Tuesday, July 16, 2013

July 13, 2013

Judy Garland, Mississippi Headwaters, and Back East

South on the lower part of the North Shore Road to Duluth and then west to Bemidji (means ‘river runs through lake’ in some native tongue) with a stop in Grand Rapids, birth place of Judy Garland.

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Where she lived until she moved to Hollywood (as young teen).

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Actual carriage pulled by ‘horse of a different color’ in movie.  Little known fact:  this carriage was made for, owned, and used by Abraham Lincoln.

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Precursor to blue gingham dress worn in movie.

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Judy Garlands first stage.  Stair landing used by Judy and her sisters as girls to put on shows.

 

Bemidji is central to Paul Bunyan country.

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Stayed at a nice resort on Fox Lake north of Bemidji.

From Bemidji south along Great River Road (we have been on several parts of this road further south) to a nice campground just outside the north entrance to Itasca State Park.  First state park in Minnesota and home to Lake Itasca.  the outflow of Lake Itasca is the start of the Mississippi River.  The outflow is shallow and slow.  There are stones across outflow so one can walk across Mississippi River without getting wet or can wade across a few feet down.  Less than knee deep.

Headwaters of the Mississippi

Headwaters of the Mississippi

Headwaters of the Mississippi

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Lake Itasca in background.  Sue standing in Mississippi River

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Mississippi River not far from outlet.

We drove the roads of the scenic park and checked out the historic buildings.

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Saw this nest in one of old resort buildings.  Mama kept worried watch on us the whole time.

For dinner we drove 20 miles south to a lumber camp style ‘restaurant’ that I had made note of several years ago from internet info.  All you can eat of a wide variety of meats and sides.  Served family style at long tables covered with red checked oil cloth.

Dinner at Logging CampDinner at Logging Camp

Ribs for two with a taste size of chicken

Today we headed south and back east to Twin Cities area.  We are several miles south and will go back tomorrow to see Mall of America and tour some.



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