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                 Gilbert Lodge Blog
         The life and times of Mark and Paula Persons

Sunday, October 2, 2011:  Mark and Paula headed to Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota.  It was a bright day with temperatures in the 60's and 70's. 
Of course, Mark couldn't go there without walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi River.  That's right, Lake Itasca drains through these stepping stones to start the Mississippi River.  From this 1475 foot elevation, the mighty river flows through St. Paul, St. Louis, and many other cities on its 2552 mile journey through New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) comes to mind.  This famous author was born in Hannibal, Missouri, not far from the Mississippi.  His stories about Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer on the river are legendary.    

Shutterbug Paula was taking photos of the headwaters with the help of the young lady on the right.
Canoes were seen that day on Lake Itasca as well.
Mark stopped at Douglas Lodge to make a phone call using the latest in telecommunications technology....at least according to park rangers.

Who and why was Mark calling?  He was overheard saying that he was planning on climbing to a high place.  The plot thickens! 

Then it was off the the 100 foot high fire lookout tower at Aiton Heights at the park.  Now we know what Mark was talking about.  Does that mean he and Paula are going to the top?

This lookout tower was built in 1940, some 71 years ago.  The ground elevation here is 1675 feet, which is 200 feet above the headwaters. 

Well....Mark went ahead to make sure the way was safe and to photograph while Paula followed with sweaty palms.  She is not big on heights even though she is a SCUBA diver and accustomed to going down below the surface over 100 feet.
They made it to the top to gaze over the park.  A great sight especially in the fall.
The trees were in full color that weekend.  The fall leaves smelled good. 
Lake Itasca is a beautiful place. 
On their way through one of the many trails, Mark and Paula stopped for a photo.  Who knows, maybe it will wind up on a Christmas card.

A pedometer revealed that the Dynamic Duo walked 2.25 miles that day.
Quote of the day: Itasca is worth going to every year.  Mark < Back to previous story Ahead to next story >

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page last edited 10/09/2011