Perrot State Park, just west of Trempealeau, would be a great place to hike when Grand Excursion 2004 flotilla of steamboats and other watercraft fills neighboring Mississippi River shortly before Independence Day. (For more about that event, go to www.grandexcursion.com.)

There are 12 miles of hiking trails that follow river or rise above it to provide panoramic views. Visitors can meander atop bluffs or disappear into wooded areas. There are both steep upgrades and easy places to stroll. For more, call 608-534-6409.

I’ll remember Perrot for a long time, not just for gorgeous scenery, but because of park ranger who roused us from our tent on a summer night after a tornado watch was issued. While being pelted with rain, most of our group hoofed it to an indoor shelter and laid in wait. Others refused to budge, optimistic that a shield of mere canvas or nylon would be enough to weather storm.

It was a little test of will, yet another thing that hikers can assess, if and whenever they choose. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

More Info Here are resources for Wisconsin hikers, both casual and hard-core varieties:

> The state Department of Natural Resources has 37 state trails (many multi-purpose) that total 1,607 miles. There are 2,730 miles of hiking trails on state-owned property, which includes parks and wildlife areas. To learn more, go to www.dnr.wi.gov and select ”outdoor recreation.”

> Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail is one of nation’s eight national scenic trails. About 600 of its intended 1,000 miles are ready to use. A project goal is to help hikers experience and understand effect that glaciers have had on state.

Call 800-227-5712 or go to www.iceagetrail.org for more about this massive undertaking and trail location.

> The Wisconsin Go Hiking Club has been around for 80 years, with about 400 members ranging in age from 25 to more than 80. Most hiking is done in Milwaukee area, but there also are hiking events and camping weekends farther away.

Hike length ranges from 4 miles to more than 20; hiking routes are described as “leisurely” to “bushwhacking.” Club membership is $15 per year, or $20 per couple; call 414-299-9285 or go to www.homestead.com/wisconsingohiking for details.

> Helpful guidebooks for hikers include Great Wisconsin Walks by William Chad McGrath ($16.95, Trails Books), Madison Walks by Harriet Brown and Jamie Young ($15.95, Jones Books) and Wisconsin’s Outdoor Treasures by Tim Bewer ($18.95, Trails Books).

Purchasing proper equipment from cross-country skis to clothing is essential. Lightweight cross-country skis with good grip, glide and stability are popular points contestants look for when choosing their skis. The choice of clothing is based on concept of layers. It maybe cold at start of race, but how much you heat up depends mostly on our unpredictable Wisconsin weather. Don’t forget facial protection - Sunglasses or goggles! They help shield glare from sun reflecting off snow and minimize distraction of blustery winds and blowing snow. The Birkie Trail will be dotted with rest stations offering warm drinks, medical attention, and needed waxes.

The celebrating festivities begin Thursday, February 19 with opening ceremony and continue throughout weekend. Activities feature Winter Sport Expo, Ski Fair – On Snow Demo, Children’s Snowshoe Nature Hike, seminars and endless family fun. Other races held in conjunction with this exciting event are Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie (the world’s largest children’s cross country ski race), Cheqtel 10K (entire family fun), Junior Birkie 3K (ages 10-15) and Kortelopet 23K (ends at Telemark Resort). Visiting elite skiers and all outdoor enthusiasts are sure to have a great time!

For more on Where to go & What to do in Wisconsin, check out http://www.WisconsinGuide.com