Landmark Cannon

This cannon, located in La Crosse's Riverside Park, was dedicated in July 1918 as a memorial to the USS Maine, which was destroyed in Havana Harbor in 1898 during the Spanish-American War.

As teenagers, we used to get a dozen kids to sit on the front edge of the cannon and it would rock downward, allowing all the rainwater and candy wrappers to slop out... we called it "burping the cannon!"  I wonder if that still works? ;-)

Thatched Roof, Revisited

As promised last March, I am posting a summertime photo of the thatched roof with the goat weathervane from La Crosse's Friendship Gardens.  The hanging flower planter on the side of the shed was both beautiful and fragrant!

Time Capsule

Last weekend we were in La Crosse for our 40th high school reunion (time flies!) and took our usual morning walk around Riverside Park.  In a small hidden corner of the park there was a square of inlaid brick which we had never seen before containing a time capsule. I wonder what's in it, because I don't believe we'll be around to find out when it's opened in 2056!

Colorful Heron

I posted a picture of this heron a few years back, but here is another view of the "Pump House Heron" statue at the International Friendship Gardens in La Crosse.  I really like the painted promise of colorful summertime flowers contrasted against the bare and chilly spring background.

"Hiawatha"

Known locally as "The Big Indian" - this statue of the Native American, Hiawatha, towers over Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  As the sign below says, it was created by a middle school art teacher, Anthony Zimmerhakl (everyone called him Zim) back in 1962, and has been a landmark ever since for those boating up and down the Mississippi River.

Be sure to click on the statue image to see a larger version.

Another Mississippi River Sunset

Taken looking northwest over the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from Riverside Park.  The clouds look like they are boiling up a storm.

Check all Skywatch Friday photo entries here.

Winter River Sunrise

During a quiet walk on a recent frosty morning, I took this photo looking south towards the Mississippi River bridge in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Horton Hears a Who

While in La Crosse a few weeks ago, there was a sand sculpture contest in Riverside Park open to local artists. The theme was "Going to the Movies." There were quite a few inspired entries, from the Wizard of Oz to Jaws to John Wayne westerns. But my favorite was this sweet rendition of Dr. Seuss' Horton.