Kip’s Comments - April 17, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

Hiking the Driftless Area in Eerie Weather

Sometimes, when you have a one-day - “do it now or you won’t do it opportunity,” you take it. Such was the case today when my brother, two nephews and my niece joined me on a hike in the driftless area of Northeast Iowa.

Our hike began a bit later than I normal hit the trail, but with today’s eerie, then threatening weather, the timing worked well. The lighting was not harsh for mid-day photography and it made the mood of the images appear calm.

Perhaps the best part of the day (second only to the family joining me) was finding jeweled shooting stars. These blossoms appeared to be at their peak. Their vivid colors in the unusual lighting made them beautifully vibrant. I believe this was my first time finding this breath-taking wildflower.

I also found two miterwort plants blooming along with many other wildflowers. Miterwort blossoms are some of the most intricate blooms in the forest.

As for birds we saw many eagles, possibly a peregrine falcon, and for sure an eastern towhee. The peregrine, if that was what we saw and heard, created quite a ruckus with a bald eagle.

Our adventure ended with a most interesting detail. We sat out a tornado warning at the Country View Dairy. From the safety of the store we watched heavy rain, dark skies, hail, and wind as my phone went off for the tornado warning. As we weathered the storm, each of us enjoyed frozen yogurt. Only in Iowa do we wait out such a storm with a nice frozen treat!

A sampling of images from today follows.

Grace at Paint Rock - Image 1089739 — Grace at Yellow River State Forest - Image 1089739

Hikers at Yellow River State Forest - Image 1089743

View at Yellow River State Forest - Image 1090051

Kip’s Comments - April 17, 2026

Home

Fine Art Prints

Galleries

Kip’s Comments - April 17, 2026

Kip’s Comments - April 16, 2026

Home

Fine Art Prints

Galleries