Homeward Bound

Hopped on a charter bus early this morning for a 5 hour ride to the airport at St. Paul-Minneapolis. I sat with Mary, one of my new friends from Ohio. She shared her photos from the time we left New Orleans to Lake Itasca. As I looked at the photos I couldn't help thinking about the great journey that we just finished. It really is a once in a life time opportunity. I feel blessed that I was able to complete it and the memories will stay with me forever.

Saturday, June 9, 2012
Pine River to Itasca State Park, MN -- 88 miles
Leaving Pine River we hopped back on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail and rode past the town of Backus to Hackensack.




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We are in Paul Bunyan country...this is Mrs. Paul Bunyan. Hackensack is where Paul Bunyan junior was born.




Another 20+ miles and we come to the town of Akeley where there is Paul Bunyan museum. I wish I had time to visit it but I have to move on because I have miles to go to reach the headwaters of the Mississippi.




The last town was Lake George, then Itasca State Park. After entering at the North Entrance we stopped shortly at the Mississippi Headwater Visitor's Center. Then it was a short walk to the headwaters where we were greeted by Shauna's Dad and family with champagne!












It is true what I have heard before making this trip...one can cross the Mississippi River on stepping stones.












Then it was a short bike trail ride to the Douglas Lodge where we had our final big banquet.




I finally got my walleye for dinner! I was so worried that I might not get a chance to taste some before leaving Minnesota. It was very good! The view from the lodge overlooking Lake Itasca was a fitting end to a incredible journey.