|
From the bluffs of Perrot State Park in southwest Wisconsin you can see the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers. Only a few miles from the charming river town of Trempealeau the 1,434-acre park offers hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, camping, birdwatching and kayaking. Trempealeau is derived from the French nickname la montagne qui trempe a l'eau or roughly the "mountain whose foot is bathed by water."
Kayaks can be rented for $10.00 an hour and launched directly into Trempealeau Bay at the Nature Center. Perrot State Park is named for Nicholas Perrot, an early French explorer who established one of the first European encampments in the Upper Mississippi Valley.
I kayaked in Trempeauleau Bay around 7 p.m. and found the air thick and very humid. While launching I learned the true meaning of the words "muddy Mississippi." It was slippery going but I managed to launch down the two parallel logs set up for launches. There was only the slightest movement of air as I passed through the Bay. At least a half a dozen beavers swam directly in front of my bow crossing from side to side. I was amazed at how unconcerned they were about me and my kayak. The river and bluffs really put one in mind of a Mark Twain novel.
I didn't get too many photos while kayaking in Trempealeau Bay because my digital camera batteries died just prior to launch. As I was tent camping and had no electricity it was difficult for me to keep my digital camera batteries charged. The park ranger on duty was kind enough to offer to charge them for me while I kayaked. I kayaked until the sun went down and went back to my campsite to enjoy the rest of the evening by my campfire.
| 
)
)
)