Friday, February 19, 2021

Winter trip along Lake Superior's north shore

 
We happen to pick one of the coldest day in the winter of 2021 (February 14 &15.) to go on a short trip to the north shore of Lake Superior (Minnesota). We wanted to see the sea smoke that floats like fog across the surface of the lake when it gets really cold. We did get to see some but more on the horizon as the lake had frozen closer to the shoreline. 

On the morning of the 15th I find myself standing at the icy shore near Split Rock lighthouse, waiting for the sunrise and trying to stay warm. The thermometer in the truck said -17 F (-27 C) but it feels much colder. Later I heard that it was -40 F (-40 C) at some places near my home in northern Wisconsin!! I was able to take a few photos before both my camera batteries quit working, my cell phone died and my fingers froze! I had to go back to the truck to warm up. It took an hour for the batteries to work again and by then the magical light was gone. 

We continued on with our trip, stopping at various places and thoroughly enjoying the abundance of sunshine, the ice and cold temperatures. It takes some time to get dressed with several layers of clothing, hats, gloves, mittens, hand warmers, ice cleats etc. but it is so worth it. 

I have been to Lake Superior during the winter months many times but every year is different. The ice formations are never the same - it feels like visiting nature's "art gallery" and you never know what to expect.

Enjoy this selection of the wonderful frozen world!

Check out this YouTube video about the Beauty of Lake Superior's winter: https://youtu.be/qbbm3II993Y

Thanks for viewing - Susanne  

Click on the photos for a larger view






Sea smoke rising

Sunset at Split Rock lighthouse


Sunset at Split Rock lighthouse, Ellingsen Island

Blue Hour at Split Rock lighthouse

Dawn at Split Rock lighthouse

Very cold sunrise at Split Rock lighthouse

Ice lit by the rising sun, at Split Rock lighthouse

Very cold sunrise at Split Rock lighthouse, Ellingsen Island

Sunny winter day at Split Rock lighthouse

Sunny winter day at Split Rock lighthouse

Little Sea Stack 

Little Sea Stack

Evening at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais

Evening at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais


Blue Hour at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais

Blue Hour at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais

Dawn at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais

Sunrise at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais

Sunrise at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais

Golden light at the "Tombolo" near Grand Marais

Interesting ice formation - how did this happen??

Winter day at Sugarloaf Cove with cedar trees

Winter day at Sugarloaf Cove with cedar trees

Winter day at Sugarloaf Cove with birch trees














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