Years ago, we went through Minnesota from the west on our way to Duluth/Superior but never got up north to see the Headwaters of the Mississippi so this time, we planned better.
The river starts out as a stream leaving Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota then travels all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.
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| The yellow circles show where the Headwaters are and where we're standing and where it exits into the Gulf of Mexico |
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This historic marker dates back to the 1930s, and indicates the Mississippi River's total mileage at 2,552 miles. Since then the river's course has been shortened and altered by flooding and channeling.
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| Here is the historic marker with some goofy tourists blocking your view. |
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| Ah....better....Now we can read the sign. |
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| We've been here too...way at the southern end of the river. |
Here is where the river exits the lake and begins its long journey south.
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| Good timing...we had it all to ourselves. |
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| Then, this guy had to get out onto the rocks...carefully.... |
We left our previous RV park at 6 am in order to get here early as we were 235 miles away. We had really good timing to see the river begins its beginning trip south. A busload of school children had just left the area and, as you can see, a new bunch came in right after we got done....
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| So much for our peaceful time communing with the river. |
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| Even Katie got in the act. She smelled the water, then jumped in and proceeded to be, what we call, "Our Wild Thing" |
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| ...and off she goes! |
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| This is what the river looks like a half mile away from the Headwaters. |
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| Someone looks very happy to finally be here. |
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| Right at the start. |
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| ...had to get in the water. |
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| Some up close flowers for you flower lovers. |
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| You guys coming or what? |
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| ...and off it goes....down towards New Orleans.... |
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| The headwaters are about 800 feet from the parking lot. |
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| Nice peaceful walk through the forest to get there. |
One last event for the day:
When we closed the door to the coach it locked both locks. Well, we only lock the deadbolt only and do not carry a key for the other lock. So, we got locked out of our coach!
After a few futile attempts to get in, we decided to enjoy the Headwaters and then try to get in.
We lock all the windows so there was no way to try to slide a window open. (Once before, I crawled through a very small bedroom window but our slide was in so that was not a choice this time.) I tried many times to pry the door open enough to get a screwdriver in to push the lock away but....not to be. Frustrating to say the least.
I called our road side service number and was put on hold, this being Friday before a major holiday weekend. While on hold, I grabbed some very small screwdrivers from my car and tried to pick the lock.....doggone if I didn't get it open ! I hollered over to Kim, "WE'RE IN !!!"
Nothing like a little excitement to make our trip memorable. (which we both could do without).
Here's our trip so far....
Anyway, all is well, we're heading to Duluth, Minnesota next. See you then.
Steve/Kim/Katie
