Bemidji and Mississippi headwaters

 

 Thursday July 8 we drove about 240 miles from Lake Elmo to near Bemidji Minnesota. A mostly uneventful drive. Initial planning had us coming to the area because of Mississippi head waters. We discovered a real treat for us just north of Bemidji. Anyone that has read this blog should know we always pay homage and respect to the boys of the CCC's. We have enjoyed the fruits of their labor for many, many years. In fact, Mary's father served in the CCC'S and we visited in Phoenix the park he worked on. But on this occasion we got to visit the most complete camp still in existence. A honor and a privilege for us.

 

A National treasure indeed.

 Of course no visit to the area would be complete without a visit to Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe.

 Bemidji is a nice little town in the north woods of Minnesota. The winters here are cold and the nights long. Makes perfect sense they would have one of these and perfect sense Mary would find it.

 Over lunch I sought solace and comfort like I did back in Hamilton.

 From downtown we headed out to Itasca state park. It is from this lake the great Mississippi river begins. I walked across the river but Mary's ongoing foot problems prevented her from doing so. Not to be deterred she balanced on a log over the river.

 Sadly we have achieved apogee on this short trip. Starting Sunday the 11th we begin drifting south. Along the way we will be in areas without cell service. Then we face some long driving days. I tell you all of that to let you know to not expect updates till probably the 15th or 16th. If all goes as planned we will be back in El Dorado Kansas state park for three nights. Plans call for not returning home till first week in August so more adventures coming, but most of them from Texas.

"...gather ye rosebuds while ye may..."