Scenic views in Van Buren County

South Des Moines River update

It was a great day to paddle upstream from Bentonsport. The current was moderate, there was adequate water for paddling, a great blue heron led me upstream for a half hour before I turned back.

The floods took a toll on Van Buren County, and I hope there is some water trail program money to replace damaged kiosks and lost signs. Boat ramps will need to be fixed, and Austin Park took a big hit from an ice dam this past winter. We wish the county and state workers the best in their repair efforts.

It was great to talk with water trail friends. The new bridge at Keosauqua is fantastic, with design cues from the classic arched span it replaces. What's new is a pedestrian walkway going south and a wide bike path going north, plus gorgeous period lighting.

Plus the library in Keosauqua is getting a makeover and there are fantastic mums at Iron and Lace in Bentonsport. And I am pleased to report that the SSTs at Farmington and Bentonsport (the sweet smelling toilets that are truly a marvel) were undamaged by the floods.