Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage, can be a journey you take to make peace with the world. Some make a pilgrimage to Perrot State Park to reconnect with nature.

Others looking for a more religious pilgrimage in the area make their way to the Shrine of Guadalupe in La Crosse.
















Located just south of town, the beautiful setting is open to visitors year round. Be prepared for a short half mile hike up a winding path leading you to the Shrine Church and passing along many sculptural displays of depicting the Catholic faith. There's also lots of stained glass, faux decorative techniques and large scale paintings to admire.













When you have the chance to visit be sure to request the half hour film in the Pilgram Center describing the 1531 events of the virgin mary's appearance to Juan Diego, in what is now modern Mexico City. Now hailed as the Mother of the Americas she is venerated right here is the Coulee Region.




 
 
 

Check out the website www.guadalupeshrine.org for other events like organ recitals, guest speakers which have included a daughter of a saint and touring relic displays. Or of course you can also take in mass and confessionals weekly.

 

While visiting they have a nice place to eat the Cuilina Marianna Café and Flores Mariae Gift Shop with everything from rosaries, metals of saints and Christmas decorations.

Speaking of saints, did you know the Patron Saint of Foresters, Parker Rangers and Parks is St. John Gaulbert.  So if you're inclined maybe say a prayer to him in order to help protect the good work done to preserve our parks.  

A-Musing Christmas

During the month of December most theater programs have repeat performances of the Nutcracker and other typical holiday scores.

In search of something different we attended the Great American Trailer Park Christmas at The Muse Theater in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

It was right up our alley, set in a trailer park in Florida, duded up in tacky holiday decor. The message of Christmas cheer conveyed in cutoff hot pants and trashy humor was enhanced as we sat in the pews of an old church turned theater venue.

The intimate theater has lots of charm saved by Vicki and Don Elwood. The Muse Theater is only a block away from a great dining opportunity Pogrebas.

Happy Holidays to you and yours. Hope your New Year stays A-Musing!

 

Pearl Street Brewery

 Tailgaiting for Life at the Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse Wisconsin.














Housed in the old Rubber Mills Factory the local brewery was the ideal spot for the most unforgettable tailgating party as a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society.













The big game of Packers against the Bears and lots of delicious food provided by many generous local businesses and those willing to join in the Tail Gate Cook-off.










Everyone was a winner by the end of the afternoon with raffles and games.



Be sure to check out www.pearlstreetbrewery.com for all their fun events and a brew tour too.

Morning Moon Over Trempealeau

 These super moons lately have been quite a sight to see.















Having arrived early at Perrot State Park I had the chance to see the moon setting over Trempealeau Mountain going into Trempealeau Bay.













At the same time I happen to turn around and catch a nice sunrise too.

Fallen for the Midwest

A long weekend off and lots to do. 














 

We headed off to the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge for the first program in their new building, Outdoor Wonders Learning Center. The Friends group sponsored Ellen Kolbo McDonah, an artist, teacher and kayaker, who became the first women to paddle the entire Mississippi River. In 2014 she accomplished her solo journey of 2300 miles in just over 100 days.

She recounted her "Adventururism Art Movement" with photos, artwork and stories of the people (River Angels) she met along the way . If you missed it you can attend another presentation at Myrick Parks' monthly Nature Series sponsored by WisCorps and Friends of the Marsh, on Wed., Nov. 2nd at 7pm. Or you can buy her book "One Women's River".  More information at www.ellenmcdonah.com

Next it's off to Minnesota's Eagle Bluff Skills School. As a real Wisconsin women I felt I needed to learn the art of Creating Cheese. Instruction included Farmer's cheese, soft cheese and a Monterey Jack. Our award winning cheese maker Dave Sefton showed us how easy it is to do it at home on the stove top and inspired us to be creative. Just a few ingredients to get going and I know what I'm doing this winter.

The Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota, will connect you to the natural world through everything from High Ropes challenges for team building to making amish noodles. To learn more www.eagle-bluff.org.

Farmers Market Flowers

Since I had Sunday off, it was time to visit the local farmers market. Lots of produce still left and with colder temperatures on the way, local growers were harvesting the last of the crops in the fields.



Trempealeau Roadside Stand

View North Overlook

We also took advantage of our Minnesota State Park sticker with a drive to Great River Bluffs State Park to enjoy the view of the Mississippi River. The park offers several overlooks on short trails and a small campground, but no electrical service for HaRVey.

Taking photos fro orbs!

The long weekend  wrapped up with Moon Family Psychic Experience at the UW-La Crosse Campus. Maybe just a coincidence that we were experiencing a super moon too.

After a presentation on techniques and spirit etiquette we searched for any ghosts on campus to talk to on the spirit phone. They even had chakra and tarot card readings.

If you need to reach out here's the link www.chrismoonpsychic.com

The only ghosts we saw!

I don't need a fortune teller to let me know what fun is instore for next year. We already have plans for two Minnesota State Parks, Whitewater and Forestville Mystery Cave. Plus we may take the next big step in RVing and go south for a winter break.

 

Mineral Point, WI

Cabinet Shop

We enrolled in Intro. to Torch Welding at Shake Rag Alley School of Arts and Crafts.





















Blacksmith Barn

It was a blast to cut through steel with the acetylene torches. Our creative side was sparked learning how to weld metal.

As with all skills the more you learn the more you yearn to use them.



Bent Willow Chair

Shake Rag Alley is a community of local artists that offer a variety of classes, along with accommodations and stage performances. www.shakeragalley.com




Recycled Art Objects

The setting utilizes historic buildings from a miner's cottages to blacksmith barn renovated for workshops.





Other programs include making rustic furniture to jewelry and objects d'art.





 

 

 

 

We were challenged towards the end of class to put our new skills to use. We joined forces and created a stand for our new camping toy, a laser light.

We've taken the art of decorating our camp site to new levels, using laser holiday lights to create a starry effect among the trees. It really can't be appreciated in photos.



Last Camp of the Season

Stephans Falls and Lost Canyon Trail

Our finally days for the camping season included a trip to southwestern Wisconsin for Governor Dodge State Park. Located in the driftless region of the state, the 5000 acres offered two beautiful lakes for paddling and fishing plus 40 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horse back riders.




Enee Point-sandstone outcropping

Even though it's already October the park was busy. The campground caters to family groups with many shared sites. The grounds were noisy with kids making it difficult to enjoy our natural surroundings. It became more restful on Sunday night when the retirees started arriving.

Cox Hollow Beach



Spring House



Fishing Friends



Bobs' Bitchin BBQ

We did a little hiking and feed the fish (aka fishing).








We ventured into Dodgeville to shared a sampler platter at Bobs Bitch' BBQ restaurant. They really got creative on the sauces with rootbeer, raspberry and chipotle creations.


Besides camping we chose this area to attend a class in Mineral Point. You'll never guess what for!