Biking and Walking Virtually, Mississippi River, Part One, Minnesota
An amusing way to track my miles. Scroll down to start. Entries read from bottom up. Part 1 of 10. [Main Trip page]
Note. River Miles count down to St. Louis.
~~~
For my reference, currently:
MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail, segment 9.
Weeks: The Bridges And Structures Of The Mississippi River.
RM \/ + Total /\ = 1341
~~~
Template, ignore this
Mon April to Sun April. IRL miles, walk. Virtually passed . RM . Total miles.
~~~
Monday 29 May. IRL 7.5 bike. RM 859.5. Total 481.5 miles.
Sunday 28 May. IRL 7.5 bike. RM 867. Total 474 miles.
Sunday 14 May. IRL 7.5 bike. RM 874.5. Total 466.5 miles.
Mon 1 May. IRL 1 mile walk at UAB Mini Park. RM 882. Total 459 miles. [SOTF, pending]
“Untitled” by Michael Frohock
UAB Reporter: Seeing sculptures and getting steps since the 1970s, Herfurth, 2021.
Logistics. Starting 19 April, walks will be done in pasture with horse logged as part of Virtual Tevis 2023. [VT archives]
Mon 17 April to 23 Sun April. IRL 2 miles, walk. Virtually passed Babcock trailer access. RM 883. Total 458 miles.
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 8. Start map segment 9. “This stretch begins with rolling farmland that transitions to buildings and bridges as you near downtown Minneapolis. Many of the city’s buildings are set high on bluffs with a natural strip of land along the river. Long ago, a series of seas helped form layers of limestone, sandstone and shale that the river flows through today. See these layers in the gorge from St. Anthony Falls to Fort Snelling. Hazards include snags, sweeps, boulders, small rapids and dams. Know which side to portage or lock through. Stay close to shore as you prepare to get out or enter a lock. Do not cross the river directly above dams. Watch for two locks at St. Anthony Falls and one at the Ford Dam above Fort Snelling. The current in this segment can be deceptively swift. Use caution when approaching shore. Motorboats and barges create large wakes that can swamp unsuspecting paddlers. The river is silty and, in places, contaminated. The water is undrinkable unless treated. Eating fish caught in this area of the river is not advised. Check with the Minnesota Department of Health Advisory for current recommendations.”
Mon 10 April to 16 Sun April. IRL miles 18 miles, walk & bike. Virtually passed lots of stuff. RM 885. Total 456 miles.
Logistics. Biking means more miles means more stuff, means less likely to note all the parks & access ramps.
Mon 3 April to Sun 9 April. IRL miles 9, walk & bike. Virtually passed Oak Island campsite & Snuffies Landing. RM 903. Total 938 miles.
MnDNR: Watercraft Campsites, rules for.
City of Becker: Snuffy’s Landing, photos. Brix Real Estate: NW Metro Hidden Gem’s: Snuffy’s Landing Becker MN, photos in snow, video.
Mon 27 March to Sun 2 April. IRL 6 miles, walk. Virtually passed Boy Scout Point, confluence with Clearwater River, Riverside Park, City of Clearwater & MN Highway 24 bridge. RM 912. Total 429 miles.
Riverside park website shows two fish statues & a turtle statue. Riverside Park,
“Clearwater had a ferry crossing at this location as early as 1856. It is noted as being the longest operating ferry on the entire Mississippi.” Weeks: Clearwater Bridge
Mon March 20 to Sun March 26. IRL 6 miles, walk. Virtually passed River Bluffs Regional Park & Putnam’s Pasture. RM 918. Total miles 423.
Water Access Only. Paddling.com: Putnam’s Pasture Campsite
Mon March 13 to Sun March 19. IRL 10 miles, walk & bike. Virtually passed St Cloud area – Sartell dam with portage, many parks, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud dam, & Beaver Island. RM 924. Total 417 miles.
“St. Cloud is so fortunate to have the Mighty Mississippi River flowing right through downtown St. Cloud. There are many ways to get out and enjoy this notable body of water. Here are a few ideas!” Visit Greater St. Cloud: About Mississippi River
“St. Cloud, a city split between three counties, emerged from the union of three distinct cities: one founded by a slave-owning southerner, one founded by an abolitionist Protestant, and one created just to build a sawmill. It’s a wonder the place ever came up with a cohesive identity. Mississippi Valley Traveler: St. Cloud
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 7. Start map segment 8. “Between St. Cloud and Anoka, the Mississippi River flows through a broad valley with tall bluffs and diverse plant communities. You’ll discover over 100 islands varying in size from sandbars to mile-long islands. Although this portion of the river borders one of the fastest growing areas in the state, much of the natural character of the river corridor remains. This section of the river was designated and protected as a Minnesota Wild and Scenic River in 1973. Small boats can maneuver this entire stretch, although shallow areas may be difficult during low river levels. Paddlers will find mild rapids and a moderate current perfect for a family trip. Anglers may enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Nearby outfitters offer shuttling. Hazards include Class I-III rapids (near Sauk Rapids) and dams, be sure to know which side to portage on.”
Mon March 6 to Sun March 12. IRL 6 miles, walk. Virtually passed Little Rock Lake. RM 934. Total 407 miles.
Little Rock Lake Association. Vision: To Restore and Maintain the Health of Little Rock Lake.
One of two, other one in Wisconsin. Wiki LRL disambiguation.
Mon 27 Feb to Sun 5 March. IRL 9 miles, walk & bike. Virtually passed Co Road 2 Bridge, Stoney Creek confluence, Platt River Confluence, Stearns County Park, Walleye Road Trailer access. RM 940. Total 401 miles.
“This structure is a very modern steel girder bridge. It represents a transition for the bridges over the great river. When heading north, this is the first of the shorter and lower bridges over the river. Traveling south, this will be the last bridge before you start getting to bridges that are major civil engineering projects.” Weeks: Benton And Stearns Co Highway 2
Mon 20 Feb to Sun 26 Feb. IRL 9 miles (5m walk, 5K, 4m bike). Virtually passed Blanchard Dam, McDougall Homestead, Co Road 26 Bridge, Two Rivers confluence, Spunk Creek confluence. RM 949. Total 392 miles.
Morrison County Historical Society: A Site to Behold, McDougall Homestead
Weeks: Little Falls Area, Blanchard Hydro Electric Station, Soo Line Trail Bridge, Morrison Co Highway 26
Mon 13 Feb to Sun 19 Feb. IRL7 miles. Virtually passed Mills Park, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, & Pike Creek Landing. RM 958. Total 383 miles.
“Mill Ruins Park is the centerpiece of the revitalization of Minneapolis’ historic West Side Milling District. In its 19th-century heyday, this area of mills and other historic resources made up the largest water powered facility in the world.” Explore Minnesota: Mill Ruins Park
“Across the street on the banks of the Mississippi River is the boyhood home of the famous aviator, Charles A. Lindbergh.” Explore Minnesota: Charles A. Lindbergh State
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 6. Start map segment 7. Little Falls to St. Cloud. “This section of the Mississippi River connects Minnesota’s forests to its prairies. Shorelands are covered in mixed hardwood forest and nearby grassland prairie supports wildflowers. Watch for deer, muskrat, otter, fox, red-tailed hawks, eagles, kingfishers and turtles along your trip. Water quality here is very good and boasts a premier fishery for walleye, muskie, northern pike and smallmouth bass. Expect more motorized boat traffic north of the Sartell Dam to the Highway 2 Bridge. The Mississippi River drops six and a half feet for every river mile between Little Falls and Royalton. Two dams operated by Minnesota Power obscure the falls today. You’ll see less development along this section of the river due to local and state protections. Downstream of the Highway 23 Bridge, the river is designated as a State Wild and Scenic River. Hazards include rapids (near Sauk Rapids) and several dams. All dams must be portaged.”
Mon 6 Feb to Sun 12 Feb. IRL 7 miles. Virtually passed Belle Prairie County Park, trailer access; Little Elk River Confluence; US Hwy 10 bridge, LeBourget Park/4th Ave. landings, Little Falls Dam, portage. RM 965. Total 376 miles.
City of Little Falls, MN
Weeks: Little Falls Area, Hwy 10 bridge & to several Little Falls structures
98.1: The Little Falls Dam Is Totally Different Now Compared to July 2020, Abbey, July 2021
DF: Belle Prairie Park, development plans
Mon 30 Jan to Sun 5 Feb. IRL 7 miles. Virtually passed passed MN Hwy 115 bridge, south boundary of Camp Ripley. Virtually passing Otter Point Wildlife Management Area. RM 972. Total 369 miles.
“This is the one and only remaining bridge over the great river where cars and trains use the same roadway.” Weeks: MN State Highway 115
Mon 23 Jan to Sun 29 Jan. IRL 7 miles. Virtually passed Fort Ripley Landing & Pipe Island. RM 979. Total 362 miles.
Natural Atlas: Fort Ripley Landing Boat Launch. Fishing report, boating report, river levels, wildlife watching report, birding report. Amazing what information is out there.
Mon 16 Jan to Sun 22 Jan. IRL 6 miles. Virtually passed Crow Wing River confluence. RM 986. Total 355 miles.
MN Pollution Control Agency: Crow Wing River
Mon 9 Jan to Sun 15 Jan. IRL 5 miles. Virtually passed Overlook Park/Baxter Campsite (different names on segments 5 & 6), & start of Crow Wing State Park (18 river miles). RM 992. Total 349 miles.
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 5. Start map segment 6. Brainerd to Little Falls. “In this section, the Mississippi River flows out of forest and wetlands and into a narrow valley surrounded by sandplains. Below the confluence with the Nokasippi River, the Mississippi flows through a flat valley bordered by hills. You’ll see vegetation along the shoreline and farmland beyond. Riffles are present at Pipe Island and downriver to the State Highway 115 bridge. These riffles are made by rock bars that create small standing waves. Navigating the riffles is difficult for even the smallest boat’s motor. On the west side of the river, the Camp Ripley Military Reservation extends 18 miles downstream of the Crow Wing River confluence. The land is owned by the State of Minnesota and managed by the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. Islands along the river corridor owned by Camp Ripley are open to public recreational use. Access to the Camp Ripley Training Center is not allowed from any point along the Mississippi or Crow Wing rivers. Hazards include dams. Be aware of their locations and know where to portage.”
Mon 2 Jan to Sun 8 Jan. IRL 4 miles. Virtually passed Buffalo Creek confluence, Riverview Park, Paul Bunyan State Trail , & MN Hwy 371 Bridge. RM 997. Total 344 miles.
On the map, Riverview Park lists “vault toilets” What I would call an outhouse.
“The bridge is an ordinary prestressed concrete girder bridge, but it is dressed up with pillars, stylish piers, concrete accents, art work, and detailed metalwork. It is also proof that a bridge does not have to be overly expensive to be a nice looking structure.” Weeks: MN State Highway 371
Mon 26 Dec to Sun 1 Jan. IRL 11 miles, 6 days & 5K. Virtually passed Green’s Point, French Rapids, Lum Park, Potlatch Dam, Evergreen, MN Hwy 200 bridge, & Kiwanis Park. RM 1001. Total 340 miles.
Potlatch Dam has a portage right 201 yards. Weeks: Potlatch Dam
Town of Brainerd, A City for All Seasons.
SNOFLO: Mississippi River At Brainerd, Flow Report
Admin. Giving up on recording all bridges. Too hard to translate from one map to the other. Will use Weeks for important sites. Or if the MNDNR map lists a bridge crossing.
Mon 19 Dec to Sun 25 Dec. IRL 6 miles. Virtually passed Half-Moon: Campsite and picnic area, several power line crossings, Rabbit River confluence & Little Rabbit Lake: Trailer access. RM 1012. Total 329 miles.
Mon 12 Dec to Sun 18 Dec. IRL 7 miles. Virtually passed Pine River confluence and
Black Bear Creek & Trommald trailer access. RM 1018. Total 323 miles.
(Note for later … Aquatic version of the trolley problem. Water has to go somewhere. .. sacrifice x yo save Y, if MS jumps even worse on X … river will jump people want status quo)
Mon 5 Dec to Sun 11 Dec. IRL 4 miles. Virtually passed under a power line. RM 1025. Total 316 miles.
Mon 28 Nov to Sun 4 Dec. IRL 4 miles. Virtually Passed MN Highway 6, trailer access. RM 1029. Total 312 miles.
Mon 21 Nov to Sun 27 Nov. IRL 12 miles, walking 2 horses. Virtually passed Cedar Creek Campground, power line crossing, Lone Pine campsite access by river only. RM 1033. Total 308 miles.
Mon 14 Nov to Sun 20 Nov. IRL 5 miles. RM 1045. Total 296 miles.
Mon 7 Nov to Sun 13 Nov. IRL 5 miles. RM 1050. Total 291 miles.
Mon 31 Oct to Sun 6 Nov. IRL 6 miles. Virtually passed confluence with Sissabagamah Creek, confluence with Ripple River, County Road 1 bridge, & Aitkin campground.. RM 1055. Total 286 miles.
(add backyard photo from STOF 12/2)
Aitkin Age: Long, winding tale of long, winding Ripple River, Dickey, 2017.
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 4. Start map segment 5. “This section of the river offers easy paddling, great fishing and many places to stop. The Mississippi River above Brainerd is often used by pleasure boaters and high-powered fishing boats. The good water quality supports game fish such as walleye, northern, muskie, bass and panfish. Near Brainerd, the river enters a defined valley. You’ll notice a change from lowland hardwoods and tamaracks to red pine and mixed hardwood. The river also passes through French Rapids, a narrow channel with 100-foot banks. Just below this you’ll find Rice Lake, an impoundment created by the Potlach Dam. Hazards include dams. Be aware of their locations and know which side to portage.” MnDNR
Wed 26 Oct to Sun 30 Oct. IRL 5 miles. RM 1061. Total 280 miles.
IRL. The usual places. Will not mention places unless different or notable.
Virtual. Passed Aitkin Flood Diversion Channel entrance, Kimball carry-in access, powerline crossing
Bridges & co.
Weeks: Aitkin Flood Diversion Channel
Weeks: Aitkin Low Head Dam
Weeks: Aitkin Co. Highway 1, Mississippi River Flood Diversion Channel Bridge
Weeks: Aitkin Co. Highway 22, Mississippi River Flood Diversion Channel Bridge
Aiken canal photo, Glory Days!: Mississippi River – Day 9
Admin. Format changes. [SOTF 11/4]
Fri 17 Oct to Mon 23 Oct. IRL 4 miles + 5K, walk. RM 1066. Total 275 miles.
(add photo from SOTF 11/4)
IRL. All but one walk along Erie Canal, other was Lake Ontario. [Archives, pending]
Virtual. Passed Hassman watercraft campsite, & confluence with Rice River.
Mon 10 Oct to Wed 19 Oct. IRL 7 miles, walk. RM 1069. Total 272 miles.
IRL. One walk at Moundville AL, USA [SOTF 11/4]
Virtual. Passed Highway 169 bridge & trailer access. MA map & Weeks agree on river miles now. Makes my life easier. Weeks: US Highway 169
9 October 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1076. Total 265 miles.
7 October 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1077. Total 264 miles.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the river, CNN: Another supply chain crisis: Barge traffic halted on Mississippi River by lowest water levels in a decade, Isidore, Watts, . IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1078. Total 263 miles. Sat?Jones and Miller, Sat October 8, 2022.
6 October 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtually passed Willow River Watercraft Campsite, river access only. RM 1078. Total 263 miles.
Not the same WRC as the one in General Andrews State Forest, MN. I think. Never a Goose Chase: Willow River Campground
5 October 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1079. Total 262 miles.
4 October 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1080. Total 261 miles.
3 October 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtually passed Clark Logan oxbow. RM 1081. Total 260 miles.
2 October 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtually passed Maydale oxbow. RM 1082. Total 259 miles.
1 October 2022. IRL 7 miles bike. Virtually passed County Road 3 Bridge & Berglund County Park. RM 1083. Total 258 miles.
Berglund County Park has everything a river traveler could want: trailer access, campground, shelters, picnic area, & drinking water, per map. “Located on the Mississippi River within walking distance of downtown Palisade.” Aitkin County: Berglund County Park
“You may have noticed the brown color of the river. The brown is caused by manganese, a metal that occurs naturally in this area.” Weeks: MN State Highway 232. Map says County Road 3, renumbered? Same thing with different numbers?
Weeks: Soo Lin Bridge railroad bridge
29 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1090. Total 251 miles.
28 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1091. Total 250 miles.
26 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1092. Total 249 miles.
25 September 2022. IRL 7 mile, bike. Virtually passed Wold’s Ferry crossing. RM 1093. Total 248 miles.
“Aitkin County has more miles of the Mississippi River than any other county in Minnesota – 103 miles.” Aitkin County: Fun Facts about Aitkin County.
23 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1100. Total 241 miles.
xxx
21 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtually passed Scott’s Rapids, campsite, river access only. RM 1101. Total 240 miles.
Cool that there are places only accessible by boat.
20 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1102. Total 239 miles.
19 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1103. Total 238 miles.
17 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1104. Total 237 miles.
13 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtually passed Sandy Lake Recreation area, USACOE: Sandy Lake. RM 1105. Total 236 miles.
12 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1106. Total 235 miles.
11 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1107. Total 234 miles.
9 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1108. Total 233 miles.
8 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtually passed Libby Township Watercraft Campsite. RM 1109. Total 232 miles.
7 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1110. Total 231 miles.
6 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. IRL, Beeswax Creek. Virtually, Lee Ferry Carry-in access. RM 1111. Total 230 miles.
5 September 2022. IRL 10 mile, bike. Virtually passed Ms. Keto campsite (river access only), Verdon carry in & campsite, confluence with Two River Springs, power line crossing, confluence with Liberty Brook. RM 1112. Total 229 miles.
“I wake up on the banks of the Mississippi River, at the location where the Ms. Keto campsite is marked on the MDNR Mississippi Water-trail map.” Glory Days!: Mississippi River – Day 8, 2021.
“I ended up missing the Ms. Keto campsite, and I didn’t see any signs, so I just found a nicely forested area, and made camp for the night.” Trail Journals: Speaker’s 2011, Mississippi River Journal, Friday, September 09, 2011.
4 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtually passed confluence with Pogeama Creek. RM 1122. Total 219 miles.
3 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk & 4 mile, bike. RM 1123. Total 218 miles.
2 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1128. Total 213 miles.
1 September 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1129. Total 212 miles.
31 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1130. Total 211 miles.
30 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1131. Total 210 miles.
29 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1132. Total 209 miles.
28 August 2022. IRL 7 mile, bike. Virtually passed Swan River confluence, Jacobsen Wayside rest area, & Hwy 200 bridge. RM 1133. Total 208 miles.
“The signature feature of the Jacobson Bridge are the iron railings. They are painted bright green.” Weeks: Jacobson Bridge
“Exploring the intersections of nature and culture on the side of the road.” Rest Area History. “The Places we stop when we are on our way to somewhere else” RAH: About, fascinating photo montage.
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 3. Start map segment 4. “This section of the Mississippi River is influenced by glacial lakes Upham and Aitkin, which once covered most of the area. You’ll find a flat landscape with meandering streams and many oxbows (u-shaped sections of abandoned river channel). The still waters of the oxbows are excellent for fish and other wildlife. You will also pass floodplain forests that offer food, shelter and habitat for muskrat, beaver, otters, turtles, herons, hawks, osprey, eagles and more. Much of the shoreline is privately managed for forest or agriculture, with few houses due to the river’s tendency to flood. Hazards include snags, downed trees and a diversion channel dam. At the Rice River confluence, a diversion channel carries water around the town of Aitkin during high flow. There is no portage route around this diversion channel dam.” MnDNR
26 August 2022. IRL 1 mile. Walk. Virtually passed Jacobsen Campground, trailer access & drinking water. An entire river & ya gotta worry about water? This is why I don’t camp. RM 1140. Total 201 miles.
25 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1141. Total 200 miles.
24 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1142. Total 199 miles.
23 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1143. Total 198 miles.
22 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1144. Total 197 miles.
20 August 2022. IRL 6 mile, bike. Virtual, passed Swimming Bear, campsite & takeout; passed county line trailer access. Crossed from Itasca county to Aitkin county. RM 1145. Total 196 miles.
19 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1151. Total 190 miles.
[Meandering Through Minnesota, Virtually]
17 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. Virtual, passed Split Hand Creek Confluence. RM 1152. Total 189 miles.
16 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1153. Total 188 miles.
14 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1154. Total 187 miles.
13 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1155. Total 186 miles.
11 August 2022. IRL 1 mile, walk. RM 1156. Total 185 miles.
7 August 2022. IRL 1.45 mile BIKE. Remainder from Great Ocean Road II. RM 1157. Total 184 miles. [GORII]
6 August 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1158. Total 183 miles.
5 August 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1159. Total 182 miles.
4 August 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1160. Total 181 miles.
admn. Mostly local park in July for flat paved walkway while ankle is wonky.
25 July 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtual, passed County Road 72, trailer access. RM 1161. Total 180 miles.
25 July 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtual, passed Blackberry, campsite. RM 1162. Total 179 miles.
23 July 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtual, passed Herb Beer’s, trailer access. RM 1163. Total 178 miles.
20 July 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1164. Total 177 miles.
19 July 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1165. Total 176 miles.
18 July 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1166. Total 175 miles.
admin. Pause. [Everything]
11 July 2022. IRL 0.5 mile. CityWalk going back to shuttle stop. Partial intentional, partial to round up the mileage. RM 1167. Total 174 miles. [Intentional]
3 July 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1167.5. Total 173.5 miles.
admin. Long pause. [I’m Bored Already]
25 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1168.5. Total 172.5 miles.
24 May 2022. IRL 1.5 mile. RM 1169.5. Total 171.5 miles.
23 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtual sights, Blackberry Bridge & access. RM 1170. Total 171 miles.
“For travelers heading south, this is the last Mississippi River crossing before a stretch of about 50 miles of wilderness where there are no main highways, and even the Great River Road is mostly unpaved.” Weeks: Blackberry Bridge.
Also, Old Blackberry Bridge (Removed)
20 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1171. Total 170 miles.
19 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1172. Total 169 miles.
18 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtual sights, Sucher’s campsite. RM 1173. Total 168 miles.
17 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1174. Total 167 miles.
16 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1175. Total 166 miles.
12 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtual sites, Prairie River Confluence, carry-in at Highway 2 on PR. RM 1176. Total 165 miles.
11 May 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1177. Total 164 miles.
10 May 2022. IRL .88 SSF, logged as 1 mile, see below. Virtual sights, Steamboat access, Riverside park. RM 1178. Total 163.
Weeks: Bill Powers Memorial Trail Bridge
09 May 2022. IRL 4 laps & house, GPS 1.5 miles, logged as 1.25 miles to even up total. Virtual sights: Sylvan Municipal Park, access & fishing pier; Blandin Paper Company Dam, portage; Hwy 169 bridge; Grand Rapids library, campsite & fishing pier. RM 1179. Total 162.
KAXE: Papermakers: The Blandin Paper Company and the History of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, multiple episodes
08 May 2022. IRL ~1 mile (3 laps) . Virtual sights, Minnesota Forest History Center, Grand Itasca Clinic. RM 1180.25. Total 160.75.
16 April 2022. IRL 3.2 miles. Would have been half of remaining Ukraine. River mileage appropriate due to conditions. Virtual sights, Bass Brook WMA (MnDNR) & Pokegama Lake Rec Area (USCOE, rec.gov). Virtually stopped just after the Izaak Walton Park trailer access. RM 1181.25. Total 159.75. [Another Impromptu 5k, Shades Creek Greenway]
Weeks: Verne V. Skallman Bridge
Admin. April 1. Post on Virtual MS [Rolling Down The River, Guest Photo]
20 March 2022. IRL .55 miles. Not logged in Ukraine. RM 1184.45. Total 156.55.
Admin. Break. [Walking Virtually, Kyiv]
6 March 2022. IRL 1.01 mile, FHF. Virtually, passed # trailer access & fishing pier, at City of Cohasset. RM 1185. Total 156 miles.
Weeks: Sheldon L. Olds Bridge crossing Hwy 62.
BNSF Bridge (Cosset), RR bridge
4 March 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1186. Total 155 miles.
3 March 2022. IRL 2 miles. Virtually, Blackwater Lake, enter Pokegama Dam Reservoir. RM 1187. Total 154 miles.
US Army COE: Pokegama Recreation Area
2 March 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1189. Total 152 miles.
1 March 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1190. Total 151 miles.
28 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virt, passed Rice Lake Creek confluence, at Little Drum Lake confluence. RM 1191. Total 150 miles.
27 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1192. Total 149 miles.
26 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1193. Total 148 miles.
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 2. Start map segment 3. “This section of the river is one of transition, from the wetlands and forests of the Chippewa National Forest, through the town of Grand Rapids, to the lowland hardwood forest of Aitkin County. Along the way you will pass hills that were once piles of glacial debris. The city of Grand Rapids lies at the center of these hills. South of Grand Rapids, the river enters an ancient glacial lake bed where it twists back and forth through the soft soil. Look for white and red pines, oaks, maples, birches and aspens that create a home for diverse wildlife. This portion of the Mississippi River is flat and slow moving, offering easy paddling with no major rapids. As you approach the town of Grand Rapids, you will need to watch for two dams about three river miles apart. One dam controls the level of Lake Pokegama, and the other provides hydropower to the Blandin Paper Company. Both must be portaged. Make sure you know what side of the dam to portage.” MnDNR
25 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virt, passed #10 trailer access. RM 1194. Total 147 miles.
24 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1195. Total 146 miles.
23 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virt, Leaning Willow campsite. RM 1196. Total 145 miles.
Lost With Mike: Day…oh I forget. Camped at Leaning Willow, sunrise photo.
22 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1197. Total 144 miles.
21 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1198. Total 143 miles.
20 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virt, Schoolcraft State Park. RM 1199. Total 142 miles.
First photo on ScSP website is of MS River boar launch.
19 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1200. Total 141 miles.
18 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtually, country road 18 bridge. RM 1201. Total 140 miles.
Weeks: Cass Co Hwy 3 – Itasca Co Hwy 18 (East)
17 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtually passed Little White Oak Lake. RM 1202. Total 139 miles.
15 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1203. Total 138 miles.
14 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1204. Total 137 miles.
13 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1205. Total 136 miles.
12 February 2022. IRL .8 mile, walk after Milton’s lesson, figured I walked enough the rest of the day to compensate for the shortfall. Virtually, for mile+, passing channels that connect to White Oak Lake. RM 1206. Total 135 miles.
11 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1207. Total 134 miles.
10 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1208. Total 133 miles.
9 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1209. Total 132 miles.
7 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1210. Total 131 miles.
6 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1211. Total 130 miles.
4 February 2022. IRL walked 2 miles. Virtually, passed Leech Lake, passed under Highway 3/18, stopped at Gambler’s Point. RM 1212. Total 129 miles.
Weeks: Cass Co Hwy 3 – Itasca Co Hwy 18 (West)
Logistics. If I don’t say, I walked. Distances are a good indicator as well, 1 mile is walking. 5 or 10 is biking. Unless it’s a 5K, but those are usually logged to a specific medal-related activity rather than for daily exercise. At the moment. May change tomorrow.
2 February 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1214. Total 127 miles.
1 February 2022. IRL 2 miles. RM 1215. Total 126 miles.
31 January 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1217. Total 124 miles.
30 January 2022. IRL 1 mile. Virtually, passed under US Highway 2 bridge. RM 1218. Total 123 miles.
Weeks: US Highway 2 Near Ball Club. Mileage continues to be offset from MnDNR map, 1221.5 vs 1218.8.
&
Satellite view shows old oxbows & former river pathways. Highway 2 across top of image; bridge in upper left corner.
29 January 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1219. Total 122 miles.
Media. Video. YouTube: River To The Heart, by Eddy Harris, author of Mississippi Solo. Logging links & books & etc as I find them, for the moment.
28 January 2022. IRL 2 mile. RM 1220. Total 121 miles.
Media.
Screenshot, Jan 27, Itasca State Park Mississippi Headwaters Webcam.
&
Video of canoe trip down the river, source to outlet, Mississippi By Canoe. Excellent video. If surfing for this, note many video clips of the trip online, you want the 58-minute video on YouTube. Article on the trip. Chicago Tribune: ABC7 reporter Paul Meincke finds adventure and angels on epic Mississippi canoe trip, Meincke 2017.
27 January 2022. IRL 2 mile. RM 1222. Total 119 miles.
26 January 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1224. Total 117 miles.
25 January 2022. IRL 1 mile. RM 1225. Virtually, passed Crazy James Point. Total 116 miles.
Logistics. Finished AW. Walking miles here now. [Walking Virtually, Angkor Wat]
13 January 2022. IRL 2 miles walked -> 1 mile logged, other mile to AW. RM 1226. Total 115 miles.
12 January 2022. IRL 2 miles walked -> 1 mile logged, other mile to AW. RM 1227. Total 114 miles.
11 January 2022. IRL 2 miles walked -> 1 mile logged, other mile to AW. RM 1228. Total 113 miles.
10 January 2022. IRL 2 miles walked -> 1 mile logged, other mile to to AW. Virtually Little Winnibigoshish Lake. RM 1229. Total 112 miles.
4 January 2022. IRL 0.5 mile. Walked 1.55m. Daily mile counted toward Virtual Angkor Wat. Keeping that project to one mile at a time. Enjoying the vicarious travel. No hurry to finish. Overage here to tidy up total. RM 1230. Total 111 miles.
31 December 2021. IRL 0.5 mile. Walked daily mile, counted 1/2 mile to finish Fuji, 1/2 mile here. RM 1230.5. Total 110.5 miles. Virtually, passed Winnie Dam Rec area. Recreation.gov: Winnie Dam Campground, photos.
Logistics. Taking a break from here to finish Fuji, since I don’t seem to be biking it.
October 11, 2021. IRL 1.02. Virtually, passed Plughat Point, finally exiting Lake W, USDA: Plughat Point Boat Area. RM 1231. Total 110 miles.
October 7, 2021. IRL 1.12m. RM 1232. Total 109 miles.
October 6, 2021. IRL 1.11m. RM 1233. Total 108 miles.
Logistics. Stopped keeping track of regular parks.
October 4, 2021. IRL 1.2m SSF. RM 1234. Total 107 miles.
October 1, 2021. IRL 1.02m Vandiver Park. Virtually, rounded Tamarack Point and passed the entrance to Cut Foot Sioux Lake. RM 1235. Total 106 miles.
September 29 , 2021. IRL 1.22m park near PO, logged as as 1, see yesterday. RM 1236. Total 105 miles.
September 28 , 2021. IRL 1.25m BBG + 0.62m to get lunch -> 1.87, logged as as 2, will do missing mileage today. RM 1237. Total 104 miles.
September 27 , 2021. IRL 3 laps -> 1mile, pasture. Virtually, Lake Winni is biggi. RM 1239. Total 102 miles.
September 26 , 2021. IRL 3 laps -> 1mile, pasture. RM 1240. Total 101 miles.
September 24 , 2021. IRL 1.01, Oak Meadow. RM 1241. Total 100 miles.
September 22 , 2021. IRL 1.04, The Summit. RM 1242. Total 99 miles.
September 21 , 2021. IRL 1.19, The Summit. RM 1243. Total 98 miles.
September 16 , 2021. IRL .63, logged as .5, downtown Homewood, errands, walked the long way around to get total back to even number. RM 1244. Total 97 miles.
September 15 , 2021. IRL 1.04 & 1.69 at BZ, first to Kansas Zoo Virtual Run (walk), second logged as 1.5. RM 1244.5. Total 96.5 miles. []
September 14 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, have entered Lake Winnibigoshish. The Pines Resort: Meet Lake Winnibigoshish. RM 1246. Total 95 miles.
September 12 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. RM 1247. Total 94 miles.
September 10 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. RM 1248. Total 93 miles.
September 9 , 2021. IRL 2.02 miles. Jemison Park, one mile of which counts toward 5th Ave Challenge. RM 1249. Total 92 miles. []
September 8 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, passed Smiling Joe’s campsite. RM 1250. Total 91 miles.
September 7 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, passed Lydick Brook & Meadows rest area. RM 1251. Total 90 miles.
September 6 , 2021. IRL 1.04 miles, Oak Meadow. Virtually, passed Mississippi Meadows. RM 1252. Total 89 miles.
September 5 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. RM 1253. Total 88 miles.
September 4 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, passed Co. Road 33 bridge, Weeks. RM 1254. Total 87 miles.
September 3 , 2021. IRL 1.05 miles, Alabaster Promenade. RM 1255. Total 86 miles.
September 2 , 2021. IRL 1.1 miles, Oak Meadow, switched to Strava. RM 1256. Total 85 miles.
September 1 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, passed Road 39 bridge, Weeks, designation changes from Scenic to Wild, per MS Headwaters Board. RM 1257. Total 84 miles.
September 0, 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, passed Knutson Dam Rec Area, former dam site, short stretch of rapids, campground & water access, Weeks. RM 1258. Total 83 miles.
“Many of the dams in the Mississippi headwater area were built for logging. Logging companies would save up the spring runoff water, then use it throughout the year to power saws and to float logs downstream. After the logging was over, the dams were used to augment the shipping season by releasing water during the months when the river was normally low.” Weeks: Knutson Dam
August 30 , 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, Cass Lake. RM 1259. Total 82 miles.
August 29, 2021. IRL 1 mile, FCHP. Virtually, Cass Lake, passed Norway Beach, campground & access. RM 1260. 81 Total miles.
Logistics. MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail. End map segment 1. Start map segment 2. “This section of the Mississippi River connects Cass Lake and Winnibigoshish Lake. These lakes have always been important to the Ojibwe of northern Minnesota, and today lie within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. These extensive public lands are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as the Chippewa National Forest. This portion of the river is gentle enough for beginner paddlers. You’ll find forested shorelines, pine-covered islands and eagles soaring overhead. The river’s channel deepens below the Leech Lake River confluence and you’ll see broad marshes on either side. Watch for oxbows once carved by the river and now filling with plant life. Hazards in this section include dams and large, open water on Cass and Winnibigoshish lakes which can produce powerful waves. Paddling across these lakes is not recommended.” MnDNR
August 28, 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, Cass Lake. RM 1261. Total 80 miles.
August 27, 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, Cass Lake. RM 1262. Total 79 miles.
August 26, 2021. IRL 3 laps. Virtually, Cass Lake, the body of water, not the town. RM 1263. Total 78 miles.
August 23, 2021. IRL 1.08 miles, Shelby County Arts Center. Virtually, Allen’s Bay. RM 1264. Total 77 miles.
August 21, 2021. IRL 1.22 miles, Ross Bridge. Virtually, Potato Islands in Allen’s Bay. RM 1265. Total 76 miles.
August 18, 2021. IRL 1.01 miles, Leeds Memorial Park. Virtually, Allen’s Bay. RM 1266. Total 75 miles.
August 17, 2021. IRL 1.05 miles, Cahaba Heights Park. Virtually, passed the Lake Andrusia carry-in. RM 1267. Total 74 miles.
August 16, 2021. IRL 1.13 miles, Lee Branch. Virtually, in the middle of Lake Andrusia. “Lake Andrusia covers 1,510 acres with 10 miles of wooded shoreline. Minnesota Northwoods: Lake Andrusia. RM 1268. Total 73 miles.
August 15, 2021. IRL 2 laps -> .6 miles, logged as .5 miles, to get back to whole number. RM 1269. Total 72 miles.
August 14, 2021. IRL 1.5 miles, Pepper Place. Virtually, Co Road 8 bridge & power line crossing, bridge info Weeks: Beltrami Co Highway 8 (East Crossing). RM 1269.5. Total 71.5 miles.
August 13, 2021. IRL 1.01 miles, Zaxby’s. Virtually, paddling thru Wolf Lake, scenic photo, Ultimate Fishing Site: Bemidji, MN Fishing, Wolf Lake. RM 1271. Total 70 miles.
August 12, 2021. IRL 1.0 miles, Columbiana. Virtually, High Banks, climb up for scenic view, MRSWT: Snapshot virtual tour. RM 1272. Total 69 miles.
August 9, 2021. IRL 3 laps -> 1 mile. Virtually, Co Road 25, carry-in access. Not a bridge. Road runs next to river. RM 1273. Total 68 miles.
August 7, 2021. IRL 1.01. Virtually, Co Road 8 bridge, bridge info Weeks: Beltrami Co Highway 8 (West Crossing). RM 1274. Total 67 miles.
August 6, 2021. IRL 1.32 miles, Chelsea. Virtually, Island Point Rapids, class 1. ” Class I – Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sand banks and gentle curves.” Paddling.com: Classification of Rapids. RM 1275. Total 66 miles.
August 4, 2021. IRL 3 laps -> 1 mile. RM 1276. Total 65 miles.
August 3, 2021. IRL 1.02 mile. Virtually, Co. Road 12 Dam: portage right 125 yards. Photos, Weeks: Stump Lake Dam & : Beltrami Co Highway 12. RM 1277. Total 64 miles.
Current logistics. Map position & mileage highlights from MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail, Segment 1 – Lake Itasca to Cass Lake, map PDF.
“The Mississippi River State Water Trail begins its 2,552-mile journey in Itasca State Park. Its first 50 miles are narrow, sometimes just five to 10 feet wide, and have few signs of development. You will pass white and red pine, oaks, maples, birch and aspen that support diverse wildlife. You may also notice the past effects of glaciers, where deposited rock and sand formed hills, or melting ice flattened plains. As you travel toward Bemidji the river’s banks become more defined, and you’ll begin to notice farms and homes. Wetlands throughout this stretch have dense, maze-like vegetation, which may lead you astray or prove to be an obstacle. In most cases, follow the downstream flow to stay on the main channel.The river falls an average of four feet per mile. You will find riffles and Class I rapids throughout this stretch. Class I rapids are usually small waves with few obstructions. Hazards include dense vegetation, log jams and large, open water, which can produce powerful waves.” MnDNR
August 2, 2021. IRL 1.06 mile. RM 1278. Total 63 miles.
August 1, 2021. IRL 3 laps, 1.0 mile GPS. Virtually, passed Stump Lake Campsite. “There is no direct Public access to Stump Lake. Most boaters access Stump Lake via the Mississippi River from Lake Bemidji … There is a remote campsite on Stump accessible by canoe.” Lake-Link: Fish Stump. RM 1279. Total 62 miles.
July 29, 2021. IRL 3 laps -> 1 mile. Virtually, passed the northernmost point of the river. RM 1280. Total 61 miles.
July 27, 2021. IRL 1.15 miles. Avondale Park. RM 1281. Total 60 miles.
July 24, 2021. IRL 1.03 miles. Oak Meadow Park. RM 1282. Total 59 miles.
July 20, 2021. IRL 1.03 miles. Meadowlawn Park. RM 1283. Total 58 miles.
July 19, 2021. IRL 5 laps, 1.25 miles. Oak Meadow. Virtual, cross under Paul Bunyan State Trail (a bike path, Weeks) & Co Road 19 Bridge (Weeks). RM 1284. Total 57 miles.
July 14, 2021. IRL 1.08 miles. Columbiana. Virtual, Lake Bemidji, paddling directly across the lake is not recommended. RM 1285. Total 56 miles.
July 13, 2021. IRL 1.14 miles. Cahaba Lilly Park. Virtual, City of Bemidji. RM 1286. Total 55 miles.
July 9, 2021. IRL 2 laps ~> est 1+ mile. Chelsea. Virtual, submerged pilings, Lake Irving carry-in. RM 1287. Total 54 miles.
July 7, 2021. IRL 1.01 miles, Columbiana. Virtual, cross under US Hwy 2/Yellowhead road. RM 1288. Total 53 miles.
Weeks: US Highway 2, US Highway 71
Longer bridge
“Like other Mississippi River headwaters bridges, this bridge[Fern Lake] sees very little traffic, less than 100 vehicles per day. This is the last of the lightly traveled bridges while heading downriver. The next bridge at Jefferson Road sees 2500 vehicles a day, and the US-2 crossing after that sees nearly 10,000 vehicles a day.” Weeks: FLRB
July 6, 2021. IRL three laps -> 1 mile. From here on, assume sans horse, unless mentioned otherwise. Virtual, river mile 1289. Just passed the Silver Maple campsite. This puts me well to the west of where I “was” when using roads. Haven’t even hit Lake B yet. Total 52 miles.
Weeks: Fern Lake Road Bridge RM 1294
Weeks: Co Road 11/Jefferson Ave SW RM 1290.2
Two similar looking, small, flat, concrete bridges.
Procedural note. As of July 6, switching back to river miles. Will be of more virtual interest than random backroads of Minnesota. Book route might have been more riveting if I were doing 10+ miles a day rather than 1. OTOH, point of virtual tour is Mississippi River not RBs of Mn. Using – MnDNR: Mississippi River State Water Trail
Upper river miles count down from 1341.6. I’m going to assume a 1/2 mile in there somewhere & use whole numbers, i.e. 1341 – total = river mile marker.
Ending this. As of June 1, virtual mileage based on Bicycling Guide To The Mississippi River Trail: A Complete Route Guide Along The Mississippi River, Robinson (Spirits Creek 2008).
June 30, 2021. IRL 1.06 miles. Odenville City Park. Virtual, same. Total 51 miles. [Things, photo]
June 28, 2021. IRL 1.05 miles. Heardmont Park. Virtual, Roosevelt Road. Total 50 miles.
June 16, 2021. IRL one lap -> .3 mile. Solo. Choice btwn 1 or 4 laps, in order to get back to round number. Long day, not for any good reason, stopped at one. Virtual, same. Total 49 miles.
June 15, 2021. IRL 1.7 miles.
Wed 9. 1 lap =-> .3m. Muddy. Toe not up to footing.
Thur 10. 1 loop at Hoover Dog Park -> .4 miles per sign (2.5 loops = 1 mile).
Tues 15. IRL three laps -> 1 mile. Solo.
Virtual Swenson Road/CR 27.
Total 48.7 miles.
June 7, 2021. IRL three laps -> 1 mile. Solo. Virtual, same. Total 47 miles.
June 2, 2021. IRL three laps -> 1 mile. Solo. Virtual, same. Total 46 miles.
June 1, 2021. IRL three laps -> 1 mile. Solo. Virtual, Power Dam Road, Bemidji, p15. Internet says I am vheading east from Lake B. Total 45 miles.
Virtual mileage based on Bicycling Guide To The Mississippi River Trail: A Complete Route Guide Along The Mississippi River, Robinson (Spirits Creek 2008). Never found other one. Bought second copy
Interim. Finished virtual walking of LEJOG. Plans. Virtual bike, Great Ocean Road II, Fuji part 1. Virtual walk, Fuji part 2. Then all mileage logged here. May start an ongoing, DIY Waterways of the World project. Be a long time before I run out of mileage.
January 31, 2021 Biking. IRL 15 km, short railroad, there & back. 5.8 applied to Great Ocean Road. 9.2 km -> 5.71 miles. 5 applied here. Total 44 miles. [GOR ride journal, ride post pending]
October 30, 2020. Added Nov 23. Walking. Buck Creek Trail, 2 miles. Total 39 miles. Looks like these did not get logged anywhere. Virtually, heading north along the shore of Lake B.
***Pausing on the virtual shore of Lake Bimidji*** Taking a break to switch miles to Virtual Challenge medals. The plan, because there always has to be a plan, is to virtually walk the Land’s End to John O’ Groats challenge and to bike the Great Ocean Road challenge. After that, I will come back to virtually biking the Mississippi Great River Road. Makes more sense to vwalk the 1000 miles and vbike the 3000 miles. Not sure if I will vwalk another challenge or come back here. It’ll be a while. Subject to change as the mood strikes.
October 29, 2020. Today 2 laps .66 miles. Total 37 miles. Virtually, heading east on same.
October 28, 2020. Today 1 miles. Total 36.5 miles. Chelsea Recreational Park, .75(?)-mile paved walking trail with woods & hills. Virtually, south of lake Bimidji,heading NE on Old Paul Bunyan State Trail/Highway 12.
October 27, 2020. Today 1.5 miles. Total 35.5 miles. Excess mileage from this week’s bling walk, [Baltimore]. Virtually, on the south shore of Lake Bemidji. Passed the statues of Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox, “Both were conceived as a tribute to the lumber industry, Bemidji’s principal employer at the time.” Roadside America: Boxy Bunyan and Babe Statues.
October 26, 2020. Today three laps. Total 34 miles. Virtually, left unto 5th St NW.
October 22, 2020. Today one lap+.75 miles. Total 33 miles. Virtually, turned right. Heading east on Division Street W.
October 21, 2020. Today one lap. Total 32 miles. Virtually, Highway 7.
October 20, 2020. Today 1.7 miles. Total 31.7 miles. Excess mileage from this week’s bling walk, [Queen Bee]. Virtually, Highway 7.
October 19, 2020. Today 3 laps, 1 mile. Total 30 miles. Virtually, continuing on Highway 7 until mile 33. Imagine having the Mississippi River in your backyard.
October 16, 2020. Today 2 laps. Total walk 29 miles. Virtually, still on Highway 7, zig-zagging north & east toward Lake Bemidji. Am on west side of river, which is also zig-zagging northeast.
October 14, 2020. Today 1 lap.
October 13, 2020. Today 2 laps, ~.6 rounding down to .4. Total walk 28 miles. Virtually, this puts me on Highway 7/Becida Road SW, heading east, just about to cross the river. Weeks: Bridge, Beltrami Co Highway 7
***Switching to following roads rather than river***
A) Far greater likelihood that I would ever drive or bike part of this route than take to a canoe. B) I can identify more with what I see on a road map. Using Great River Road app & Create My Route until I can find my copy of the biking book.
October 12, 2020. Today 1 lap. Total walk 27.6 miles. RM 1314.
October 10, 2020. Today 2 laps.
October 9, 2020. Today 2 laps. Total walk 26.6 miles. RM 1315.
October 7, 2020. Today 1 lap.
October 6, 2020. Today 2 laps. Total walk 25.6 miles. RM 1316.
October 5, 2020. Today 1 lap.
September 30, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 24.6 miles. Gorgeous day. Sights along the river, —-. RM 1317.
September 29, 2020. Today 5K, Oak Meadows Park. Total Walk 23.6. Inaugural weekly 5K. When I don’t have a bling walk, will apply miles here. Counted as 3 miles to make up for times when laps might fall short. Sights along the river, end Stumphges Rapids, Forest Road Bridge. RM 1318.
September 24, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 20.6 miles. Shared the last half lap with remnants of TS Beta. Sights along the river, end wetlands & possible vegetation obstructions, start Stumphges Rapids. RM 1321.
September 19, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 19.6 miles. Sights along the river —. RM 1322.
September 18, 2020. Today 6 laps = 2 miles. Handwalk horses, 3 laps each. Total walk 18.6 miles. Sights along the river, Brownie campsite. RM 1323.
September 17, 2020. Today 6 laps = 2 miles. Handwalk horses, 3 laps each. Total walk 16.6 miles. Sights along the river, Coffee Pot Landing, La Salle Creek confluence, entering wetland area. RM 1325.
Weeks, Bridge Photography: Snowmobile Bridge At Coffee Pot Landing. Different river mileage than MNDNR.
September 16, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 14.6 miles. Sights along the river, power line crossing. RM 1327.
September 15, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 13.6 miles. RM 1328.
September 14, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 12.6 miles. Sights along the river, County Road 40 bridge. RM 1329.
Weeks, Bridge Photography: Clearwater Co Highway 40, Weeks says bridge is at river mile 1333.1; map from the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources says 1329.2.
September 12, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 11.6 miles. RM 1330.
September 11, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 10.6 miles. Sights along the river, end Vekin’s Dam rapids, County Road 2 bridge. RM 1331.
September 10, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 9.6 miles. RM 1332.
September 9, 2020. Today 3 laps of university green = 1 mile. Total walk 8.6 miles. Sights along the river, County Road 37 bridge. RM 1333.
Weeks, Bridge Photography: Clearwater Co Highway 37, Weeks says bridge is at river mile 1338; map from the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources says 1333.2.
September 8, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 7.6 miles. Sights along the river, Vekin’s Dam, start of rapids. RM 1334.
September 2, 2020. Today 2 laps = 0.6 mile. Total walk 6.6 miles. New plan. Another two laps to tack .6 onto total. Now, walk mileage is uneven, but stopping points coincide with mileage numbers on the map. Why is life so untidy!?! Sights along the river, bridges. River mile 1335.
Weeks, Bridge Photography: Feil Bridge
Weeks, Bridge Photography: Larson’s Bridge Ruins
Weeks, Bridge Photography: Larson’s Culvert
Weeks, Bridge Photography: The Richard Felt Bridge
September 0, 2020. Today 2 laps = 0.59 mile. Total walk 6 miles. Two laps is ~2/3 mile. Calling it .59 to round up the walk mileage. That .6 at the start is going to annoy my sense of order. RM 1335.6.
August 29, 2020. Today 2.41 miles. Total walk 5.41 miles. Hike in state park w/ dog. Sights along the river, Wanagan Landing. RM 1336.19.
August 26, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 3 miles. RM 1338.6.
August 24, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 2 miles. Sights along the river, Gulsvig Landing Boat Launch. RM 1339.6.
August 17, 2020. Today 3 laps = 1 mile. Total walk 1 mile. Sights along the river, portage for County Road 38 culvert. RM 1340.6.
Day one. A long – loooong – project for my walks. One of the sites says that a drop of water takes 90 days to get from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Given how seldom I walk these days, this could take years.
Since this is a casual project, I’m estimating the miles based on the route, in today’s case by laps of the pasture. Not gonna carry a GPS an obsess about 100ths of a mile, or probably even 10ths.
Speaking of pasture, unspecified location = walking around pasture. 3 laps -> ~1 mile.
Sights along the River
MN Dept of Natural Resources: Mississippi River State Water Trail Snapshot Tour
MN Dept of Natural Resources: Mississippi River State Water Trail, segment 1, Lake Itasca to Cass Lake, PDF of map
“There is a small stone walkway you can use to hop your way across the river, or a large wooden walkway if you don’t want to get wet. But if you are really feeling adventurous, hike right across the only three feet deep Mississippi just to say you did it!” The Outbound: Walk Across the Mississippi River in Itasca SP. Gorgeous photo.
More photos of people walking across the Mississippi riverlet.
Kinda Different: Roots Roasting; Brewed Awakenings
Twelve Mile Circle: Walk Across the Mississippi River
Explore Minnesota: A Trip North To The Mississippi Headwaters
~~~
Mississippi River
Great River Road
Mississippi River Trail
Part One – Minnesota
Part Two – Minnesota & Wisconsin
Part Three – Iowa & Wisconsin
Part Four – Iowa & Illinois
Part Five – Missouri & Illinois
Part Six – Missouri & Kentucky
Part Seven – Missouri, Arkansas & Tennessee
Part Eight – Arkansas & Mississippi
Part Nine – Louisiana & Mississippi
Part Ten – Louisiana
Rodney's Storage 