I wondered how far north it was when it fell into the river. Where is it now?

When I last saw it, the current was carrying the driftwood downstream at a pretty good pace. I like to think that someone in New Orleans saw the same driftwood float by, and wondered the same thing I did.

The park is located along the spot where the Wisconsin River flows into the Mississippi.

On the other side of the Wisconsin River, the city of Prairie du Chien (above). A little further upstream, farmland.

The view from the other side of the Mississippi River, in Iowa’s Pikes Peak State Park isn’t bad either. Wyalusing is on the corner of the bluff pictured below.

Finally, a view of the sun going down from my campsite.

Taken over the Starkweather Creek, in Olbrich Park.

I had no idea the jet was in the frame with the above bald eagle, until I got home.

The view of the river and bluffs from downtown Prairie du Sac is quite scenic. Can you see the three bald eagles perched on the island? That’s one of their favorite hangouts.

I saw a lot of immature bald eagles like the one above.

Though not the best photo, this last shot was the best one I was able to take of an eagle fishing.

The view of the river farther into Porcupine Mountain State Park isn’t bad either.

Taken along side the Iowa River.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to you regarding the development project proposed to be placed on the banks of the Wisconsin River’s Lower Dells (Docket Number IP-SC-2007-11-2032LW and IP-SC-2007-11-2033LW). I believe the proposed development would be a bad idea for a number of reasons, and I urge your agency to deny the permit for this development.

As a strong supporter of the DNR’s efforts with state natural areas, I am deeply concerned about the habitat of protected plants and animals such as those that can be found in the Lower Dells. Building such a large resort complex adjacent to this beautiful natural area would severely threaten that habitat, and only lead to the area’s downfall.

Accounts in the local news have quoted developers as saying their project wouldn’t encroach on the natural area, that they have promised to post signs along the resort’s border advising people that the adjacent property is a state natural area. It’s absurd to believe advisory signs would do anything to protect that area. I believe the negative impact on that natural area would be inevitable, and would eventually lead to the destruction of protected species, as well as the scenic beauty of the area.

Erosion from the 62 acre site (including parking lot runoff), as well as increased boat traffic can only harm the Wisconsin River and that natural area. The proposed six-story-high structure would be a severe detriment to the scenic beauty of that unique part of the river.

As one who has contributed to Wisconsin’s Endangered Resources Fund for a long time (through the license place which I’ve had for years, and through regular contributions on my income tax form), I am so very proud of the D.N.R.’s efforts with regard to the state natural areas. It is my hope the State continues to protect those areas, especially from sprawling development. Please don’t put the Wisconsin River State Natural Area in jeopardy. Deny the permit for this development project.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Bloy

The above view of Queen’s Buff is your reward after about a mile hike through the woods. My jaw just dropped as I emerged from the forest and saw the spectacular scene.

Looking away from the river (below), the rolling hills made for some beautiful scenery as well.

While biking to the refuge along the Great River State Trail, I came upon this turtle (which was probably about a foot and a half long), digging a hole with her back legs, to bury her eggs.

There weren’t that many wildflowers blooming, but I did see a few around.

With my small camera, it was tough getting good shots of the birds I saw.

Toward the end of the week, I took a day trip to the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River. Below is a shot of the wildlife refuge from across the river.

The park is located along the Mississippi River, about 15 miles northwest of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Below is the view of Trempealeau Mountain I had right from my campsite.

I saw (and heard) all kinds of wildlife: song birds, water birds, deer, owls, foxes, eagles, turtles, and other amphibians.

Probably the most visible were all the egrets (above) who liked to hang around in the bay.

I liked to check out the scenery in the early evening, which is when I took my favorite picture of the park (above).

At the top of one of the bluffs, was a platform with a great view of the bay and Trempealeau Mountain (above).