Birdies, Eagles... and a Boot
No, I just didn't become a wonderful golfer and actually get a birdie or an eagle... but I have encountered both in the last few days. These are our good friends, Lonny and Lee. He has started making these garden ornaments (birdies) from old golf clubs. The angle of the club and the eyes he chooses to use makes each one unique - we may bring a few with us to sell for him on the road. When we were with these two, we enjoyed Sequence and yes, the ladies won!
On to eagles... During our Mississippi River Trip last week, we stopped to admire several of these beautiful and graceful birds. This one we spotted as we were heading down river.
This magnificent bronze eagle graces the shoreline in La Crosse.
And I was lucky enough to capture this one just as it was about to take flight.
When we got home from the river trip (more on that later), our friend Larry and his sister, Randa, were at the campground to greet us. Since Randa only had one day to spend in Minnesota, we decided to head back to Wabasha - this time by car. This is Wabasha and the river valley from the overlook.
We visited The National Eagle Center. Although I have seen the show and enjoyed the eagles before, I always learn something new... Did you know an eagle's poop can fly eight feet... These eagles have all been injured in one way or another and could not live in the wild so they are at the center and provide educational programs. If you haven't been here, you need to go! There are five eagles you can view at all times. They are tethered and mainly just sit and stare at whatever catches their fancy - did you know an eagle can see 3 miles...
This is Was'aka- a male eagle. His name means "strength" in Dakota. These four pictures were taken during the presentation. In this one you can see why he could not survive in the wild - only one wing works well.
He is still a wonder to behold - so proud.
A young child in the audience had made a sudden noise and it captured the attention of the eagle and the handler.
This is Harriet. She is nearly 31 years old which is ancient by eagle standards. Her claim to fame is that she has been immortalized on the Minnesota license plate and she is a frequent visitor to the Veteran's homes in Minnesota.
After our visit to The National Eagle Center, we had lunch at Slippery's on the water's edge and it was very good... much better than our lunch the day before at a cafe uptown. Then to drove to Red Wing with a quick stop at the apple orchard for some early season wealthies. Of course our stop was at Red Wing Shoe Museum - this is another must if you haven't been.
That is Mike and Larry next to the world's largest boot. Check out some of these facts...
Larry thinks they are a little expensive but they must be worth it...
Now the boys are patiently waiting for the rains to stop so they can do some fishing. Larry is anxious to do a repeat of his 9 lb. northern of last year and there really isn't much that can top MN highlights... after all, we went to the SPAM museum last year....
On to eagles... During our Mississippi River Trip last week, we stopped to admire several of these beautiful and graceful birds. This one we spotted as we were heading down river.
This magnificent bronze eagle graces the shoreline in La Crosse.
And I was lucky enough to capture this one just as it was about to take flight.
When we got home from the river trip (more on that later), our friend Larry and his sister, Randa, were at the campground to greet us. Since Randa only had one day to spend in Minnesota, we decided to head back to Wabasha - this time by car. This is Wabasha and the river valley from the overlook.
This is Was'aka- a male eagle. His name means "strength" in Dakota. These four pictures were taken during the presentation. In this one you can see why he could not survive in the wild - only one wing works well.
He is still a wonder to behold - so proud.
A young child in the audience had made a sudden noise and it captured the attention of the eagle and the handler.
This is Harriet. She is nearly 31 years old which is ancient by eagle standards. Her claim to fame is that she has been immortalized on the Minnesota license plate and she is a frequent visitor to the Veteran's homes in Minnesota.
After our visit to The National Eagle Center, we had lunch at Slippery's on the water's edge and it was very good... much better than our lunch the day before at a cafe uptown. Then to drove to Red Wing with a quick stop at the apple orchard for some early season wealthies. Of course our stop was at Red Wing Shoe Museum - this is another must if you haven't been.
That is Mike and Larry next to the world's largest boot. Check out some of these facts...
Larry thinks they are a little expensive but they must be worth it...
Now the boys are patiently waiting for the rains to stop so they can do some fishing. Larry is anxious to do a repeat of his 9 lb. northern of last year and there really isn't much that can top MN highlights... after all, we went to the SPAM museum last year....
posted by jf and me | 12:09 PM
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