2013-07-28 Barn Bluff Hiking in Red Wing

Ray and LeAnn took a short trip down to Red Wing, MN to hike the Barn Bluff along the Mississippi River.  The weather was nice and cool for late July.

At the base of the Barn Bluff is an old kiln from the late 1800's that is built into the limestone.  Red Wing is very famous for its Red Wing Pottery.





At the beginning of the trail, there is a long concrete stairwell (one of 3 on the trail loop) that was built by the Kiwanis to make it easier to get to the top and see the great views.  Each step was purchased through donations and the name of the donor is engraved in the stone.






We took the north trail which went past an old kiln tunnel that was about 30 deep or so.  For a while, the limestone was quarried off the bluff.  The remnants of the quarry area are now used by rock climbers.  There were a couple of dozen groups of climbers going up the walls.









As we came up the set of stairs on the west end, the woods opened up and gave great views of the town of Red Wing and the Mississippi River.  A large flag pole is on top of the bluff, a memorial to our veterans.

2013-07-24 Eagan Market Fest Car Show

Ray and LeAnn went to the Eagan Market Fest on Wednesday hoping to get our first corn on the cob of the year. By the time we got there, they were all sold out. Our other reason for going was to see the old cars that were part of the evening activities. There were over 115 cars interspersed throughout the market fest. We enjoy looking at the rebuilds and updates that people do to the old cars. It is fun to run across some of the same models of the old cars that our parents or friends had many years ago.

I like the little dog statue "marking" this car.

2013-07-14 Twin Cities River Rats and Stone Arch Bridge

Ray and LeAnn went downtown to watch the Twin City River Rats water ski show. The show is every Thursday evening, plus special shows like the one we saw on Sunday to celebrate the Aquatennial. The show is free for everyone (a goodwill offering is collected during the show) and very entertaining.
 The theme of this years show was based on the Mario Bros. computer game. There were plenty of trick skiers, barefoot, ballet and jumpers. All the seating is riverside on the grass banks. We were on a blanket, and some people brought lawn chairs.

The view of the Minneapolis skyline is great (and one I don't see too often from the north side).

After the ski show, we drove down west river road to downtown and stopped at the Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park. We walked across the bridge and then down to the river bank around the lock and dam.







There is also a memorial for the 35W bridge collapse victims in the park. It was a lovely afternoon to be out and about, and there were a lot of people just enjoying the sights and sounds.