Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Teaching Philosophy

Going on field trips as a kid was always a blast! Finding new places to explore is what a lot of kids love to do when they grow up too. I believe that teachers should have the same philosophy while teaching and that you should show them as many places as money :) allows...

Where in the world is Matt?

A neat video to show what kind of neat places and people you will find all over the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ira Nichols Bird and Wild Flower Refuge

If you are a bird watcher, this is the place for you. Just west of the St. Mark's and Union Cementarys in Iowa Falls, the Nichols County Refuge offers many different kinds of animals and birds which are living in this 16 acre timbered area. Sitting just 3 blocks west of Ellsworth Community College, the refuge is sure opposite of the bustle of college activities. Many different animals, birds, trees, shrubs, and plants can be found here.

Scenic City Empress Boat Club


 Built in 1937, the scenic city empress boat club runs during the summer months, May to mid-October. The boat goes up and down the Iowa River in the Iowa Falls area, where the water is deep enough. There is a covered lower section which is catered during dinner cruises, which seats 44 people. There is also a upper-deck which seats another 50 people when the weather is nice and for non-dinner cruises. The rides last for about an hour and a half. The tour guide tells you about the history of the Iowa River and Iowa Falls area. 

River Road's Fall Colors

With fall comes awesome colors. The river road that runs out of Iowa Falls to the west, is a great place to find those colors. The colors are not changing just yet in a lot of places, but along the river road, there are a few spots that look like true fall. The picture that I took on October 12th, yesterday for those of you reading this in class, shows the red, brown, green, and yellowish colors on the trees that seem to be in their prime of color.
Directions: Go through the cementary, down the big hill and turn right.

Weaver's Cove

Looking west down Iowa River
About a mile west of campus, along River Road, you will come across Weaver's Cove. A great place to send your canoes or jet skies in, Weaver's Cove makes for a nice afternoon stop. Another great place for picnics or a place to read a book, if you go once or twice, you will be sucked into going again and again.

Geese stopping on their trip south

Looking east towards Cabin Cove B & B

Sunsets of Hardin County

 North of Alden
Great weather makes great pictures. The last few days I have gone around the Hardin County area, searching for great places to grab the scenes of Iowa with the suns departure. Here are some of my findings:
Southwest of Buckeye

Iowa Falls Canyon

 Iowa dam looking from east side of canyon
Suprising to any out-of-towners, the canyon area by the Iowa River dam creates a surreal experience when you reach the bottom. To get the the bottom, visitors must walk down 99 stairs to reach the bottom. In the canyon, you will find the dam, with tons of water gushing out, and a quiet stream the flows into the Iowa River. 100 feet cliffs can be seen on both sides of you, in a Colorado type surrounding. A great place to run is the 99 stairs, or if you don't mind heights, you may find that running over the 100 foot high walking bridge is your cup of tea, go check it out when you have the time!

Foster Park

Located on the banks of the Iowa River, Foster Park allows drivers to loop through the park, and  for a brief time along the Iowa River. Foster Park has many outdoor activities to offer its' visitors. There are playsets for younger kids to run around on, a disc golf course, many shelter houses to hold parties at, and benches to sit at if you want to take in the Iowa River's treasures.
Directions to Foster Park: Turn north at the corner of Iowa Falls' west Casey's gas station, and head north until the road ends just past the stop sign.
Picture taken: October 12th 2010

Riverbend Park and Swinging Bridge, Iowa Falls

Riverbend Park and Swinging Bridge, Iowa Falls
Not far from the ECC campus is riverbend park and the swinging bridge. This is a great place to get away from your busy schedules and relax. It's also a great place to sit and watch the geese, play some basketball or tennis on the courts, have a picnic, and at the right time in the summers, see the scenic city empress go by!
Picture taken: Oct. 12th 2010 from swinging bridge