National Eagle Center and the Mississippi River

Growing up in a small town has many benefits.  Wabasha is a small town where everyone knows each other.  The high school's senior class has 48 students, just a bit smaller than my senior class is high school.  This morning we heard sirens, many of them, coming closer.  The people here in the campground as well as the owner and the staff came out to the street and waited for the fire trucks, ambulance, and police cars to whiz on by.  They were waiving like mad at the vehicles.  Weird.  Afterward, I asked what it was all about - there is one girl from the high school who qualified for the state finals in track, and she won.  This 'parade' of sorts is the town's way of recognizing the achievement of an outstanding student.  So, she was in the front of the fire truck's cab, waiving back at everyone.  They also told me last week the high school's softball team won state championship and the same parade happened for them.  How cool is that?

This morning we ventured into town and visited the National Eagle Center.  Why is it here and say, not Alaska, where there are so many eagles?  The river does not freeze here in the winter and it allows the eagles to hunt and feast on the fish.

Center located right on banks of Mississippi in Wabasha

To get an idea of where we are 

Has to be a stunning thing to see in the winter time

We will explore both sides before we go

The Center was impressive, learned a lot about eagles and raptors.  Nicely displayed.  From there we drove on the Minnesota side of the river, heading north.  Stopped at a couple of pull-offs, stared at the water - was mesmerizing - and continued on.  We came into an open water area called Lake Pepin where on the Wisconsin side the Chippewa River flows into the Mississippi.  The lake is 3 miles wide in some areas and 22 miles long.  A big lake.

Inside of Center - impressive displays

Can see river traffic from inside

I did not remember that the symbol of the eagle is on all our armed force's flags

Continued on up to the town of Lake City - found where the city is where water skiing began.  A sport I tried once and never got the hang of it.  Saw a pretty scene - a large marina with many sailboats.  Walked out onto the break wall, took some pics and then on the way back, my favorite sailboat - a Tartan 3500 - was coming into the dock.  Our days of sailing were tugging at us big time.

Statue of Wapahasha II

Stopped to look at the Army Corp of Engineers' dredging

Dredging the bottom, removing silt

This very pregnant Mom and her 2 kids just standing on tracks - active track! 

Lake Pepin near Reads Landing

Very pretty lake

Pleasant day outside.  This area is not far from Rochester where the Mayo Clinic is (we assumed that some of the larger boats were owned by medical folks) and also a quick hour drive from Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  A recreational paradise.

Oh - I do miss sailing!

Fishing for bass

Park models right on the lake

Tartan 3500