Occasionally I ponder the outlook of someone who would tear a park sign from its moorings and throw it into the nearby river. Does that person pay tax in Cherokee County? Does he/she (sorry, but I doubt the "she" is necessary, really) know that was his/her sign that just bobbed away downstream, destined to float along until captured by a tangle of downed silver maple branches? Did I miss something critical in my upbringing, that I don't understand the subtle pleasures of destroying public property?

 

Well, anyway. I apologize, park visitors, that there is no sign indicating the Pearse Access boat ramp from the river this weekend. I know many of you intend to float our fine Little Sioux on the 30th. Just look for the old railroad trestle (the one from which an ambitious vandal has torn several more wooden ties which hang haphazardly above your heads, stuck apparently), then hang a sharp right onto the boat ramp. I tried this in a kayak in the dark recently, which is just like not having a sign to read, and accomplished it without trouble.  

 

For the vandals, I have only a puzzled expression upon my face. What were you thinking? What a wierd thing to do for fun. Your friends and family must be proud of your accomplishments (do you hear the dripping of sarcasm?). If you like a little mystery and adventure, you should try floating the river at dusk. Watch as the swallows swooping overhead transform seamlessly into brisk flapping shadows of bats. Observe the drama of thousands of mayflies emerging from their nymph husks to fly as if conjured from the surface of the calm river. Listen to formless owls in the timber, try to spot the red-brown coats of solitary deer pausing to wonder what is floating past. Keep your composure as beavers launch their fat bodies into the water as you pass, slapping the surface with their tails with the volume of a gunshot. Wonder at the snorts and grunts of otters, annoyed by your presence and considering whether you might be challenged for feeding territory. And as you scan the water ahead for obstacles in the light reflected from stars and moon, summon the courage to sit back and gaze instead skyward at those heavenly bodies while your vessel is carried effortlessly downstream like a tattered wooden sign. I dare you.

 

 

Free camping at Silver Sioux Park will be offered first come, first served on Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23. Saturday morning, the general public is invited to check out the improvements completed this Spring at the Silver Sioux Lodge during our open house from 8-10 AM (coffee and rolls provided!). At 10:30, visitors can meet near the campgrounds for a Natural History Hike through the park with the Conservation Director.

 

Saturday evening, put on your party shoes for a barn dance, Silver Sioux style! All ages are welcome at this free event. DJ John Seel promises to play what you want to hear as we raise the roof on our spacious dairy barn turned picnic shelter. Registered campers will be treated to a free meal at the barn to kick off the evening festivities. While you visit, take a peek at our showers and new, modern restrooms.

 

Quimby Watermelon Days takes place right down the road, so come on out for an event-filled weekend in the beautiful Cherokee County countryside!