Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Birds of Perrot?

At Perrot State Park, pets are welcome.

Of course they need to be on a leash and never left alone at a campsite. However some exceptions may apply.

In the case of a visiting camper they brought their pet parakeets. They are very well behaved but don't exactly take to being on a leash.









But they do travel very well in their little container that fits into a handy backpack for a hike up the bluff.


So pets are welcome next time you are thinking of bringing your families furry friend or in this case feathered.



Which leads me to another point. the name of the park is Perrot pronounced "Pear-row" not Parrot.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Perrot Coloring-not just for kids
















To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Perrot State Park their Friends group has come out with a special publication featuring 4 coloring pages. Here's a sneak peak and a few of my own creative results.

Berol Prismacolor Pencils
 
 
 
 
 
Prairie Pollinators
 
 
 



 
Prairie Pollinators-
A bouquet of native blooms and a variety of pollinators, to remind us of natures special relationships. Each pollinator seeks the prairie plant designed with them in mind. Hope you find peace and harmony while contemplating which colors to choose. There's a range of possibilities.


Trempealeau Bay


Yasutomo Pearly Water Colors
Trempealeau Bay-The Bay forms at the convergence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers, isolating Trempealeau Mountain. An attraction for modern park visitors who like to paddle and past traveling voyageurs banking on some new found land. Local aquatic inhabitants gather around the voyageurs canoe pondering what kind of new log has washed ashore. Whether it's sunset or moonset, it's the colorist choice.


Perrot Post
Pen and pencil-with a splash of red





















Perrot Post-This designated landmark highlights one of the parks original hosts, Nicolas Perrot a French Fur Trader, who hung his hat and coat near this historical marker. Resident woodland animals reveal themselves, hidden among the hardwood trees, curious to see the new comer. Evidence of the area first known inhabitants are also seen among the mounds that once filled the park. Acknowledging the attraction of this place we call Perrot State Park.


Bradys Bluff



Brady's Bluff-Reaching the highest point in the park begins with Horseshoe Falls part of a State Natural Area. Hikers journey up the west side retracing the quarried stone footsteps of the CCC. The strong men who toiled together created the original path to the summit. Along the way woodland blooms and driftless wonders transform into goat prairies, showcasing the diversity of natures wonder. Be sure to bring your binoculars for a birds eye view  at the top of Cambrian stone cliffs.


Still one more page to color. Saving it for a rainy day.






Wait there's more...in addition to the four coloring pages are historic photos, fun facts and activity pages for all ages.


They sell for $4.00 or buy three for $10.00 at the park headquarters and share the fun. Makes a great souvenir, gift for mom or an activity for the whole family.  




Friday, May 4, 2018

Knot what you'd expect.

4-row Pan Chang knot with cross knots
Opening up a package from amazon is becoming quite common as we order more online. It's just easier shopping at home, instead of running around wasting gas. We've returned to "let your fingers do the walking" or in this case tapping on the keyboard. How many of you remember that old saying.

You may think it becomes less personal, not interacting with people face to face. We got a surprise in our last package, in this case it was from China. Whomever was processing our shipment added a little more to the box. It was truly not what we expected, a beautiful red knotted tassel.

It was a real delight thinking someone one was making an effort to connect. After looking up online I learned a few things about our neighbors on the other side of the world.

Did you knot know:

Red Knot Tassel activates good fortune.

Knotting goes back to prehistoric times.

In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) knotting in china transcended folklore status to higher art form.

Red is the color of luck in China

I'm knot done.

Today you might remember the art of tying knots known as macramé. Another ancient art inspired by the designs made by sailors. Brought to it's higher art form by hippies in the 1960's. Maybe I'm making this up, maybe knot. A tribute to my friend Sylvia in Ashville.