Day 8 - Crossing through La Crosse

Last night we decided to call it an early night and camp just a few miles north of LaCrosse. Even though it put us behind our milage quota for the day, it was nice to pull off and enjoy a great sunset

We were tucked away on a small sand island right across the town of Dakota, MN and were soon greeted by Greg (left) and Larry (right) in their aluminum skiff.

Now, normally people will smile and wave, maybe take a few pictures and ask how far we’re going..but these two gentleman took the time to come ask us about our journey and came bearing advice about the river, fishing and good people to know in towns ahead. The kindness they showed us last night..coming back not twice, but three times with gas, fried fish and bacon wrapped goose!!, cold beer, ice and even brought some family, Diane and Julie (Gregs wife and daughter), couldn’t have made our night any better and we can happily say we fell asleep last night with full bellies and smiles on our faces. Thanks again guys, its people like you who are making this trip amazing 🙂

Upon leaving our sand dune camp spot this morning, the Mighty Mississippi is showing us what she’s got. A stiff wind from the south is rolling white caps up the deck and keeping our raft a-rocking; there is a lot of chop out here.

Went through our toughest lock today. We had about a 10 minute wait outside the gates and what made it difficult was the wind trying to spin us and push us into the concrete wall. The quick thinking Barrel Raft Boys made easy work of taming mother nature and before we knew it, we we’re pushing forward.

Skully makes sure the La Crosse Queen paddle boat doesn’t get too close as we enter beautiful La Crosse, WI.

Docking along the park, a multitude of lunch-time walkers, retirees and tourists were captured checking out the rig.

We are meeting a ton of cool people along our journey, so we’re going to try taking pictures with everyone we meet…most requests are for Skully..what a player 🙂