The Cedar River - A Blue Deluge

A blue deluge

Flowing down from the wilds of Minnesota, the Cedar River winds its way through central Iowa and joins the Iowa River just before emptying into the mighty Mississip. The voluminous waterway streams through the heartland at a fairly fast clip as the swift current is not something you want to underestimate.

The adjacent, fertile valley is distinguished by dark-forested hills and vast fields of corn. Back in the old days they called it the Red Cedar River because of the abundance of those junipers that thrive on the limestone cliffs overlooking the blue deluge.

One evening while we were up in Waverly, we walked along the Cedar and were astonished by the diverse variety of colorful wildflowers that decorated the pathway. At Mount Vernon, a steep stairwell escorted the explorers down to the water’s edge where the Cedar’s true power was revealed.

The American Midwest is a fascinating region to visit, characterized by high humidity, verdant hues and afternoons embroiled in severe thunderstorms. It was a peaceful change of pace that I’ll never forget with memories of down-to-earth people, vibrant arts and a beautiful landscape but still, it’s good to be home.

A voluminous waterway

Streaming through the heartland

Colorful wildflowers

Decorating the pathway

A steep stairwell

A fascinating region

Verdant hues

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