Monday August 23, 2021

Day #29

First day of school for Ella, Kate and Abby! Learning and growing. It is such a joy to what them as they experience God’s world in new and different ways. Each of them may have the same experience, yet each will come away with a different perspective and learning experience.

As we headed out to the truck, the wind was brisk at 18 mph and 61 degrees with overcast skies. The weather app said it felt like 57 degrees.

Driving out of Warroad, we headed to Thief River Falls along miles and miles of fields on both sides of the road.

Doug and I were discussing how disappointed I was in the Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway. Miles of straight roads, I mean miles with fields of corn for silage, what we think is winter wheat and bales/rolls of hay and farms with houses and silos. Nothing else. I expected places like hiking trails or road side stops about historical markers. Nothing. Just wide-open fields. Within 45 minutes we were stopping along the site of the road for Doug to recalculated our drive to Grylga. Once in Grylga we calculated to Red Lake, a town on the Red Lake Indian reservation toward the head waters of the Mississippi River.

Around Red Lake and into the city of Red Lake, surprised at the lack of tourism in the city. Passing through a town with a school, government buildings and one Market. The market housed groceries, deli with hot bar (think Ingles variety of hot lunches), laundry and one table of souvenirs made in China. 

As we entered the Itasca State Park, where the head waters of the Mississippi River was located, I remember that there was a webcam at the headwaters. I had discovered it while researching our trip. I didn't know if anyone was available to view it, but I sent out a quick text to the kids for those who might be.

Itasca State Park is located near Grand Rapids, includes 32,000 acres, 100 lakes and was established in 1891. As we were driving in the Mary Gibbs Visitor Center, we took a short hike down to the lake, hoping to see the one of the lakes. Here the belief is less is more - less work is more trees, bushes that obscure the view. This was seen all along our travels. 

A pleasant walk to and from the headwaters and I encouraged Doug to wade. I think a couple people were able to view us on the webcam. Doug & I pulled it up and were able to view ourselves on the cam. 

Wading at the Mississippi Headwaters.

    

The pool below where Doug is standing,
flowing out of Lake Itasca

Mississippi river below the headwaters

 

The water was clear and cool, flowing out of Lake Itasca. The stream was about 4-6 feet wide and 14-18 inches deep. A family was walking the stream and could have walked it about 1/4 - 1/2 mile. The picture above was taken off a bridge further down stream on the hike back to the visitor center.

The area had three historical markers: one telling of the geology history of the area; second telling the history of the first colony of the Northwest Territory and the last how far it flows to the Gulf of Mexico.

Heading back to the campground on Sunday evening, we discovered that restaurants were few, far between and closed! French toast and sausage at the camper was followed with a quiet evening.