On the Big River

Kristy and I spent much of the day exploring the big river (Mississippi River) via her kayak and my canoe. We saw a several bird species, I was startled by a long train pulling ethanol cars (Kristy heard it approaching), and together we found many species of wildflowers. 

Of all of the wildflowers found, this one – a rose mallow – certainly garnered the top prize in the beauty category. 

For those wondering, we put in at the South Effigy Mounds access (near Clayton) and paddled almost to Pikes Peak and back.