[Riverman]

Recent rains had not been heavy, but quite consistent, and had held Big Creek in Henry County at a paddlable level, at least on the lower sections. CFS was at 43, only 7 less than when I ran it 2 weeks ago, and more than enough for this stretch. I had some minor scrapage, but nothing much- I never got stuck. I have never run this twice in one Fall season, so I feel quite fortunate. The season on this creek usually runs March thru June, but the cooler, wetter climate we have experienced over the past several years seems to have increased paddling opportunities.

I put in where I took out 2 weeks ago- at the Iowa Ave bridge south of Mt. Pleasant. Access there is pretty good. My takeout was Lexington Ave- about 7-8 miles. Temperatures where in the 40's, but still pretty comfortable to a hot-blooded type like me. This stretch is typical Big Creek- lots of riffles, pools, & rock bluffs, with clear blue green water. What was different this time was the stunning fall colors, especially the bright orange on the hard maples that are found on most of the bluffs. Just as I rounded a bend shortly before the Lexington bridge, the sun finally came out, brilliantly illuminating the orange trees on the 60-80 foot rock bluffs. The bluffs were easier to see, too, with some of the leaves off the trees. A number of times on this trip I contemplated how few human eyes ever see this riparian beauty, and felt fortunate.

Wildlife sightings had been unusually sparse on my last trip, and that was true of the first half of this trip, too. Then I sighted a magnificent buck with a full rack standing on a gravel bar on river-left. He then forded the creek in front of me. Shortly afterwards I sighted several does, as well as a number of wood ducks. I saw a very large nest high in a tree, and wondered what it belonged to. Not long after that I saw what I think was an eagle, crying out as it soared far overhead. Most likely the owner of the nest.

While the weather was unseasonably cool, I couldn't have asked for a better fall day.
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A ship in a harbor is safe- but that's not what ships are for.

[kgassman]

Sounds like a great paddle. I would love to come down to paddle your Big Creek. It sounds like an awesome piece of nature. Your descriptions are so vivid I can envision your encounter with the buck and does. Thanks for sharing.
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Some Things This Side Of Heaven Are Just Cooler Than Hell.

[Riverman]

Let me know if you ever want to come down. It can be hard to get non-local paddlers down here to run these creeks, but those who have have not regretted it. I'd also like to paddle the Big Creek in your area- the one near Cedar Rapids. That sounds amazing as well.
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A ship in a harbor is safe- but that's not what ships are for.

[ion maiden]

I will vouch for the SE Iowa Big Creek. Good features, great scenery. Wish I could come back down and run it again someday!

Definitely worth the drive.

[Riverman]

It would be cool to get a group together, maybe next spring. Sometime I'd like to paddle the whole thing in 2 days.
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A ship in a harbor is safe- but that's not what ships are for.

[Gutwrencher]

Spring? Count me in for sure. Thanks for sharing!
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Paddle Plannage(next 20): Beaver Creek 8-4 (Polk County), Rathbun, Middle Raccoon (Coon Rapids), South Raccoon Overnighter (2nd week August)

[Riverman]

I'll definitely try to put something together next spring.
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A ship in a harbor is safe- but that's not what ships are for.

[ion maiden]

Cool. How many years in a row have I been talking SE Iowa for spring break? 2010 needs to be the year!!

[Riverman]

I'n guessing that would be at the end of March? That would be a good time to try to hit it.
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A ship in a harbor is safe- but that's not what ships are for.

[ion maiden]

March 15-19, actually. I don't know why they call it spring break when it's actually still winter.