Kilen Woods State Park

           My trip to Kilen Woods State Park was a solo one, which I enjoyed because it allowed me more opportunities to be still and connect with God. I decided to walk later in the day too (6-8pm) hoping to gaze upon the sunset at the conclusion of my hike, but the weather remained hot and humid by the time I began – my sweat making my tank top damp. Additionally, I was thankful I trekked here during May: any other summer month and I would’ve had to bathe in bug spray to prevent from turning into one large mosquito bite. The terrain happened to be an ideal environment for biting insects: budding brush and a muddy ground, the result of a drenched spring. But, it created a magnificent landscape to gawk at. 

 

            My walk initiated with a wild animal encounter: 3 young deer. Now, I know that spotting a deer isn’t an accomplishment (if I can even call it that) but it occurred suddenly, and the deer startled me by all prancing away, white tails up. The event was mesmerizing though, since I stood within 100 meters of wild, peaceful animals – God’s creation. It’s actually been a year(?) since I’ve come that close to a herd of deer and it happened multiple times throughout my hike (I almost felt like it was the same trio of deer).

            The occurrence reminded me of this past semester when I got to hold a wild animal – a bird, about the size of my hand. It occurred in my Avian Ecology lab (I really learned so much in that class); we were banding birds. It was my first time holding one; so delicate I felt as if I could squish it. I could also feel its pounding heart – terrified I’m sure – against my fingers. I even pet its head as if that would’ve helped it calm down. During this time, I felt overwhelmed; overwhelmed because I embraced a piece of God’s wild creation – a minute fraction of God within my hands. Overall, I felt God’s presence and it lasted but a few seconds. The moment made me sit down and almost cry. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure too.

            Speaking of birds and getting back to Kilen Woods, I heard various kinds of birds, which I could identify (thanks again to Avian Ecology) by their songs including Red-Winged Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal, Singing Sparrow, and a White-Breasted Nuthatch. Ain’t that neat?!

            Additionally, since the weather for my hike was one of the first days the sun has shown itself after a long, cloudy, wet spring, plants and trees alike were beginning to bloom – giving the park some of its density back. Pollinators were busy as well. I encountered many bumblebees, which of course, I ran away from; probably a funny site to see. (If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m afraid of stinging insects).

            Another cool aspect about this hike was its location next to the Des Moines River. It amazed me to feel the temperature decrease dramatically as I ventured down the steep trails to reach the river’s shoreline. The water moved steadily, harmonizing with the surrounding frogs, creating a peaceful melody to walk too. A couple creeks streamed into it too – a little foreshadowing of the main event.

            I can easily say though that my two favorite parts of the whole hike were the overlooks and the sun. The scenic overlooks provided an awesome reward to the steep climbs (I quickly realized that I’m not in hiking shape quite yet) to reach a hill’s peak. Here, I received a better view of the river and distant farmlands as well as acres of prairies with neighboring town’s water towers. The only upsetting incident was that the watch tower within the park had been torn(?) down. I thought it would be a great place to watch the sunset and see the river or prairie from a different perspective, but when I reached the tower’s hill, all that was left were the tower’s base stumps.

            Now, for the sun. I know you might be thinking, “she can see the sun every day, how could that be her favorite part?” Well, it happened to be the way the sun’s light reflected on the river and the trees. While standing among the trees, the sun’s rays made the leaves turn gold and the branches glisten with star dust. The light rays breaking through them soon reached the river, creating golden ripples as the water hurried to its next destination. Additionally, this ensued to be the moment I felt God the most throughout my hike. Finally, as I headed back to my car I watched the sun begin its decent to its friend, the horizon, generating its own beautiful moment: a grand ending to a peaceful, rewarding, hiking adventure.