Minneapolis urban like wilderness a mile North of Lake Nokomis/Lake Hiawatha Golf Course, about 5 miles from Mall of America, 3 miles from downtown Minneapolis or less than 3 miles W of Mississippi River. Views from upstairs perch, before or after 5 mile walk even at 20 below( in winter-if snow on the ground will then snow shoe some 40-50 minutes after trek !!! What have you seen within a 5 mile radius ?
Upon completion of climbing up over 125 steep steps ( they are on both sides-2 rest areas with cement benches) after a 2 mile round trip jaunt with youngest daughter and wife on Sunday August 14, from our famed 53 ‘ Minnehaha Falls to trail leading to Mississippi River, it hit me. Like being struck in back of skull while sitting on top of Christmas tree pile under Hwy # 100 on Golden Valley Road while picking up Christmas trees with the Jaycees in January of 1975 ( required 8 stitches-on disability insurance for 2 months-could not drive more than 5 minutes without a back spasm-obviously it did not knock any sense into me-after youngest born 3/13-drove to Chicago with family-then back to annual and semi- annual 10 day/3500 mile jaunts which culminated with a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks that July. ). I said, “ WOW !! Don’t we live in a glorious area “ ? Was 1 st time in over a year since Minneapolis Park Board has been reconstructing, repairing stairways, laying in a wading area of creek with stone seats and adjusting paths in this walled canyon to prevent erosion. Almost completed. However, the flowers where we parked in the garden lot over the Light Rail adjacent to road below were in LUSCIOUS BLOOM as a result of all our rain !! The once muddy path on S side of Minnehaha Creek which once made footing difficult , had been re-inforced with new heavy duty plastic like adjustable walkways as well as what seemed 700 lb flat boulders for better traction. One still had to maneuver up and down some hills grabbing on to trees and roots. But a huge improvement from the past. Billions and billions of people were out-as festive as attending the outdoor Christmas markets in Germany !!!
How many have ever taken advantage of the walking trails where they live ? How far are you willing to drive or HAVE MADE THE TIME ? Come along with me on my daily walk as I vary going clockwise and counter clockwise as well as the morning time in order to get a different perspective as what to see. Weather might be different as well as scenery and meeting of other people who go at the same time. What is the BIGGEST FACTOR-area is spotless of trash on Park Property as well as huge difference on people who litter less on the streets. ADD the cherishing of some seldom “ what seems constant landing and taking off of planes “ quiet and one is enhanced by the area.
Brooklyn born and growing up some 27 ½ miles from Manhattan, I knew by the age of 5 that I would ALWAYS live in Minnesota !! My French Protestant Huguenot heritage dad who’s family settled Brooklyn in the mid 1650’s, during his parent’s divorce was found wandering the streets by the Rev.Dr. George Aus( what a treat to see this 5’ man re-connect with my dad at 4/26/1969 wedding)-got my dad into Scouting and the Norwegian church where he met my mother. Was influenced by all family/church associates that attended Norwegian colleges in Upper Mid-West such as Augustana, Augsburg, Luther, Concordia, St. Olaf and Luther Seminary. Knew as well that I would marry a Northern European heritage mate who would eventually prefer winter like me. Solidified, perhaps was when I saw U of M , Paul Giel on the cover of Sport Magazine in what 1953 ?
From the same home that we have lived in since May of 1976, I leave on my DAILY walk between 8:30 A.M.-10:00 A.M. From 12/1997, since I was still working from home till 9/2009 walked only 3-then 5 miles from 7/7/2010, M-F-usually Sat around 8:30 A.M.-then take youngest who does not drive around another 3 mile lake. Sunday in summer is a treat since I take 5 miler around 6:30 A.M. since church begins at 9:30 A.M. Varied times mean like the leukemia-EVERY MOMENT IS A BLESSING !!
I get chills every time I cross a block and a half away 42 nd and Longfellow. Like from experience( up until 2007 we always drove through the dark some 900-1200 miles as well as coming back to save on time plus less traffic) in once driving straight through to N.Y.C., we stopped to explore Indiana National Dunes National Lakeshore just outside of Chicago inside the Indiana line on Lake Michigan at around 5:30 A.M. about exit 2 1. How many have ever experienced driving in a small town EARLY in the morning ? Like seeing Mt. Rushmore at dawn after 10 hours on the road, awaking from a tent some 50’ away from S rim of Grand Canyon or arising and walking out of a cabin in Norway to the sight of a pristine lake.
At 43 rd street, I ALWAYS turn L to go I block-then either continue on 43 rd to go E or S along Hiawatha Golf Course. A reminder that I had caddied for 10 years walking a mile from home though the woods , across the course to the club house at what seems EVERY Sat/Sun since turning 12 in May of 1957. Despite my sight with glasses from age 10, I had an eagle like eye and strong back to carry 2 bags. At age 16, considered since I was bullied and frail in high school, moving to Florida to become a professional caddy-kept in school by high school choral and band teachers-eventually led to a partial band scholarship in college. Band director Ted Ryder switched me from playing the baritone horn to tuba as a result of braces-then he assigned me to play in the Nassau/Suffolk All State Band. Had to learn a new cleft plus fingerings which I memorized -still don’t know how to read the bass part. A touch with the past ?
Somehow, when I hit Lake Hiawatha at mile # 1, I must STOP-PAUSE-REFLECT !! Even with the airplanes, it is a glorious sight. A chance to watch flocks of birds, observe the lake, take in the noises of the play ground. With our massive rains this year will be interesting to see how the shore restoration project completed 5 years ago will hold up. Water has covered both the pedestrian and bike paths after several heavy rains plus leaving 15 ‘ wooden non-used life guard stand as well as picnic table in the water. Lake has been shut down for swimming most of the season as a result of ecoli, dog, geese waste plus chemicals from lawns that flow down Minnehaha Creek. Hence I call this a sewer as the high brush hide all the trash, drift wood as well as dead carp. Will be interesting in the fall to see if lake recedes. As described countless times in the past the SW corner of Lake Hiawatha where Minnehaha Creek flows into the lake is the most beautiful urban wildlife setting in all our travels. With the water level SO high it is impossible to walk in this left hand mitten shaped like dense, wooded peninsula. The cat tails are well over 10 ‘ high, prairie grasses at least 6’. As fall approaches, the brush will turn and wilt. I have suggested to local authorities to turn Lake Hiawatha into either a State Park or wildlife refuge that would include a floating dock walkway on the N side of the lake below the golf course along with rock fill as well as a bridge over the creek. One person said that if a complete path, the residents would then own the lake but am sure the golfers would fear the pedestrians from getting hit with shots nor approve of some kind of eco friendly fencing. In summer, usually after 5 miler, drive the 6 minutes to take swim but prior will walk several hundred yards and scale the 80 ‘ hill , then down the steps some 5 times. A few times a week prior to swim will don old boots, jeans over bathing suit and head to SW corner to hunt for golf balls with golf ball retriever-still water some 3 ‘ deep-highest it has ever been since 1998- could actually go into creek and out on sand bar-not in 2010/2011. In winter if no snow, on walk will trek the golf course shore where “ at least 30 truck loads of trash “ could be picked up-people use the golf course as an unofficial dog run WITHOUT enforcement and the stench in spring is like that of smelling the once Hiram Walker plant in Peoria, Illinois some 150 miles to the West.
In winter when snow on the ground as I always alter snow shoe jaunts, will park at Nokomis rec. ctr-then snow shoe in this corner-knock down cat tails, scale the 7-8 ‘ snow drifts along creek and lake shore or challenge the steep hill through the brush. Since my mate is involved in so many activities she will attempt ? to join me on a 45 minute snow shoe walk here on a Sat or Sun.. One Sunday many years ago after the 8:00 A.M. service I took my snow shoe trek vs. the 3 mile walk-took an hour for laces on boots to thaw upon coming home-after lunch we attempted jaunt-my mate lasted 60 seconds-“ take me home “ !!! After 38 years of marriage I no longer have to impress you” !! Brought her home and then went out again. What a sight or experience snow shoeing through these woods. EUPHORIC !! Residents have spotted wild turkey’s and foxes, Deer have come up from Mississippi River. There are also flocks of year round robins inside the golf course not to mention crows !!! At the top of the hill however sits the Minneapolis skyline some 4 miles away-feels like one can touch it-same view in SW corner of Lake Nokomis or can be seen driving up 35 W, 10 plus miles as “ we know we are close to home”.
Crossing Minnehaha Parkway, I usually take the pathway over looking Lake Nokomis. Probably more majestic on Sunday walk that starts near 6:30 A.M. or when going opposite direction which is normally 1:45 but leave some time to chat with those who I might meet. A grove of stately pine, spruce trees secure the North edge of the slope along with majestic white oaks. In summer the wild flowers are in bloom that have been planted on the hill. Years ago, this used to be a hangout for youth-not anymore. The silence of the wind. Most spectacular is that I discovered this area to snow shoe this past 2010/2011. One could sit under the branches and be a few feet away from the chattering chickadees. Plus discovered on East side to scale on snow shoes as 2 sets of stairs a block away were closed.
Wild flowers have now been planted adjacent to SE corner swimming beach as well as several stone paths amongst the blooms-wow !! In SW corner of Lake Nokomis one can take a choice of crossing over the Cedar Ave. Bridge or taking a semi-circle trail around a bay. Again- holding ponds for run off. For those fascinated by bridges like me, what a sight to take mate on snow shoes across lake and view the bridge underneath IN THE WINTER !!
Approaching the West side of Lake Nokomis is the “ main beach” as well as picnic area. Prior to 5 miler in the past would walk with wife or youngest daughter on a Sat/Sun or with grandson’s after my 3 mile walk. At least 5 different cultures of Hispanic, Hmong, N. African, Chinese and African American all cooking and playing in same area where hardly any English was spoken. Ah !! the smells of something that I don’t eat. Around January 20-21-22 the U.S. Pond Hockey sets up some 25 rinks that it has done last 5 years at Lake Nokomis. 1 st year at Lake Calhoun but ice was not stable.Visit:www.usponddhockey.com An amazing site to tromp on snow shoes as I park at Hiawatha Golf Course lot-snow shoe and walk along Minnehaha Creek under Minnehaha Parkway as well as bridge under Nokomis Parkway-for several years my wife and I would put grandson’s on toboggan and pull while on snow shoes from N edge of Lake Nokomis. On most Sunday’s after 1 st service ( where church is located 1 block W of Cedar Ave along Minnehaha Pkwy) would even head to Minnehaha Creek and head West and climb the sledding hill just across from church. Prior to working from home and when significant snow began to fall or weather more SEVERE would rush home from work some 12 miles away-change clothes-both sets of snow shoes by the door-my mate would then join me as we dashed to car “ faster than a Jackie Robinson steal of home in 1 st game of 1955 World Series”, drive and park at church lot-cross Minnehaha Parkway on snow shoes-head to the snow covered creek and dance “ to the light of the silvery moon” as landing planes guided our way. In winter of 2010/2011 even went further and scaled wooded cliffs holding on to trees while using ski poles. During the Minnesota Viking/Atlanta Falcons playoff game in 1998, my wife and I pulled grandson’s on a toboggan as their $ 7.00 plastic sleds with back supports were attached with bungee cords and snow shoed along creek-only 3 other people out-all watching the game ? We will celebrate the 70 th Anniversary of building on 9/11/2011. Founded by stern faced German members who married vibrant Norwegian women-my wife has been a member since 1946-me 1968. On 911, I guided several customer’s who were using cell phones as I watched news of open roads. Then at noon, my wife and I got grandson’s-wanted to know what school had taught them-walked along the creek-picked tall 10’ wild flowers. Then dried them. Since our 9/14 flight to Vancouver, B.C. was canceled-got an oil change the next day and drove. Coming home found that I had lost a cousin on 100 th floor as well as Township of Middletown in N.J. lost 36. That inspired putting in a Memorial Bench in front of church on sidewalk for walkers to sit and rest pause and reflect. Remember those who might be buried elsewhere such as amy parent’s or wife’s dad .Now those wild flowers from seeds occupy 40’ boulevard as well as corner by extended front porch as well as on side of the house.
A block East of Cedar I then head the mile N to home on Longfellow Ave. When working could time my snow shoe jaunts to 50 minutes at golf course entrance 2 blocks away on 46 th-NEVER WANTED TO MISS A SALE !! All customer’s knew that I had to take my 3 mile walk from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. Even in retirement do we change habits ?
Winter will soon come-I have felt the breezes on my swim. Will soon move snow shoes to porch. Then in fall will scan horizon like homes in N.E. that have “what are called widow walks’ or towers above homes with a 4’ fence where women would scan the Atlantic awaiting their mate’s to come back from sea.
After some 1-2 “ of rain that had fallen, took my 5 miler on 8/17 around 9:15 A.M. Took extra time to appreciate Lake Hiawatha-even sat down on a bench-HORRORS !! and shook hands with the downtown skyline. Marveled at the always majestic oaks a few feet away from the pine and spruce trees on N hill of Lake Nokomis as well as the glorious wild flowers. Did not walk over Cedar Ave . Bridge but around the Western bay to marvel at the storm holding ponds that filter chemical run off. The Minneapolis Park Board has also put in stone benches for places to sit. Even met SOMEONE who has actually climbed all 768 steeple steps 30 “ wide in Ulm, Germany ( amazed-on walk-ask if have traveled-pause-or grew up in neighborhood ? ). She had been on a tour as a student with Luther College in Iowa in the 1960’s-every time I hear that someone has been to Germany ask that question-even the natives. On walk, met fellow that I have spoken with before as he wants to live 5 months in Hawaii during our winter but his wife is only capable of walking on flat surfaces and beaches( at least she can walk) For fun, Google Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway to get a picture of some of my jaunts. In addition, hard to believe that our Lake Harriett , Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles and Calhoun are within 3 miles of church. We live if look on a map, along a corridor of what 9 miles of hiking trails, non-paths by the Mississippi River that we have explored with miles of WALLED CLIFFS on both sides. For many years the Mississippi would freeze where one could walk out on to some 30 ‘ of ice on both sides-NOT ANY MORE !! Don’t forget to park for FREE a top of Ft. Snellling St. Park-head down the steep hill-walk the some 3 miles around Pike Island to the confluence where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet. Up until last month the Park was closed as a result of flooding. Even a few blocks away from Mall of America lies a Federal wildlife refuge and protected area long the Minnesota River.
After walk, drove the 6 minutes to park-since summer is so SHORT ? then took 8 up the 80’ hill and down the 52 steps a few hundred yards away from beach. Wow !!
On Thursday morning went counterclockwise. Another thing to consider is to tell your mate or someone which direction you ore going. Do not own a cell phone. Perhaps as well, do not venture and make sure someone is home as I head into swamp area to look for golf balls or Minnehaha Creek. Stopped to embrace again the Minneapolis skyline. Then a memory of taking the 3 mile walk on Christmas Day before the 10:00 A.M. service-just about the 1.5 mile mark or where bench is my legs FROZE up. Advantage-could flag cars down along Minnehaha Pkwy but that “ would be giving up”. Hobbled home-no walkers/runners out-not a good sign. ? Upon coming into the house found that the temps were only 24 below. Also took time to appreciate the memories of walking trail along Minnehaha Pkwy. Being on snow shoes, sledding, taking grandson’s on toboggan, holding on to trees up against the canyon walls-WHEW !!!To the East to Minnehaha Falls pulling grandson’s on snow shoes along creek or sledding on numerous hills.
What will the next moment or tomorrow bring ? The thoughts on walk of taking other trails with wife and family ? Future hiking adventures on trips ? Explore what your area has to offer-you might be surprised !!!
Give blood-it’s the gift of life-the life you save may be your own ? Former whole blood donor 5/1970-9/1997, double unit of platelets every 2 weeks 12/1997-6/2008(42 gallons/336 pints)( delayed slightly from 7 eye surgeries 2/2003-3/2004 ), thanks to testing-found that I had chronic lymphocyte leukemia or CLL on 7/7/ 2008 condition caught early-no kemo needed yet-have all energy back.). From 7/7/2010 began walking 5 miles vs. 3 a day added 40 plus minutes to snow shoe trek-now climbing steep steps as well as 80 ‘ hill on E side of Lake Nokomis hill-dropped from 208 to 185-will it stay off ? ( must be in touch with body and watch excessive heat and humidity alerts)
Raised in Glen Head , 27 ½ miles from Manhattan out on North Shore of L.I. Wife reared in Minneapolis where 80 % who walk around Lake Nokomis, Lake Hiawatha or neighborhood have gone to the 3 local schools in Roosevelt, Washburn or South ( wife’s late dad, Doris and 2 daughter’s (Roosevelt) -both grandson’s will be in 9 th and 10 th grade at Washburn-hard to believe !!! time goes SO FAST !!!), Driven in all 50 states-49 twice(wife visited all 50 twice) -been within a 200/300 mile radius of all 48 from marriage of 4/26/1969, 3 trips to Alaska 1995/1999-drove 88ll miles in 20 days in 2004, 8 visits via 6 Germany/2 Norway since 1999-wife has taken 8 additional tours from 1999. Prior to marriage, I had hitch-hiked some estimated 30,000 miles from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa to N.Y.C. , Minneapolis/St. Paul,Seattle, S.F. while wife had been to 47 states( her builder dad who’s homes will last longer than the Pyramids, took off in the summer), 8 week trip to Europe with friends in 1966( saved EVERDAY personal/vacation day to put into travel), 1967 to Hawaii.. Norwegians do not bury their dead with pockets-travel now why you have your health !!! Visited or hiked in 38 of U.S. 58 National Parks-Glacier in N.W. Montana only 10 times, back to Canyonlands/Arches Nat. Park in a circle loop for only 9 th visit in September.
