Rendezvous on the Root River

"Let's go to the Root!" one Driftless Paddler excitedly suggested. Several other members of the informal group of paddling enthusiasts from the Vernon County, Wisconsin, area had inquiring reactions.

"Where is the "Root?" they asked.

After each weekly outing, the paddlers gather at a local eatery to review their just completed adventure and to decide the location of the next one. A quick review of the maps on hand showed the Root River in southeastern Minnesota, just across the Mississippi River from the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin.

The Root is one of Minnesota's most unique and scenic rivers, whose pristine waters meander through the spectacular Bluff Country's lush forests of oak, hickory and maple with emerald patches of conifers of pine and cedar. The wooded watershed is part of the 40,000-acre Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. Its clear serpentine course flows to its confluence with the Mississippi south of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The river often borders the National Scenic Byway State Highway 16 and traverses through the historic small communities in Fillmore and Houston counties.

"On to the Root!" the group quickly decided.

The paddling began at the landing in Whalan, five miles downstream from Lanesboro - a focal community of the Root River Valley noted for its historic downtown, unique bed and breakfasts and eclectic live theatre performances at the Commonweal Theater.

The group launched into clear and fast water, a noisy riffle, which delighted the paddlers and got the trip off to an exciting start. The eight canoes and kayaks paddled for the next 12 miles. It was welcome change from paddling some of the straighter and wider rivers of southeastern Wisconsin.

Each bend of the Root River was a mystery. The riffles through narrow channels swept the paddlers around rocks and tree debris, requiring quick maneuvering. Soaring bald eagles, swooping kingfishers and an occasional stoic blue heron greeted the visitors.

When the gravel bar lunch was finished, one paddler noticed the Root River often paralleled the Root River State Trail. The black-topped, multi-purpose, 40-plus-mile trail offers another way for walkers, runners, bicyclists and other silent sports enthusiasts to experience the Root River Valley with its scenic vistas and clear waters.

Too soon the river ended at Peterson, Minnesota.

"This was the most fun we have had this year," veteran paddler Sally Marshall of Viroqua, Wisconsin, said. "Everyone agreed we must do this trip again next year."

Another delight awaited the group for its apr?s fellowship at the noted Through the Grape Vine German Restaurant in Houston, Minnesota, where chef Rosemarie Buege prepared her signature sumptuous schnitzels. The repast ended with a toast and a promise to once again rendezvous on the Root.