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Published: September 21st 2013
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Lake Itasca
Source of the Mississippi River August 30--With September coming on fast, I felt the need to travel on. I wanted to get to North Dakota, then south to Colorado to spend some time with the kids. First, though, I had one last stop to make in Minnesota: to see the headwaters of the Mississippi.
In the 19
th century white explorers searched for the source of the big river. The Indians had always known the source, though, so it was a Native American chief of the Objibwe Tribe who guided Henry Schoolcraft to Lake Itasca in 1832.
Today the Lake and the start of the River are included in a state park which has preserved the wildlife and vegetation so the area looks much like it did when Schoolcraft first saw it. Lake Itasca is shaped like an upside-down “Y” with long, narrow arms. Like many other northern lakes, it features wild rice around the edges. The Mississippi actually flows north out of the foot of the “Y” and doesn't turn south until almost to Grand Rapids.
I can now say I have waded across the Mississippi River. Can't say that in St. Louis where I ate dinner on a docked riverboat (a long
Lake Itasca
Another view of the lake showing the wild rice. time ago) or down in Arkansas where it forms the boundary between that state and Tennessee! I learned that the river is 2552 miles long. The brochure stated it is only 12 feet wide at its beginning, but it narrows significantly as it flows through rice grass and marsh. I thought it humorous that the “first bridge” across the mighty river is a flat-topped log!
After stomping my feet in the Mississippi mud, I headed west for North Dakota, going through Fargo and stopping for the night in Jamestown on I-94. Not much to see in the flat plains of eastern part of the state, except for fields of sunflowers. Now, Kansas is billed as the Sunflower State, but in all my criss-crossings of Kansas, I never saw fields of sunflowers like I did in North Dakota! Grown, obviously for commercial purposes, the heads on these flowers were the size of dinner plates. They were so big and heavy, most of the flowers were drooping badly. Perhaps, too, they needed some water; I don't know.
August 31--I kept driving west until I came to Bismarck where I stopped just long enough to take a picture of the capitol
building.. Then I followed the Missouri River south to my next night stop in Herreid, South Dakota. So much for time in North Dakota! Maybe one of these days I will get back there. I still would like to see the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near the boundary of Montana.
After passing through North Dakota I have completed one large item on my bucket list. I have now visited all of the lower 48 states in my RV.
Bootsie—Well, hoorah. (Yawn) When is supper? September 1—I confess I hurried on through central South Dakota, having no desire to see the Black Hills again. I spent the night in the small town of Murdo southwest of Pierre.
September 2—I went to church in Murdo. It was a short walk from the very pleasant RV park there. Then back on the road, I cut the corner of Nebraska and boon-docked at Walmart in Chadron. Having been doing some hard driving for the last few days, I was getting pretty tired.
Bootsie—Humph. She's getting tired. I'm getting bored. All I can do when we are moving is sleep all day. I stay in under Marty's seat, 'cause I Sign Marking the Source
The Mississippi begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota. know nothing can fall on me there. She hits me sometimes with her feet, though. When I get really bored, I get up in her lap for a little while. She usually stops after a bit when I do that. At least I can go to the bathroom!
September 3-- One more night of boon-docking just outside of Cheyenne, WY, where I was treated to a beautiful sunset.
September 4—Finally home—home other than the RV, that is! Hooked up at Susan and Jim's house. And what a treat, too. The family was going out to eat at a Mexican Restaurant, so I got to see both the grand-kids and gg's my first day! Wonderful way to end all my hectic traveling. It's hard to believe it has been a year seen I've seen my kids. I am sure ready to stay put for a bit and enjoy my family.
September 5-October 8—This month was spent catching up on things; lots of doctors appointments to see if all checked out okay, (it did), putting new tires on the RV, visiting with the Colorado family, getting reacquainted with my great grands. All fun stuff. We celebrated Josiah's second birthday.
Heartwaters Caretaker Woman
Sculpture honoring women's role in taking care of and replenishing Mother Earth Rachel also had a birthday. I went to Colorado Springs to see Jacque and her family. I caught some of the fall weather, so it was a bit cooler, thank goodness. A month was much too short. Next year I will definitely have to spend more time here.
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Vesta
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Mississippi Mud
I like the alliteration. The kids are so cute! Chuck and I honeymooned in Manitou Springs--over 50 yrs ago now!