Effigy Mounds

A couple weeks ago, before school started, Kathleen, Gareth, and I took a trip the Effigy National Monument. Constructed over the course of thousands of years, the mounds served as burial sites for local Native Americans. With our interest in Native American culture, as well as more than a passing interest in alternative spiritualities, we thought a visit was in order. Exposing Gareth to different belief systems and getting him accustomed to day trips of the hiking variety were also motivating factors. So, we packed up the Element and the Baby Bjorn and headed east.

Since we couldn't afford a 4WD drive stroller, Gareth road up the bluffs in style.

As we approached the summit, we tried to take a family self-portrait. As many of you probably know, Kathleen and I are famous for photos taken at arm's length. Taking a well-framed picture with a third person strapped to my chest proved a bit difficult.

We tried once.

Hmmmm, who's missing from that picture? We tried a second time.

A little better, but not quite there. We tried a third time.

Hey, is that Gareth?! We tried one more time for the perfect picture family picture . . .

And it just didn't happen.

With the family photo out of the way, we resumed our walk and encountered some beautiful scenery.

Yep, that's the mighty Mississippi.

Our tour of the sacred burial ground complete, we walked down the bluffs. Gareth slept the entire way.

That is, without a doubt, my favorite picture to date.