TWO MONTHS LATER, I'm finally ready to document the second part of our family week at the lake. It's been a lovely full summer, and I've had some adventures.
The second half of our week at the lake, Mark and Jillian and Cora and Esme went to Itasca State Park to camp. My parents, Greg and I went up for one day to explore with them. Greg and I were there as kids (it's not far from where Greg grew up in Bemidji), but we don't really remember much from those trips, so it was nice to see the park again!
I like that some places, especially further north in Minnesota, use the Ojibwe words for things as well as English. The Ojibwe were the original people who lived in this area, and their language is fascinating.
We saw another culture represented, as well: the Amish!
I found a motion sickness essential oil blend that helps more than I expected.
And then we arrived at the park!
"Visitor Alert
Have a nice day!"
The benches had loons on them.
There were lots of trees.
A lot of pretty lakes:
It was good to be exploring all together.
We investigated the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, which starts in this park and flows out of Lake Itasca.
Mark and the girls and I walked from the head spring down the small river a bit to enjoy the water on a warm day and because we love the water! There were quite a few fish swimming along!
Can't see them, but they are there!
We did, of course, enjoy time at the border of the lake where it turns into the river. The water was clear and chilly and beautiful. There were quite a few people playing in the pools and wading. I'm very proud that my nieces love the water as much as their Dad and I do.
We saw these pretty flowers! I looked them up and they are tansies.
The main part of the lake it behind those reeds.
Esme and I bravely walked across a wooden bridge!
Greg and I unintentionally matched our shirts.
My parents being cute:
Cora appreciating nature:
Me with my favorite girls:
Cora giving side-eye:
The fam:
Stairs up to the bridge:
Mississippi Headwaters!
I love that Cora, at almost 11 years old, still is very cuddly and always wrapped around someone she loves. And I'm happy that the person she's wrapped around is often me.
This woman was near the beginning of the walk to the headwaters.
She is the caretaker of the waters.
We had a picnic:
Esme and Cora found a new friend, Chippy.
It was a wonderful trip to the lake this year with the BEST FAMILY!
