The Bluffs

Wow. What a fun weekend! Desi, Sha, and I started out REALLY early on Saturday. Like 7 or 8ish I think which is again, for me, REALLY early on a Saturday. We headed down to Red Wing where we got a hotel room and then onto Wabasha to play for the day. On the way we stopped in Lake City and a scenic overlook on Lake Peppin to watch the eagles and hawks fish. (In the winter there are hundreds of eagles out this way and throughout the river down to the eagle center in Wabasha because the water doesn't freeze over and they fish here.) We also found a park called Hok-Si-can't remember the rest to stop and take a better look at the lake from the shore and I found a catepillar there which I lovingly named, Batholemewl. We also stopped for Breakfast somewhere but I can't remember where. They had great cinnamon rolls though.

Once we were in Wabasha we passed by a pond full of geese. The white kind. I don't know which kind and I am too lazy to look it up right now. Sha got out and took some pictures but hurried back to the car in no time because they started out of the water toward her looking for food (I assume.) We then went into town and stopped at the "National Eagle Center." I listened to an interpreter that was not there last time and he let us take pictures along side of the eagles. They are pretty amazing birds! They are permanently injured because of people hitting them with cars or some other reasons.

I learned that unlike crows, Eagles will not get out of the way when approached by a vehicle. They are a proud bird and will protect their food until the end and if in the unlikely case an eagle does try to leave it is a slow take off and they end up getting hit anyway if you don't stop for them.

We left the eagle center to go get bread (to feed to the geese.) Then, we stopped at the pond again and I fed them. They were extremely hungry because they surrounded me and it was a lovely feeling except for the crazed look in their eyes when they saw the bread. They all went through a whole loaf of french bread and I quickly ran to the car so as not to be next on the menu.

After that, we went up one of the bluffs to the Wabasha Museum/Store which had all kinds of native american and wilderness items. Sha and Des bought their mom something and I got some great gift ideas for people while I was there. The lady at the front counter was friendly and pointed us toward "Lark Toy Company" which we never would have thought to go but were glad she told us.

We headed south to the next town where we found the toy company. I had a lot of fun just looking at all the toys of my past and even past when I was born. They had toys from really far back to look at in displays, a book store, several little sections of toys to buy, a restaurant and candy store, and a homemade marry go round. It was like a maze of toys and I was completely enchanted!

After the toy shop we went back to Wabasha. Desi and I ate at slippery's last time we were there and wanted to go again. "Slippery's" was the name of the restaurant in "Grumpy Old Men" which was based on a story from Wabasha. The service was slow but I can understand why as there was a sea of motorcycles when we walked in. The food, however, was wonderful not too mention the view. At one point, some guy went by in a boat that looked like hay. Too funny, he must have been duck hunting.

After our late lunch, we decided to head over the bridge to the Wisconsin side of the river and go to redwing that was since there was another bridge in Red Wing connecting the two states. On the way up we spotted a sign pointing out Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthplace. I suggested we shop because it would be interesting. So, we did.

The road to get out there seemed to go on forever but the scenery was great. We finally got to the home (the birthplace) and there was letters, geneology information, and pictures of Laura and her family. It was so interesting to read and be able to be there. It felt inspiring. We took pictures around the place and I got one of me coming out of the corn stalks. Then, we headed to the next town to go to the Laura Ingalls Wilder store which was simply a small shop in a brick building. Cute though.

After leaving we kept heading up to Red Wing and it was cool to see the river from the other side. The bluffs were amazing. It was kinda scary driving past the "Watch for falling rocks" signs though. We arrived in town and got some food and drinks for the night. We were all pretty pumped to get into the hot tub so we did that first. Then, swimming and then, the sauna. When we got back to our room we were hungry for more than the snacks we bought so we got a pizza. Then, went to bed.

The next morning I was itching to get out of the hotel. Since none of the stores were open we decided to head up to the "Barn Bluff" to take pictures at the top. When we got to the entrance we realized that there was not a drive that you could take up, it was all walking/hiking. We ALL decided that it would be worth it and made our way. Along the way we got some really cool views, took pictures of some lovely leaves, and when we got to the north side saw the most beautiful view ever. On the way over to the other side of the bluff, I had to kill a catepillar that already was half dead. I wanted to put it out of it's misery so I did. I still feel bad though. As we headed to the other side the scenery changed from deep trees to prairie. The wind picked up and it felt amazing rushing through our hair and clothes. At one point, we were ABOVE the hawks that surrounded us looking for food. Did I say how amazed I was!!! Wow!!!. As we stood at the edge, we saw the Mississippi steamboat go on by and got a vast view of the city amongst several others. We headed back down and at some points, when I say "down" I mean DOWN! Some of the paths we took were almost straight up and down.

When we got done we were all famished and dehydrated. After all that hiking, we didn't bring water. So, we went to a restaurant called Beerhute or something like that. They had German food but, mostly water which is what we were looking for. I had a cheeseburger there which was so good (see famished) and then we went to the little speciality shops around the place. They were mostly little consignment stores mixed in with somewhat modern stores, and historical places. We stopped for ice cream when we were done and then headed back to the cities.

I was a hurting unit until I got moving again that night but it was so worth it and one of my most memorable trips!!!! I had an AWESOME time!!!