Lake Itasca, Minnesota

This week, Cheri Lucas Rowlands challenges us to publish an image that conveys serenity. The challenge is simple, but the implementation is not. You can read the original challenge post here.

One of the most beautiful parks in Minnesota is Lake Itasca State Park, the birthplace of the mighty Mississippi River in northern Minnesota. The park is open year round, in the summer for hiking and biking, and in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. On stormy days, the park is anything but serene, but on the two days we visited, one in mid-summer and the other in early autumn, every step we took on the trail filled us with peace, joy and serenity.

In the opening photo, two canoeists maneuver their craft in the calm headwaters of the river in summer. In the second photo, Myrtle Lake in early autumn reflects the fall colors that are just beginning to make their appearance.

I submit for your approval, views of Minnesota waters, calm and serene.

John Steiner