Indian Summer at Wapsipinicon State Park

 

Indian Summer is defined as "a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather that sometimes occurs in autumn in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere during September to November." Several references describe a true Indian Summer as not occurring until the first frost. This was certainly was the case in Eastern Iowa on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Temperatures had risen to the low 80s F, with bright sunshine, a perfect opportunity for some great hiking and photo captures at Wapsipinicon State Park in Jones County, Iowa. Above is a view along a mowed tall grass trail in the park.

Similar view along the same trail.

Wooded trails in the park, which had only recently reopened because of damage from the August 10 derecho storm, provided beautiful views, such as the one shown above in a pine stand with sugar maples.

Sugar maples were in full color glory on the trails. Warm days and cool nights can enhance autumn colors such as those shown above, with this year seemingly being a cut above most. 

A tranquil slow flowing Wapsipinicon River in the park created this beautiful mirror-like reflection of vivid tree colors.

Similar view along the river.

Footbridge in Wapsipinicon State Park, including a Tom Sawyer/Huckleberry Finn-type setting, with a fisherman on the riverbank at right. Nikon D7200 DSLR camera.

Only too soon, though, the Indian Summer here was but a memory as subsequent cold fronts moved through and typical transitory Iowa weather conditions produced the snowy scenes captured above, only 8 days later on October 18.