The Lost 40 & Itasca State Park

The Lost 40-

After driving down what looked like deserted roads, we found it, although I will admit, it took us awhile to find the trail head. If you end up there one day, I will give you a hint. Its not by the pit toilets!

The Lost 40 is actually over a hundred acres of forest that missed the loggers' axes because it never was marked on the initial maps. Its a rare section of old growth forest in the Chippewa National Forest.

We tested out new walking sticks Grandpa and Mormor gave us. It was a short hike, about 1 mile, but so much to see! You had to walk slow so you could look up and marvel at the size of pine trees over 350 years old. We learned the difference between red and white pines, and I must say, I really prefer the red ones. The bark is so interesting to me.

A little red squirrel stayed close to us, more concerned about filling his cheeks than any danger we posed. He seemed to follow us, leaving us thinking he must be used to being fed by humans.

At the end of the path, you left the woods and came upon a brook. It was so beautiful, I wish I had a kayak to float down and see where it led.

We circled back and all too soon, the hike was over. I wanted to loop it again, but Gull Lake was calling. Jared needed tube time and Jakob wanted to try fishing.

Lake Itasca State Park-

I love this park and always forget how large it really is. We of course waded across the Mississippi headwaters, but this time, we wanted to stretch our legs and hike a bit too. We sprayed up with Deep Woods Off- the one time I will subject my body to Deet, but it didn't matter. The mosquitoes were brutal. Our goal was to hike 3 miles to the fire tower. We decided to cut across and make that 1 mile, but it was still a mistake. We should have drove to the parking lot near the fire tower and hiked the .5 mile instead.

At one point, I counted two dozen mosquitoes on DH's back. He suffered bites all over his head and even one on his lip! I somehow managed to get a few bites where you don't want to be seen scratching! Next year, we will wear mosquito netting.

The hike to the fire tower, although shortened, was a challenge not only because of the mosquitoes, but the incline. I suppose it makes sense to build the fire tower on the tallest location, but I kept thinking,  how am I going to climb the fire tower after climbing up this hill?

We took it slow and made it to the fire tower. The motivation that the mosquitoes wouldn't fly that high, helped me over come my fears and make it to the top. This was the first fire tower I'd ever made it all the way up. The previous fire tower I tried to climb was at my parents county fair. I made it to the tree line but then froze up, not able to climb higher.

We now have a family goal to find more fire towers and climb them.

Next time we visit Itasca Park, I'd like to look into staying there, either camping or renting a cabin. There are over 50 miles of trails and so many peaceful, lakes and ponds. Of course we will wear mosquito netting head to toe, or visit after the first frost.