On our fourth or fifth visit, arriving in Bemidji, Minnesota feels like coming home. With over 14 thousand population, the city has most of the basic amenities. Called the first city of the Mississippi River, Bemidji sits alongside Lake Bemidji. The city has invested in the lakeside with a beautiful, paved walking trail and a visitor center featuring Paul Bunyon and Babe, the blue ox.
The local communication company has three live webcams around the area, one on Paul and Babe. Leo and I managed to get ourselves on the cam. In the first picture, that's us to the left of Babe, Leo has on a white shirt. In the second picture, we are between Paul and Babe.
Here is the link to the webcam. https://paulbunyan.net/cooperative/newsweather/paul-babe-webcam/
We check it during the winter to see the snow.
Our favorite bakery in Bemidji is called Raphael's. They make the best cherry and strawberry rhubarb pie. Everything they make is great.
We often had lunch in one of the covered picnic areas along Lake Bemidji. We were visited by the local chipmunk.
Situated along Lake Bemidji is Bemidji State University. A project of the science department is a series of Martin houses. Notice the wide open mouth in the doorway of Apartment #9.
Also, thanks to Bemidji State, a local community orchestra performs a series of free summer concerts. Made of up local musicians along with high school and college students, they are led by one of the BSU instructors. Performed outdoors on the campus lawn, we attend two concerts.
Our place in Bemidji is a quarter of a four-plex out in the country. There are five or six others here. Most seem to be long-term rentals. Out in the country, we have two bird feeders and have been entertained by some feathered and furry friends.
Our bird friends include Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch, Mr. and Mrs. Ruby-breasted Grosbeak, and black birds.
The City of Bemidji has a yearly sculpture contest and the winners are displayed around the downtown streets. Here are some examples.
When we buy a state park pass in Minnesota, it pays for itself. We visited Lake Bemidji and Lake Itasca.
At Lake Bemidji, we visit three areas, Sundew Pond, Bog Walk, and along the shoreline. There are good trails and many interesting sites.
The Lake Bemidji Bog Walk presented our first lady slippers for the trip. These wild orchids, called showy lady slippers, are the state flower of Minnesota. There was also a smaller orchid called dragon's tongue.
Sundew Pond has been our reliable place to see eagles. You can see the nest and there is a fledgling. The lady slippers were blooming. On our second trip, we saw an adult in a nearby tree. Of course, we didn't have a better lens. All the lady slippers were gone.
There are always other things buzzing around Sundew. Starting at the top, a kingfisher, leopard frog, ring necked duck, four spot chaser, and chalk front.
The drive to Lake Bemidji skirts the lake. On the way there one morning, we saw this majestic pair. We have been told there is a nest in this area, too.
Here are a few more photos around Lake Bemidji. Yes, we do enjoy the area. Even monarchs like the beach on Lake Bemidji.
Commentaires