Sunset at Rathbun Lake

The sun is setting on another day at Rathbun Lake. Fishers are silently making their way home while the geese overhead make quite a ruckus. Another flock of white water birds bank and land to feed near a half-dozen or so sandpipers. A short while earlier we had watched an eagle hunting above some high grass and a young osprey dive for fish. The pinks, reds and greys of sunset reflect off the lake creating a mix and blend of color. Campers, who have been gone on their adventures during the day, are returning and walking the campground practicing good social distancing. Dogs bark greetings, and the silence of the day is traded for a murmur of activity, exchange of stories and the occasional shreek of a child. Flowers are closing, crickets are singing and campfires are being lit. In a few hours the children will be asleep, the campfires put out, dogs quiet, and lights out. The only sounds those of nature. Good night from Rathbun campground, Iowa.