Beeds Lake or: Autumnal tints

My local state parks may not have the size or plethora of trails like some of the prominent parks, but what they may lack in scope and amenities they make up for ten-fold  with serene views and tranquility.

My recent excursion to Beeds Lake near Hampton, IA was much needed. In addition to some exercise and fresh air, I was in need of autumnal tints. Forget year-round summer--if there is such a place that exists in perpetual autumn, I would move there in a heartbeat.

Beeds Lake is a 99-acre reservoir encircled by a dirt walking trail. If you've got tennis shoes and an hour or so to spare, you've got all you need to make the roughly 2.2 mile hike. The only safety issue for this time of year is walnuts. I mean it. Walnuts. I almost rolled my ankle twice from the walnuts littered on the ground, a falling walnut almost conked me on the egg. Be on the lookout.

There is not much else that I can write about Beeds Lake that can't be better told in a photograph. It is beautiful. During my hike, I was spinning around singing in my head, "The lake is aliiiiiive with the sights of auuutuuuumn!" I didn't actually do this because I was still within hearing distance of the campground at the time, but you best believe that I was giving Julie Andrews a run for her money in my head.

Total miles covered: 2.7
Total time: 40 minutes, 18 seconds of moving time
Temperature: 63 degrees Fahrenheit
Water consumed: 16 oz
Times I almost got brained by a falling walnut: 1
Times I almost rolled my ankle on fallen walnuts: 2