Melvern Lake, Outlet Park, KS

Our last stop was yet another very enjoyable two weeks at an US Army Corp of Engineers park, Outlet Park, on Melvern Lake, KS.

Last year in May we stayed just a few miles from this park at Melvern Lake State Park and enjoyed it so much we planned the return trip to the ACOE park.  I spent many hours out with my camera, enjoying every minute of it!!  Managed to get a little touch of fall;)

our early morning view

downy with eyes closed

in the bright midday sun

yellow flicker!

late afternoon light

heres looking at you!

US Army Corp of Engineers Park, Iowa City, IA

Mike and I love it when we can find a COE park because they are always on water and our last stop at Coralville Lake was no exception.  A big beautiful lake, wildlife and trails all right where we were parked.  As with some of the other COE parks we have visited, we would like to go back again someday.  Coralville Lake also had The Devonian Fossil Gorge within walking distance of our campground and that was fun to explore!

While in the area we also took the  opportunity to visit the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and spent a good half day visiting the museum, grounds and library of our 31st president, always interesting!

small part of Coralville Lake

the day of the pelicans!!!!!

trail by the lake

visit to Herbert Hoover NHS

Hoover birthplace

grave site

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library

fossils everywhere!  All you had to do was look down!

lake trail

1,000 White Pelicans, Coralville, IA

This was one of those moments that Mike and I have been fortunate to witness over the years that just takes your breath away!  We have seen sandhill cranes and snow geese by the thousands but were not even aware that the white pelicans also migrate.  Apparently they make a quick stop at Coralville Lake in Coralville, IA, at this time of year....and we were privileged to see it happen!

Around 10am we went down to the lake from our campsite for a look around and saw white pelicans....lots of them!  We must have watched for an hour, just wave after wave landing on the water!  We have not seen them on the lake since then!

masses of pelicans on the Coralville Lake

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, WI

Last post for our stay in Holman, WI, near the Mississippi River.  The Trempealeau NWR, yet another beautiful area preserved for all to enjoy:

crested flycatcher

 It is very difficult to capture the
millions of tiny but colorful
wildflowers we saw...pinks,
purples, yellow, whites etc,
with the camera unfortunately

wax wing

eyes closed enjoying the sun