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October 2001 Photo's La Crosse River Marsh Trail 10/28/01 The La Crosse River Marsh Trail was very nice to finish off our last weekend of hiking. It was still being worked on and was not clearly marked in the beginning. But as you can see we found the trail. It covered over a area of Marsh lands in La Crosse. The trail was mostly paved and bicycles used it too. One thing we found out in Wisconsin you have to have a bike permit to go on the trails. We purchased a year pass when we first arrived here in July. It was cheaper then buying one every time we used our bikes. The scenery was quite nice with a lot of geese still around as they were slowly going south. The trail was raised above the marsh land. A lot of runners were using the trail and I can see why. It would be a great trail to exercise on. Another view of how it was raised. The marsh area's had man made bird houses for the wild life. Hixon Forest Bluff in the back ground as we headed for it. The fall colors were still good even with most of the leaves gone. One of the areas with geese. Close up of the geese. Shadow hamming it up in front of the camera. He still looks young for going on 10 years old. It must be the exercise he gets in this life style We sat along the trail at a bench and enjoyed sandwiches and snacks to make our journey back to the car. We walked 6 miles on this trail and it felt good. Wisconsin has a lot of very nice trails to walk, run, or bicycle on. If you every visit the state, take advantage of these trails as much as you can. Hixon Forest Log Trail La Crosse, Wisconsin 10/27/01 We all went hiking for the last time in Wisconsin before we leave. Shadow was having a grand time marking all the trees The trail was rustic and climbed slowly up a bluff and came back to where we began. Shadow waiting for us to catch up. The trail began and ended up passing a small lake where the bridge was. Pettibone Halloween Party La Crosse, Wisconsin 10/26/01 (Halloween Party on the Mississippi) Pettibone RV Park was having a Halloween Party on Friday Night and we went to it. The decorations were great from a Fog machine to bodies and body parts lying around. Live music was there for dancing. They also was serving food and had a great display of brain and fingers on the catering table. Dave Kennedy from Eagle 102.7 FM (Oldies Station) was hosting the party. Costumes were done up nice from a Monster to Scare Crow A Cowboy to Monk Vampire to a Patient in a hospital gown. Vampire, Clown and another monk Uncle Sam to a Witch Hippie lady, Cat, Dog & Dog Catcher Hippie Lady close up. Cow and Bull Free and Dom (Freedom) Intern, Dr. Suess and others Dancing all evening Hippie Lady showing the bull what she has. The time came for costume contest. The judging started. The runners up were up for final judging. They had to do a song, joke, or act to win. The cow did Old Mac Donald had a Farm. With a moo cow here. She was really funny with singing the song. She won the Grand Prize from Rose Jewelers of $200 dollars. So the Moo Cow was utterly happy. Perrot State Park Trempealeau, WI. 10/21/01 Perrot State Park has several hiking trails. We went up Brady's Bluff and the autumn leaves were in full color. Steep step up the side of the bluff. View as we go up the bluff. Dale and shadow on the trail. Shadow walking up the steps to the top. View as we climb. The steps to the top. I made it to the top and waiting for Dale. Here comes Dale to join Shadow and I. View of the bluffs around Another angle. Close up of the bluff. View of marshes around the bluffs Another angle The trail switched back as you go down. Shadow waiting up for us. The side of the bluff had a nice view. Another angle of the marshes. The second trail we walked on was the Riverview trail. Perrot State Park is along the Mississippi River . Another view of the river. The trail walked along the river. We came across the road that led us back to the car. American Queen Paddle Wheel La Crosse, Wisconsin 10/14/01 The American Queen is from New Orleans and was stationed in La Crosse for the month. Height is 97 feet, Length is 418 feet, and it has a top speed of 11 mph. It offer's a trip of 7 days from St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota. Before they depart they lower the two black smoke stacks. The paddle wheels in the back is 38 feet wide and 28 feet in diameter. With 222 Staterooms it can handle 436 guests. The crew size is 180. The steam whistles located in the back play a melody of several songs when it arrives and departs. The whistles  on the rear play a melody when they leave port. They were suppose to depart at 4pm, but apparently were delayed for awhile. We waited around to listen for the music and after 1 1/2 hours we left. Apple Blossom Scenic Drive La Cresent, Minnesota 10/14/01 The Apple Blossom Scenic Drive is located in La Cresent. The fall leaves are in full color. On the top of the bluff you can see for miles. Another angle Lock and Dam between the bluffs La Crosse from the La Cresent side. The wind was chilly Dale was bundled up for the cold. The cold weather is coming 40's during the day and 30's a night. We only have one more week here. Hopefully it will not snow until we leave.