Delay, Delay, Delay

It is a rough spring here at Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley, we are experiencing the wettest spring on record and it has caused river levels to be extremely high and for a long period of time. As of today the Mississippi River levels have dropped here at Port of La Crosse to a level that everyone can start to launch their boats and the marinas are starting to fill up. BUT,  we got hit with more bad luck, our trailer that our houseboat sits on for its winter nap broke a wheel bearing on a steer tire and that has added another DELAY to our launching and the start of a summer filled with adventures. We are scrambling to get it fixed and working with the Harbormaster to come up with alternative solutions to get our houseboat in the water.  In the world of boating we all have to be able to handle the unexpected as well as the excitement because as any boat owner will tell you," That's Boating". We hope to get in before the big Memorial Day weekend to start our Houseboating. Wish us Luck.
Continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we cruise to more destinations and provide adventures, information and resources.

SkipperLiner Comeback

A couple of years ago Skipperliner Industries got into financial trouble, they are a boat building company and operated a restaraunt and a marina called North Bay Marina. Last September a new local business man bought the business to revive the operation. There were several outstanding loans that Skipperliner Industries owed to our local governments and they and the new owner have come to a repayment deal. It's a 10 year deal of principal only but the good news is none of these monies owed is tax payer dollars.
The North Bay Marina complex has been divided up among several other business owners, the operations and the boat-storage facilities were taken over by American Marine boat dealership which plans to move all their service and sales facilities to this new site.  The restaraunt known as Huck Finn's on the Water was bought by another local business man and for the first time plans to add transient boat docks.
This is great news for all boaters alike that want to visit Port of LaCrosse. North Bay Marina is located on the Black River a little north of our famous Riverside Park. All these new businesses plan to hire more help which is great for the employment industry. North Bay Marina is another cruise stop everyone will want to stop at and enjoy.
Please continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we cruise and explore more destinations and provide more information, adventures, and resources.

Mosquito Problems?

 Here at Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley we experience many seasons that are filled with unpleasant creatures, mainly the pesty mosquito. Everyone knows that they can carry a variety of diseases. The markets are full of different kinds of repellents that are costly and stink and it is not pleasant walking around smelling like a chemical factory. We have learned of another way to help get rid of these bugs and inexpensively too. We learned that the mouthwash Listerine will kill the mosquito and keep it away. The way to use it is to buy a bottle and pour it into a small spray bottle and spray it around the area you wish to occupy, not directly on you. Spray the furniture, around doorways(not on the door), windows, decks, lawns, picnic tables, kids playgrounds, and the dog house. It lasts for several days and is earth friendly too. Another trick to keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away is to put a dryer sheet of Bounce tucked somewhere on you like a belt loop for example, it also works well as a fragrance for storage areas and for keeping mice out of stored boats.
With mosquito season fast approaching give this a try and see the results for yourself and spread the word.
Another product we like to use here at Houseboating Excursions is called Badger, Anti-Bug Balm, it is good for the skin and bad for bugs. It can be spread all over any exposed skin and it works great for repelling flies of all types and for taking the itch out of bug bites you already sustained. We obtain the product at our local food coop store. You can click on the link we provided and it will take you to their web site and you can order it directly from them, they also sell other types of balm that can help with other ailments. We like the product because it works and is also earth friendly and not harmful to kids and pets. Now you are ready for insect biting season.
Please continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we cruise to more destinations and provide more information, adventures and resources.

High Water is Here

The high water from the melting snow and some recent heavy rains is upon us here in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Currently we are experiencing a weekend of thunderstorms that have the potential to drop a lot of rain, this is not good news for us boaters here in the Mississippi River Valley. We are approaching that time when we all want to get our boats launched and start a new season. The National Weather Service is predicting for now, that the Mississippi River in Port of La Crosse to hit a level of about 14-15ft. before cresting on April 16 or 17th which means the river levels would stabilize and start to drop, provided the area doesn't get hit with heavy amounts of rain. The flood stage for Port of La Crosse is 12ft. and we need it to get down to around 10ft. or lower to access our marina and to be able to safely launch our houseboat. We posted a photo from an area resident that shows the high water effects at Riverside Park here in Port of La Crosse.

We will have to wait patiently for mother nature to do her best and with a little luck everything will be fine and we will be launching at the end of April.

Please continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we cruise to more destinations and provide adventure, information, and resources.

Eagles Hatching in Mississippi River Valley

Here in the Upper Mississippi River Valley in Decorah, Iowa area the National Wildlife Federation has placed a web cam to view the hatchings of two bald eagles, we have embeded a video clip from our local TV station to assist us in allowing everyone to see the hatchings from our web site, Check it out.


The National Wildlife Federation also has a live feed for everyone to watch how the eagles are doing in their nest, just click on the  NWF link and it will take you to the site and you can download the live feed to see a real eagle's nest in action. It is a rare opportunity for anyone who loves nature and to see our nation's bird.
Please continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we cruise to more destinations and provide more information, adventures and resources.

Flood Warnings Are No Threat

It has been all over the news lately that with the melting snow and possible future rains there could be some severe flooding here in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. This is nothing new to all of us that have lived here our whole lives and have established businesses along the Mississippi River. Here in the Upper Mississippi River Valley we take a proactive approach to all possible dangers not a reactive approach, no one waits for it to happen then expect bailout we are ready for it and have taken proper measures. Here in Port of La Crosse,  people and the city are building dikes and making sand bags to stop a possible flood. Residents that live along the Mississippi River and the Black River can purchase already made sand bags for $.25 each, a small price to pay to protect one's property. Some basements do get seepage from the water table in the ground rising but we are prepared with our sump pumps and can handle it.
In Trempealeau, one of our favorite cruise stops, Hungry Point, is right on the Mississippi River and is preparing for a possible flooding by clearing out their lower areas, basement and bait shop, but will not be hindered by a little high water, they will stay open for business because they care about their customers being able to have a great place to go for eats and entertainment. The main road to the bar might go under water but they invite everyone to come any way possible be it by canoe, hip waders, or any means possible. The experience is always fun.
So from all of us here in the Upper Mississippi River Valley to Mother Nature, "BRING IT ON!"
 Please continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we cruise and explore more destinations and provide more information. Please Don't Move Firewood and Help Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers.

ICE FISHING ANYONE

What did you catch the last time you went Ice Fishing?

The big one didn't get away this time.