The Mere Sense that Life and Paddlewheels ...paddle on....

As you'll see in the next few photos, Stillwater, Minnesota still has high water issues...but that won't stop the Majestic Star, a 100 foot Yacht, or her sailing sisters....the great paddle-wheels, the Empress, Avalon, Anastasia, and the Showboat from bringing the joy of boating again this year (season begins May 7th)  I rather enjoyed popping in yesterday during lunch (while not a soul could be seen on deck) just these lovely ladies...waiting.....(and promising myself more trips on the water this year) with an over abundance of pillows, okay they're really clouds....but it was a day to stand back and marvel in this beautiful river town.....

Historical markers on the north and south ends of Stillwater's Main street welcome visitors to, "The Birthplace of  Minnesota"  right here along the St. Croix River, although that's confusing since Stillwater dates back to 1843 (so young I know) but it was not the state's first white settlement.   The village, Marine, on St. Croix built Minnesota's first commercial saw mill in 1839.  Then the town of Mendota across from Fort Snelling on the west bank of the Mighty Mississippi had a settlement earlier yet.  Even back then it was all about being first.

My favorite Gazebo in Lowell Park still under water although the sand bags are gone, so it's prettier, but to reach it, one must get very wet.  While I stood there snapping a few photos two young boys rode up on bikes and stopped along the water...from their excitement they hadn't been here lately....isn't it just the coolest thing when boys of about 8 years or so stop and notice something so simple as a high river?!...and are enthused by it!

These are amazing times still in the year 2011 ....

It's hard trying to decide if the paddleboats or the clouds were prettier...I think after this long hard frozen tundra of a never ending winter....they both rank top billing!

Your eyes aren't fooling you.......

This is the St. Croix River still covering the walkway ...with the Stillwater Lift Bridge (water is lower as before it reached the bridge) and they just recently reopened the bridge for crossing into Wisconsin....but enjoy the views of this fine bridge, as it's in the courts hands and soon will be just a memory as they dig up the beautiful surroundings and build something far more necessary....or so some some people believe....

Balloon excursions and riverboat excursions were popular features way back when and just a natural part of life back in the day, even then.

No not an ocean, just another view of the St. Croix River and the roadway still under water....

For reasons too many and too personal, this is a Rivertown that will always be a privilege and a pleasure to experience....

I will always leave this quaint little river town a better person on every visit...

Just one of the quirky things hanging from the ceiling at Dock Side, where I had once again the most amazing lunch EVER!....

Here is one of those must have snaps of one of Stillwater's gems that overlooks the river....

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else".- Ralph Waldo Emerson