Day 3 on the Mississippi

WHERE ARE WE? Maiden Stone Scenic Overlook

We got up and got out of the little trailhead parking area around 10 am and headed our way south.  It was a nice quiet little spot to spend the night.

The landscape for about an hour of so was farmland on one side with the Mississippi on the other side. 

We stopped at a little place outside St. Cloud called Sauk Rapids because there was a nice walking bridge across the river.  Archie and I took a little stroll across and back.  We met a nice guy who told us that the bridge was built in 1914.

I saw a lock on the fence and remembered that I read something about people putting locks on fences to show a commitment to each other.  They then throw the key in the river so it can never be removed.  I bet there have been some people who purchased scuba gear later in life in hopes of finding that key!!!  I hope this is not the case for this couple.

I did manage to look back and see Percy sitting up in the parking lot.  Time to get back and on the road again.

We stopped again further down the road to take Archie for another walk along the river.  He likes to get his feet wet and loved chasing along the shore.  He did see 1 gopher in the grass but I missed it. 

wonder what this old root has seen

There was a very interesting draw bridge on the railway track in Prescott.  It looks like it is very old and from the car sitting beside the control tower, I would guess it is still operational.  I'm not sure how much barge traffic comes down from this far north.

Anyway the clock said it was time to find a place to settle in for the day.

We found a nice scenic overlook at Maiden Stone that should work for us for the night.  There is a sad little story associated with this spot.  Zoom in if you want to read it.  

Here is where we travelled today.  It was a very nice day and the drive was leisurely and uneventful.  

 I managed to catch a sunset over the lake tonight.  Going to be a nice evening.  Good Nite!!