Alma: a small town on the Mississippi River

During our recent trip to Merrick State Park, we drove about 15 minutes north to the small town of Alma.  With low expectations, we were pleasantly surprised. 

Alma is a both a barge and railroad town.  The Corp of Engineers maintains the locks.

 

At one time, Alma, like many small Wisconsin towns, had its own brewery. Only the sign remains.

We hiked up the Buena Vista Trail, which starts on Main Street and switchbacks up the bluff for a nice view of the River below.

Note:  I've not been busy blogging this month, but I have been busy.  We managed to sell our wooded acreage to help fund some of our early retirement and health insurance.  That money will also help us support our son Justin's move to an apartment in Madison.  The land was originally meant for our dream home, but dreams change, as we all know. Since it was a build-able lot and came with increasing taxes, it actually was a relief to let it go before the housing market collapses again.

Although Justin qualifies for Section 8 housing, based on disability and income, no apartment was ever going to be available to him as a non-resident.  We will get Justin set up for a year or two, and hopefully he will then qualify for cheaper housing.  Madison apartments are terribly expensive, starting at about $900/month for a one bedroom "affordable apartment" with a tax credit to the developer. And, of course, any apartment for Justin also has to be accessible.  Section 8 housing is 1/3 of income including utilities but in very short supply.  The accessible ones would qualify as "rare."