Lake Pepin & Lake City 
My favorite stop along the Mississippi River.

Lake Pepin is the largest lake on the Mississippi River. This 21-mile stretch is renown for its scenic views, soaring eagles, strong winds, and sail boating. My first visit here is Memorial Day weekend 2017 on a planned 135-mile trip to Winona, MN.
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At the end of a full day paddling, I pass through Red Wing while listening to their riverside Memorial Concert. As I pass under the old style cantilever bridge, which carries U.S. Route 63 across the Mississippi River, the sun sets and the night turns pitch black. 

Scanning the riverbanks in search of a campsite, all I see are cliffs and high water from the past weeks of heavy rain. After several more miles of paddling, the Mississippi is growing wider, and I begin to worry as neither my headlamp nor powerful handheld flashlight can illuminate either shore. 
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In this area, the river is two miles at its widest, and I am paddling down the middle in search for a place to set camp. Finally, far away on the Minnesota side of the river, I spot a string of lights coming from lakefront homes. In the center of these lights is the orange glow from what must be a towering campfire. 

I paddle toward this beacon of light in hopes of a welcoming party and invitation to join in.

It’s well after one-thirty in the morning when I crash their party. Within minutes of landing, I find myself next to their huge fire, which is fueled by last year’s Christmas trees, a beer in my hand, and an invitation to set camp on their open beach. The host of the neighborhood party is the lead singer and bass player for Limited Warranty, the vocal group winner of Ed McMahon’s 1984 Star Search. 

In the morning I open my eyes to last night’s campfire, which is still burning. I look out onto Lake Pepin and watch four eagles playing before walking out on the dock to watch a barge make its way upriver. Being a gracious guest, I clean up after last night’s party and slide onto Lake Pepin without saying goodbye.

The morning wind picks up and soon reaches the low-teens with gusts to the mid-20s. The choppy waves coupled with the river’s natural currents are a dangerous combination, and the risk for a spill is too great. 

Needing to get off Lake Pepin until these winds break, I set course for Lake City. Last night everyone suggested that I visit this small lakefront town. I was told I would enjoy it. With no signs of the weather subsiding, I follow their suggestion and tour Lake City and take in their Memorial Day art fair, sample their infamous burgers and old fashion ice cream, and bask in the sun before calling it quits.   ​
Defeated at 82.5 miles, it is my first rescue of the year. Until my ride arrives I take in more of this lovely riverside town, now my favorite along the Mississippi.