Friday, July 11, 2008

Mississippi headwaters and the search for Paul and Babe

The Jensen Four, along with Papa, Grandma and nephew Nick hit US Highway 2 going West in the search of the Mississippi River headwaters at Itasca State Park. It's a two-hour one-way drive time investment, but when we're up north this far, we very well should take the day trip.

I wasn't sure what kind of day weather-wise it would be, but the sun graced our backs all the while we were there. Cate, Nick and I stepped gingerly across the stony bottom of the headwaters. Cate went back and forth a few times, while Max flailed about in Kyle's arm wanting to get in the water by himself.

We just missed the final Lake Itasca boat cruise of the day, so I suggested we scope out Paul Bunyan and his bovine companion, Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji. As we approached, the sun disappeared and was replaced by stacks of grey storm clouds. We got out for our 10-minute leg stretch and photo-op and hopped back in the vehicle.

Cate and Nick passed out next to me and Max is putting up a hell of a fight avoiding a nap. We're headed back East, keeping an ear on the radio because we're only about 20 minutes ahead of tornado warnings and other severe weather.

Hopefully we won't have a weather-related exclamation point on the final day of our vacation.

3 comments:

Jensens6021 said...
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Jensens6021 said...

Happy to report the severe weather cut north and south of our resort. We got rain, but no other action.

Regardless, we received a prize: an incredible sunset on the heels of the rain clouds moving beyond the western horizon. I really hope the photos I took will give some perspective of God's beauty.

The Coleman Family said...

Robert fell into the Mississippi headwaters last year (I think while crossing on a log). He came away with soggy socks and a great story. Your vacation sounds like it was a lot of fun.