this morning to early this evening our home was buzzing with activities as Kristy, her friends, our daughter-in-law, and our granddaughter baked Christmas goodies. The creativity and variety of sweets was amazing with enough to last through the holidays.

While the women were baking my grandson and I wandered around outside for part of the afternoon. We checked for bald eagles (found 9), watched for deer hunters, hung out with friends who were smoking meat sticks, and then did what he really enjoyed - we messed around along the river in several spots.

Most of the river is frozen from shore to shore so we went below the dam. There he found a large piece of ice that, after several minutes of breaking ice along the shore, he was able to send downstream by pushing with a stout stick. Watching him enjoy himself was so rewarding. Needless to say he was happy this afternoon, as was I!

As we explored along the river I shot a few pictures too. None were exceptional, but each gave us a chance to talk about pretty things in the outdoors.

We also found fish and other animal remains in the water not far from shore and in clear view of anyone in the area (not covered by ice). I wonder what the story is behind this. Maybe river otters or mink will find it and clean up much of it - hopefully soon.