Winter hike shows another side of park

A chilly stream overcomes obstacles on its way to the lake at Van Meter State Park. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Order this photo]

The remains of a tree or vine twist skyward, an example of an aspect of Van Meter State Park that stands out during a winter hike. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Order this photo]

Van Meter State Park is not as colorful in winter as it is during other seasons, but it offers visitors a peek at behind-the-foliage scenes. At left, cattails with iced-up roots silhouetted against the sky on New Year's Day. For more observations about what the park has to offer during cold months, visit Eric Crump's recent blog entry. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Order this photo]