The  sunset last night over the bluffs of the Mississippi in Trempealeau was spectacular.  Trempealeau means “walking on water”; Trempealeau Mountain is surrounded by water.  The charming town,  bluffs and natural beauty draw us to Trempealeau every time we travel north.  We love to watch the eagles soaring overhead.  Once an eagle swooped down right beside our boat, grabbed a fish in his talons, and off he went.  They don’t dive to get their prey – once in the water they can’t fly.  Last weekend we watched an eagle swim to shore.  He looked tired and we feared the worst, but he finally made it.

Sullivan’s Restaurant provides a courtesy van, so we arranged for a pickup.  The chatty driver was fun to talk to, and knowledgeable about the area.  The village, which was originally named Reed’s Landing, was founded in 1851.  At Sullivans we sat at the bar and ordered martinis and the appetizer sampler.  We each ate one of everything on the platter, then had the rest boxed so we would still be hungry for the main course.  We enjoyed an excellent salad bar, then on to beef tenderloin tips and shrimp.  Mmmmmm. 

Back at the boat we sat in the cockpit and watched stars with our binoculars.  Brian was pleased to view the 7 Sisters, or Pleides.  We saw some shooting stars, but no satellites. 

 This morning we walked to the  lock and dam to take pictures, but I had neglected to charge the camera’s battery, so that was that.  I wanted to get photos of the exterior and interior of the  Historic Trempealeau Hotel and of us eating walnut burgers, but no such luck.  The burgers were delicious!

Speaking of luck, we have just encountered our first lengthy wait of the trip at a lock and dam.  There is a southbound barge locking through, so here we are at charming Alma, WI. We’ve been through Alma in a car, and it boasts a surprising number of specialty shops and gift stores.  Buena Vista Park, 500 feet above the city, has picnic facilities and a natural viewing platform with a spectacular view of the Mississippi and Minnesota.

 Our destination tonight is Red Wing and "the friendliest marina on the Mississippi". Cindy, the proprietor, makes sure the place lives up to its name.  She and her dock cat give a warm welcome.  The cat tried to hitch a ride with us the last time we stayed, good thing we discovered her aboard at the last minute.  Cindy has a green thumb, her flowers are plentiful and spectacular.  I’m anticipating tonight’s shower in a converted little old caboose, cuted up beyond reason.