Day 23 - La Crosse, WI

Last night we got our best night sleep of the trip. We sure needed it. Hotel breakfast was at 7:00, so we got on the road soon after. We started off on a vacated road in the midst of final construction. Even the turtle felt safe crossing this road.


We got the Welcome to Wisconsin sign today - a day late but still meaningful.


We spent about 7 miles getting to the Great River Road, then enjoyed the beautiful river on our left and the shade from the bluffs on the right for the next 60ish miles.






Almost halfway we stopped at a roadside Saturday market and purchased an Amish baked goodie for energy.


The views from the river were wonderful; eagles taking flight overhead, fishermen on the river, barges making their way down the river, and a couple locks and dams.



We needed to stop for water in Genoa and found only two bars open. The one with a couple of bicycles parked outside seemed like the logical choice. We carried all our water bottles inside, noticed most folks were drinking Bloody Marys, so we decided it would be a good idea. These were special... they included dill pickle, marinated asparagus and mushroom, olive and Wisconsin pepper cheese. We enjoyed the drink and the folks within.


The final 18 miles to LaCrosse were a push, but we heard about Riverfest from the cyclist in the bar, and we were focused on our destination....but first Tim needed to get this arms around the world's largest six pack (you can see him in front!).


Riverfest was filled with food, fun, watersports and your other typical festival activities.

We checked out the downtown region of LaCrosse before seeking out our hotel on the outskirts of town. The hotel did have it's benefits; guest laundry facilities, an indoor "waterpark" and it was right on the river.


At 5:00 Tim's family showed up from Minnesota to join us for dinner. They all looked so great and it was really nice to see them.


They returned to MN after dinner (we'll see them tomorrow) while Tim and I enjoyed the perfect temperature and the calming sunset while watching the activities of the river.

Location:Rose St,La Crosse,United States