Nice trip report blog! I call that "God's country". Thanks for posting.
I grew up on a farm near La Crosse WI and go back for a visit once or twice a year. The views from Hwy 61 on the MN side are awesome! I'm really amazed at how many bald eagles there are along the Mississippi R. during the winter. There were not any eagles when I was living up there 40-50 years ago. They are fun to watch now.
Thanks for the comments. I have had the same experience with eagles, from being exceedingly rare in my childhood to very common now, especially along the river as you mention. It is a good conservation story.