Summer in Siouxland, Rural Plymouth County

A summer’s day in rural Plymouth County, IowaThursday, Aug.9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Driving around Siouxland it is hard not to see a bucolic scene along the highways and byways. Part of the charm of “flyover” country is that it appears peaceful and unhurried. That is not always the case as evidenced by news stories. And for those who are on a pell-mell journey to arrive at their next destination before they left their current place, forever is a word that pops up often on the trip.

But that is the allure of such a place. Quiet, slow, peaceful and calm. And enjoying the moment that is presented here and now.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Days are numbered in Siouxland, Rural Plymouth County

I know the days are numbered for “nice” weather in Siouxland. I recently heard different local tv weather prognosticators talking about wintry weather mixes appearing soon. Too soon for my taste. It’s just barely fall and Thanksgiving hasn’t arrived yet. So I relish these remaining days, blustery though they might be to just enjoy some nice fall light as I watch it paint the countryside in direct yet a softer glow. And with a colder than normal winter forecast I’ll miss those warm, even hot summer days.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Summer scenic in rural Plymouth County, Iowa, Wednesday, August 19, 2015.

A summer day scenic in rural Plymouth County, Iowa, Wednesday, August 19, 2015.

Moonrise in Siouxland, Plymouth County

As I have gotten older I don’t always get up before the sun or even see it set during certain portions of the year. And that doesn’t both me in the least. But sometimes when out I enjoy varying what I photograph and occasionally I do see a moonrise. No longer working for daily newspapers my schedule is more flexible and less demanding and I can enjoy the evening at home or out photographing.

I generally don’t carry a tripod and make do trying to photograph the scene as best as I can. And while not always a stellar image compared to other nature and landscape photographers I am aware of, it personally is satisfying. And it makes me ask myself why I don’t do more photographs of this nature as I head home anticipating my cup of coffee waiting for me.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Moon over the countryside near Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Enjoying Fall in Siouxland, Rural Plymouth County

Coming back a short trip in north Siouxland I stopped along the roadway to admire and attempt to capture a sunset. Watching it a bit I thought the sky was going to stay washed out, but then the color started bursting  into the clouds and it made a nice day even better.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

An intense sunset off Hwy 75 South in rural Plymouth County, Iowa Friday Oct. 28, 2016 in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Siouxland’s agricultural roots

As spring has arrived and Siouxland farmers are now getting out into their fields for planting, it’s easier for people living in towns and larger cities to be reminded of the state’s agricultural roots. Buying beef and pork and chicken at the supermarket doesn’t really do the trick. But when I drive some of the byways and backroads in northwest Iowa I come across scenes of abandoned or no longer active farm steads. House and barns that have fallen into disrepair. It’s sad. In the 1940’s and ’50’s, there were so many more farms and thriving smaller communities. A small farm could survive raising some livestock along with a vegetable garden and some grain crops. Those days are gone. Now, it appears that to survive, individual farmers are utilizing a couple thousand acres just to survive, and those with less, are working other jobs aas well.

So it’s sad when I find a now defunct homestead. I wonder about the family that lived there previously. Working in all kinds of weather, watching their children grow, attending events at the local schools and churches and communities.  Progress is a dual edged sword. On the one hand, life is better, but on the other, some aspects are left in the past.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Exploring Siouxland’s back roads

With nicer weather comes the opportunity to explore some more of the backroads of the Siouxland area. During the winter months and again in early spring and sometimes summer, the weather conditions can make driving dirt and gravel roads at times almost perilous. The roads tend to shift underneath your vehicle’s wheels even if you are only driving 3o mph or less.

But it’s on the backroads where history lies for a state like Iowa. Old abandoned homesteads and equipment remain there unused. Sometimes collected, other times discarded. The history behind these places and items have their own stories that would be insightful at best and informational from a time period that no longer exists.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Nicer weather in Siouxland

The last few days have been a bit of a roller coaster weather-wise in Siouxland. The nicer days are appearing, being replaced with rainy days, which is good, since there was limited snowfall over the winter.

But nicer days are great for getting out and looking images and exploring the area once again.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa