Wapsipinicon State Park--a Study in Contrasts

The town of Anamosa, right next to Wapsipinicon State Park

Wapsipinicon State Park in Iowa is an enigma. I left after four nights at the park with more questions than answers. Did I enjoy my stay? Yes! Did I not enjoy my stay? Well, also yes, in some ways. Will I go back again sometime? "Maybe" is the most honest answer I can give. Let me explain . . . 

Wapsi campsite, electric hook-up but no water

Having only about twenty-five campsites, the Wapsipinicon campground is fairly small. Thirteen of the sites have electric. (I used 30 amp with my Airstream Basecamp, but I don't remember if there was 50 amp available.) Drinking water is available at a spigot over near the restroom/shower house. The sites are not particularly level, although I was able to level up my site easily. The modern toilet/shower facility is probably the oldest and smallest I've seen in all the state parks I've visited.

My neighbor for two nights

Out on their second trip (See article)

And that's the oddity about Wapsipinicon State Park--it's the oldest, funkiest Iowa state park I've camped at in the state. It's older and more worn than even quite a few county parks, which is saying a lot because there is quite a range of quality in county parks. The other half of the oddity is that Wapsi is also a beautiful park. The Wapsipinicon River edges the lower part of the park, and Dutch Creek passes through the park; there are hiking trails and some beautiful wooded areas; a long, circular driving road circumscribes the park; the campground, even though a 1.0 version, is still clean; and because the park edges the city of Anamosa, facilities are close. The easiest way to describe the ups and downs of Wapsi is to describe the variety of activities I engaged in because that's probably the biggest draw for this state park--there are a lot of different things to do because of the river, the park layout, and the nearby town. 

The campground is located on a ridge above the river, so flooding isn't an issue. I found that the campground itself, although clean and administered by a host who lived in a home-built tiny home on a trailer, wasn't a place I felt satisfied just sitting beneath my awning and enjoying the ambiance. The campground adjoins to the local golf course, and the country club is nearby--far enough away to not intrude but still visible with traffic skirting one edge of the campground. The main park really reminds me of the second-largest city park in the U.S., Bidwell Park in Chico, California. Both are large parks with a variety of day use and picnic facilities that include a variety of terrain. Wapsipinicon is smaller but there is still a driving route through the park with hiking, picnicking, site-seeing, and fishing spots along the way. Even though I don't kayak (yet), I could see that kayaking the Wapsipinicon is a popular activity. The campground is really a launching base for a variety of activities. 

The ford is a popular spot on the park's loop drive.

A view of the river from the Lower Park Road

A view of the river from historic Hale Bridge, now a walking bridge

My initial explorations were short hikes from camp. They all include a steep walk down to water level and then, of course, a steep walk back up to camp! Walking trails and a couple of caves are included in within walking distance down the hill. The next day I put my folding Montague Allston bicycle together and had much more fun. I sailed down the hill, crossed a stone bridge, by-passed the stream-fording feature for cars (the upside-down bridge), crossed a walking bridge, and biked a section of the Wapsi Trail that was paved into town to buy a few veggies at the Farmers' Market. The next day I biked and explored more and if I'd stayed longer, I would have spent more time exploring bicycling opportunities. The Wapsi Trail, I believe, is a longer trail, but I could only find a short 1-2 mile paved section.  

Downtown Anamosa, Iowa

Downtown Anamosa, from what I saw, is a mixture of remodeling and closed stores, not too different from many small towns in Iowa. There were several interesting restaurants and a grocery store downtown. At the edge of the community, bordering the freeway, there is a Walmart. I would have enjoyed more time exploring, although I have to tell you that because this is a river town, there is quite a bit of up and down riding which included some getting off and pushing the bike for me. I feel the town is hard at work trying to make downtown a nice place to visit.

Across the bridge is the park's main entrance

One pull that this state park has for me is that the cellphone strength is pretty good. That would allow my wife to camp with me and still be able to work online. It would also be easy for longer stays because the town close-by provides opportunities for buying provisions--and the restaurants could provide a chance to buy some take-out for a special meal every now and then. I think the park, being so close to town, is in many ways another example of urban camping; however, since Anamosa isn't really "urban," there is still some sense of the rustic. Bicycling for me was a real draw, too; the town and area is small enough that riding was not too intense on the roads, and the rural roads mostly had gravel edges rather than drop-offs. 

Will I camp again at Wapsipinicon State Park? Probably . . . sometime. The issue for me is that I have a pretty big choice of closer campgrounds that are just as nice. Variety is good, though, and I think this especially would be a beautiful state park in the fall . . . but aren't they all? Ah, decisions, decisions.

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MoonShade Awning: a Review

MoonShade attached to Airstream Basecamp

After about a dozen set-ups, I can say that the MoonShade awning is an excellent awning for my 16-foot Airstream Basecamp. My prior experience with camper awnings was with my tiny trailer, where I used a white vinyl tarp with suction cups and a couple of extendable tent poles. That actually worked pretty well (and was inexpensive), but with my white tarp initial experience, I have to say that the MoonShade is well-constructed and is designed well.

Homemade awning for tiny trailer

My "homemade" awning for my tiny trailer used suction cups, which sometimes worked and sometimes didn't. I usually drop my awning anyway if there's a chance of a storm. The Moonshade works on the same principle as my old homemade awning, except the suction cups are more hefty. Also, the MoonShade now comes with keder rail anchors, which really strengthen the connection to the trailer. More on that later.

Visor set-up

I also have the Airstream "visor" awning that came with my Basecamp. It provides some shade but is smaller than the MoonShade. The visor has a continuous keder anchor that is sewn to the visor and must be slipped through the rail. That's pretty stable, although the anchor line can  (and does) slip with the wind. I found the support poles not as strong as the MoonShade poles. The whole visor set-up, really, is not as rugged as the MoonShade. I will take the visor with me sometimes, though. If I'm staying longer in one spot (setting up a more permanent basecamp), then I might use the visor on the off-door side to add more shade if necessary.

The awning bag is small (28x6 inches) and includes the awning, two support poles (adjustable), a strengthening pole if necessary for attaching to something smaller than the awning, tent stakes and guy strings, suction cups, and I included the keder anchors for my Basecamp. A variety of anchors are available at the website, including magnetic anchors. The tent stakes are larger than some, but I immediately replaced the plastic stakes with metal spikes.

Having erected and dismantled the awning about a dozen times, I can confidently say that the process is easy and gets easier with practice. The instructions help make the process easy--such as to attach the awning to the roof prior to inserting the crossing reinforcement poles. I bring along a two-step folding step-ladder, which makes the roof work easier.

Some of the appreciation of the MoonShade is in the details. Corners are reinforced, there are extra loops for attaching extra guy lines, and the underside of the awning has loops for hanging lights or for storage netting. I like how the support poles also have snap attachments to further secure the awning to the poles. Also, the support poles are adjustable so I can compensate for uneven ground or slant the awning if expecting rain. I add swimming noodles onto the guy lines because the lines tend to disappear, causing me to clothesline myself. This is especially true with the MoonShade's black and green "camo" guy lines!

Sloping terrain needed the support stakes adjusted

Some folks like to attach the awning to their trailer with the suction cups so that the upper edge is beyond the edge of the trailer, thinking that this will keep the trailer edge of the awning from dripping water along the line of the door. I get that, but I feel the strength of the keder rail anchors is a better option for stability. In addition to the keder anchors, I also add one small suction cup attachment to the roof in the middle of the trailer-side edge to keep the shade a little higher on the roof. To solely use suction cups, I'd need a taller ladder to get higher on the roof to mount the suction cups. From my experience with my homemade rig that used suction cups, it's also important to have a clean roof when mounting the suction cups; otherwise, they will not adhere well.

All in all, the MoonShade is a pretty sweet product. It looks like it will hold up well, and I think it looks good, too, with my Basecamp. I also like that the clean lines of the Basecamp are not broken with an attached awning. That's probably just vanity, but if the MoonShade were to break or rip, then I could dismantle it and put it away easily. All in all, I feel this was a good purchase. The MoonShade in many ways is a universal awning, constructed to provide shade for a wide variety of vehicles and pull-alongs. It works for me. Would it work for you?

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Sun and Blue Skies for the Sunray Classic Model 149 Retro Travel Trailer

2021 Sunray 149 Classic

That classic little travel trailer look . . . that classic retro trailer floorplan--bed in back, dinette/sleeper in the front, and kitchen/bathroom in the middle. I've known that look and style since the 1960s when my parents owned a little Terry trailer, and I saw it again during a recent camping trip. What a lightweight, efficient, classic (and classy) way to camp!

Bought at Garrett Camper Sales, Auburn, Indiana

Tom and Kristen Flowers, along with their tall teenaged son, Barrett, were camped at Wapsipinicon State Park in NE Iowa, near Anamosa, visiting friends. They were down (and over) from Indiana on their second trip with their Sunray 149 Classic, a purchase they'd specifically made after a lot of research. They'd wanted something economical and small that they could tow with their SUV.

Because it was only Tom and Kristen's second trip with their Sunray, it was great to experience their joy and enthusiasm as they settled in at their campsite. After introducing myself (I barged right in because I love the retro camper look) and answering a few questions, we spent some time sharing our passion for camping with little trailers, how the expand the camping season and in many ways simplify the camping experience.

The Flowers are very happy with their new Sunray. "We fell in love with it. It had all that we needed to be self contained. We ordered in February and reserved our first campsites in a primitive setting in the upper penensula Michigan Tahquamenon Falls State Park. It arrived one day before we were to leave the second week of June."

The Sunray 149 has a total dry weight of 2,140 pounds, a gross weight of 3,500 pounds, and a hitch weight of 245 pounds. It's length is 16 feet two inches. The trailer's exterior height (including ac) is 8'3", and its exterior width is 7'1".

Because their first camping trip would be at a primitive campground, the Flowers purchased a 100-watt solar panel kit from Harbor Freight, which Tom reported worked great. "We had power and privacy and would highly recommend the falls as a destination. We stayed in the Rivermouth Campgrounds near the lake., which is very close (11 miles) to the lighthouse and museum in Whitefish."

The Flowers have added a roof rack, an ARB awning, and kayak mounts to the trailer, making it more versatile to meet their needs. They have a bicycle rack on order that they plan to mount to the front of the trailer. Kristen says that they still haven't figured out exactly what they need for camping--and where it should go. Tom has a lifetime of tent-camping experience to draw from, so they plan for their next trip to be close to home at a state park, where their emphasis will be to fine tune their packing and organizing. 

After that? They'd like to eventually head out West on a cross country trip. Wherever they travel, they will be sure to travel in style--classic style.

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Two Days in the Caves: Hiking at Maquoketa Caves State Park

Part of the Dancehall Cave hike

Two days was not enough time to delve deeply into Maquoketa Caves State Park's trail and cave system; it was definitely enough to make me want to come back for more. Following the trails led me through hill and ravine, through woodland, and below land--making my stay here a truly fascinating and unforgettable experience. 

Lush growth and varied terrain

The state website describes the park as a "unique" outdoor attraction, and I have to agree. It's quite unlike other state parks. The park is described as follows: "With more caves than any state park, Maquoketa Caves is one of Iowa’s most unique outdoor attractions. Enormous bluffs tower throughout the park, and a six-mile trail system winds through geologic formations and forests brimming with natural beauty. As one of the state’s earliest state parks, Maquoketa Caves has been a popular destination for picnickers and hikers since the 1860s. Grab your hiking shoes and a flashlight before traveling to Maquoketa Caves, because this state park is nothing short of adventure."

Lots of hikers and lots of fun

Putting on my hiking boots and grabbing my flashlight, I began my journey. In my opinion, the trail signage is lacking because 1) the trail signage doesn't match up with map identification. For instance, I started off on a hill trail that wasn't even identified on the map. Also, there were times when it wasn't clear which trail would take me back to camp. Not to worry, though--I had brought water, snacks, and with the throngs of hikers, there were plenty of folks to ask for directions. Since I had no real destination but rather a simple purpose (to enjoy myself and get some exercise), I joined the flow and saw some great sights (and sites), hiking through carved sandstone ravines, through vivid green copses of forest, alongside a winding creek, and of course, through some subterranean passageways. 

Perspectives of the main cave trail

There was only only part of the hike where I was beneath the ground for any length of time (the Dancehall Cave, 1,100 feet), most other caves being much smaller. Quite a bit of elevation change (for the Midwest) was required for the hike, and the Dancehall Cave required negotiating a wet and somewhat slippery stone walkway. I would suggest that folks with balance or mobility issues should begin the hike being willing to bail and turn back when necessary. And I certainly wouldn't wear flipflops on the hike.

Didn't even need to unhitch

The campground was located in a wooded area with individual sites isolated by forest undergrowth rather than by lawn. I'm pretty sure there was a bit of poison ivy next to the front door of my SUV. The campground reminded me of the time I camped at Sunset Bay State Park at Coos Bay, Oregon: shade, natural vegetation, and a campground that always had someone arriving or departing, busy yet orderly. The campground was laid out in such a way that I always felt I had my own space, even with the flow of people. Some of the campsites were smaller, but I had no problems with my little Airstream Basecamp. 

I didn't get to visit all the caves and hike all the trails; I missed the Rainy Day Cave, the Ice Cave, and the Shinbone Cave; and I also didn't hike the park's perimeter trails. Some of the staircases and elevated boardwalks were closed, with repairs being needed; however, there was still plenty to see and lots of hiking possible. 

Dramatic colors and vistas

Cellphone reception was fair, enough for me to work online with my signal booster, but it was slow, especially working on this blog and working with photos, which sometimes would require repeated attempts to send. Working on my blog wasn't my main reason for camping, though. Shucks, I can work best on my blog from home! Maquoketa Caves and Wildcat Den state parks are my two most unique camping experiences so far this season. 

I recommend this park for its original beauty. The town of Maquoketa is just outside the park if you need anything. The campground is 100% reservable with procedures for reserving an open spot overnight if one is available. As the state website says, be sure to bring hiking shoes and flashlight, and I'd suggest also a mask and hand spray, considering the amount of traffic on the trails and in the caves. I'm sure that summer is "rush hour" at this park, but let's make sure we don't bring anything home other than great memories. 

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I Meet Happy Tiny Trailer Campers . . . in Their Happier Camper

Jeep Wrangler and "Little Pistachio"

So there I was at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa, just arrived and there for two days of hiking and exploring, when a tiny trailer rolled down the campground road. I knew that design. Yes, it was a Happier Camper HC1, a fiberglass camper made in Southern California that utilizes a modular, adjustable interior design. And their campsite was right across the road from me!

Driving in from Connecticut to visit grandparents in Iowa, London and Matt Frost were pulling their 2018 HC1 with a Jeep Wrangler, a sharp-looking tow combo. London and Matt had bought the camper used from its original owners, who had done mostly local camping with it. The original owners were selling the unit because they were moving to something a bit bigger. The Frosts' little camper was a basic model--20 amp with an air conditioner but no refrigerator. It was a classy version of a "bed on wheels," but the modular components allowed them to convert floor space so they could stand in it. 

A cozy arrangement. The top shelf can also be a bunkbed.

Note the block-boxes that comprise the bed, also used for storage.

This was their first long trip with the camper, one that included multiple nights of camping at different campgrounds as they headed down the road. Their tiny trailer trip was made a bit more complicated by taking along  two rescue dogs; however, they simplified a bit by not packing an ice box but instead cooking from dry ingredients and fresh food. From across the road I watched them set up camp and whip up dinner in a jiffy, so they were obviously comfortable with their choice of camper and camping style.

Buying the used HC1 was an intentional purchase, not just what was available. "Matt is a researcher and a half," London said of their quest for a camper. After two to three weeks of researching, they decided on the Happier Camper brand. It fit their needs, something small that wouldn't require buying a new vehicle. Matt said he definitely didn't want "a massive fifth-wheel." They found a Happier Camper blog which had a page listing Happier Campers for sale. With a link to a Facebook page, they contacted the owners. It's good Matt and London knew what they wanted because as the deal was going down, the original owners were having to inform text inquiries that someone else had first dibs. 

Two happy campers showing off their Happier Camper

London and Matt are first taking "Little Pistachio" out to western Iowa for the grandparent visit; then they want to drive back through Canada, including a stop at Niagara Falls. They hope with COVID-19 vaccinations the border will be open for them. "This is our entry trip to camping with the trailer," said London. Matt added that they don't plan to live full-time in the trailer but would like to take a month off and head to the West, visiting national parks. 

I'm glad to have met these two happy campers in their Happier Camper. The next morning as I was happily heading down into the Maquoketa Caves, London and Matt were heading happily down the road. Once again I am amazed at the variety and ingenuity of the tiny trailer industry. No matter what your needs, your style, or your interests, some tiny trailer builder out there has designed a trailer that fits you and yours. Now, just find the right pillows and the world will be yours to discover!

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Back Country Basecamp Campground Reconnoiter

Eden Valley County Refuge

The exploration bug bit me on this next leg of my Iowa state park tour. Since I had just 70 miles to travel from Wildcat Den State Park to Maquoketa Caves State Park, why not check out some county parks on my way over? There were four campgrounds that I had starred on Google Maps: Buena Vista County Park, Sherman Park, Walnut Grove County Park, and Eden Valley County Refuge. Three were situated on the Wapsipinicon River and one on Bear Creek, a tributary of the Maquoketa River. My wanderlust made for quite a different trip than if I had just taken the fastest route--state and interstate highways.

Wildcat Den State Park to Buena Vista County Park Buena Vista Public Use Area (28 miles)

The interesting characteristic of this leg of my day's exploration was that it was mostly on gravel. Up to this point, I'd only traveled a couple of miles on gravel with my brand-spankin' new 2021 Airstream Basecamp 16-footer. The good news is that the trailer weathered the washboard well, no problems. Iowa is a rural state, but if you take off into deep gravel country, it gets really rural really quickly. There's a whole different vibe when you get out onto gravel roads which are almost completely traveled by the folks who live on them. On this leg, I don't remember seeing another car on the gravel, and the area kept getting more and more remote with fewer fields and homesteads and more river scrub and yards full of abandoned cars. "Banjo country," if I wanted to be prissy.

Finally, after a long gravel straightaway I ended at a tee, the road too narrow to turn around. Ahead was thick river bush with a fence comprised mostly of rusty corrugated tin roofing sheets. Beyond lay a field of weeds and rusty hunks of cars. The road to the right was narrow and disused, punctuated with a sign that read "Road Ends Ahead." To the left, the mixture of gravel and red dirt meandered off into a distant horizon of corn and bean fields. I turned left, figuring I would end up somewhere.

Further research after my arrival at Maquoketa Caves was quite interesting--and a learning experience for me. I came to find out that Google Maps had identified the area incorrectly; it was not a county park with campground but a public use area, part of the Wapsipinicon flood plain. "Buena Vista County Conservation Park" was a camping area clear across the state. The area I drove by, Buena Vista Public Use Area, has walk-in access only, no roads and no camping. I discovered this by referencing my old paper book of county recreation areas in Iowa. No wonder I couldn't find the campground! My mistake was that when Google Maps identified the site, there was no contact information, just the location. I searched for more information and came up with the conservation park across the state; not looking closely at the address and location on the map, I just assumed I had the right place because of the name. Wrong! My lesson is to check more closely.

Via my Google Maps account, I suggested a name edit for the location to correctly identify it. A Google Maps pop-up told me that Sorry! Google Maps can't edit that portion of the map. Ah, well . . . glad I chose to turn left at that tee intersection.

The shaded, modern camp area at Sherman Park

Primitive camping at Sherman Park, photo by Lei Lania

Buena Vista Public Use Area to Sherman Park (6 miles)

If I remember correctly, this leg was entirely on gravel. Deeper into the boonies, on roads that were on a first name basis with the cars (well, probably pick-ups) that traveled them. Sherman Park was a hoot. A small sign on a non-descript gravel road marked the park, and the entrance road was a fairly long one-lane gravel and dirt route notable for its potholes. The park was quite nice, though, with small but well-shaded electric sites and with some great primitive campsites on grass along the river. My preference would be to stay here in the fall--past mosquito, chigger, and tick season--in a primitive site right along the river. Cellphone signal is nil, so the reviews that call this campground "secluded" ain't kidding. The county has really spent time, funds, and energy on the area, though.

Walnut Grove along the lazy Wapsipinicon

Walnut Grove Campground, a camper with a view . . . and neighbors, photo by Mark Pearson

A view and a disc golf course, photo Disc Golfing Truckers group

Sherman Park to Walnut Grove County Park (14 miles)

This park and campground is also right on the Wapsipinicon River, right across the river from Toronto, Iowa, most of the route being on blacktop. The cellphone signal was good; at least it passed the test of FaceTiming my wife to check for lag. This park was kept up, but it had that funky vibe some river campgrounds (and towns) have, smelling of river and mud and fish--in a good way, really. Some care had been put into the park, but it still had that kicked back "Anything bitin'?" feel. The individual sites along the river had a great view, but maybe retained a few memories and scars from the last flood. There are newer camping sections a bit away from the river, but this county park has obviously not been "upgraded" using an Army Corps template. The campground is probably crowded on summer weekends, but hitting the park in the off-season would most likely yield a quiet few days.

Eden Valley, a corridor campground with creek belong and paved highway above

Creek below, photo Jay Saxon

Highway above, photo Jay Saxon

Walnut Grove to Eden Valley County Refuge (10 miles)

Eden Valley is really a beautiful little campground right along Bear Creek. Unfortunately, it's also right along the road. Now, it's not along a big highway, but the road does run along the campground, defining the upper boundary. The campground has large, mature trees, grass that is beautifully manicured, and is defined at its lower edge by the creek. There is a refined feeling to this campground, lovingly maintained. Of all four of these parks, this one had the cleanest campsites. If I were a grandpa that wanted that safe, kicked-back, backyard feel for camping (wait a minute--I am a grandpa!), then this would be a relaxing place to stay. I'm going to have to research more to see what hiking possibilities are nearby. There are lots of great trail photos on the Google Maps site. The cell signal was weak but the blend of boonies and the efforts of some inspired county employee with a kick-butt lawnmower is an enticing combination.

After scoping out Eden Valley, it was nine miles to Maquoketa Caves State Park. My navigator wanted me to take to the gravel roads again, but I decided enough was enough and insisted on the fastest route, which was on county and state roads. I later found out that the gravel would have been fine, but I just wanted to get to my campsite and cook a late lunch. 

Thus ends my back country Basecamp campground reconnoiter, which was a bit fun, a bit trepidacious, and a bit of an eye-opener. Experiences like this remind me that what I like most about camping is not the drive. Today's drive also reminded me that each campground and park has its own personality, and there's nothing wrong with mixing up the destinations occasionally. All these parks--even the one I never got to see--all have the river experience in common. If I want to see some new country while hanging out by the water, then this recon expedition certainly has provided me with some new camping possibilities. 

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Wildcat Den State Park: Primitive Campground + Basecamp Solar = Easy Living

Morning sun and solar panels at Wildcat Den State Park

Finally I made it to Wildcat Den State Park in Iowa, and I have to say I had a good time. Wildcat Den is a primitive campground, which means a site provides a fire ring and a picnic table. Centrally located water faucets are accessible, and the campground has pit toilets. 

This campground provided the beginning of a loop ten-day trip of a few more campgrounds and scenic nature-scapes to explore and enjoy. Spending two nights there was my first real experience of being off the grid and reliant on my solar panels. I had experimented before in my driveway and in a campground with a 30 amp plug-in available. My Zamp 230-watt solar suitcase worked well, keeping the refrigerator cold and allowing me to use my 12-volt system--although I admit I was frugal in its use. 

The last time I camped off the grid without shore power was four years ago when I tent camped with my wife. Since then, it has been three years of camping with our tiny trailer, the RTTC Polar Bear, aka the Green Goddess, which had no battery system. Then this season has been with our new Airstream Basecamp, which has two AGM batteries and is solar ready. Using the solar suitcase means I just plug it in and then make sure it's pointing toward the sun. My experience was that the solar panels charged the battery to a full 12.5 volts and then in the morning the battery voltage was 12.2 or 12.3.

I'd forgotten the off-the-grid routine of camping, not having done it for a few years. My main experience lately has been cooking with accessories, since I've become accustomed to having an Instant Pot or toaster oven handy when cooking. It was back to the propane stove, which was not a big adjustment. The 12-volt refrigerator, though, was still working fine with solar panels. There's really not much to say about the change from shore power to solar power, from modern campgrounds to "boondocking" in Iowa, where pretty much all camping is in a campground. The Basecamp made it easy. Maybe that's the Airstream or solar-ready point to be made: being off the grid can be easy, even if it requires a few minor adjustments.

Pine Creek Grist Mill Dam, built 1848 by Benjamin Nye

Wildcat Den State Park was different than the other Iowa state parks I've camped in. The campground is a meadow loop, skirted by trees. Campsites are situated on both sides of the loop road, so you can camp in shade or sun. I chose a site from the map on the northwest side of the meadow, which provided me with afternoon shade and sun for the solar panels until evening. I was there two nights, and there was quite a bit of overnight camping--arriving late afternoon and gone in the morning. (I was told it's busier on the weekend, but I guess no surprise there.)

Sandstone bluffs 300 million years old

Shadow and light at play

Wildcat Den is a park the features two main attractions--an old grist mill and dam, and a series of sedimentary rock ravines and grottoes that provide  pretty spectacular hiking. After my arrival, I assembled my folding bicycle and rode down the the mill and dam, and then rode . . . and walked my bike back up the hill from the creek. The next day I hiked the main trails that featured the most dramatic views. There are sites on the trails called "Steamboat Rock" and "Devil's Punch Bowl," which provide some three-dimensional geography unlike much of Iowa. 

I have to say it was an easy first experience with off-the-grid solar camping. I believe I'll be doing this again sometime!

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