Madeline Island, Wisconsin, early March 2022

 It's been many years since I had been on Madeline Island in the winter time. Driving on the ice road from Bayfield, Wisconsin,  to the island is an experience in itself. Not every winter Lake Superior freezes up enough that you can drive on the ice. 

When I heard that the ice road was accessible I had to go! 

A week ago (March 12. 2022) we made a trip up north - it was a chilly March day and when we arrived on Madeline Island's Big Bay State Park the wind was relentless! But the sights and sounds of the moving ice (and wind) was worth all the effort. 

We walked the trail along the sandstone bluffs which of course were all covered with snow and ice and looked like some ice castles or creatures, with icicles hanging on the sides. I was so glad we went for this outing just in time before the warmer temperatures arrived. It was the perfect ending of a long but beautiful winter in the north country. We still have a lot of snow on the ground but it is melting fast and spring is coming!

Information I found on the web about Big Bay State Park: On the eastern side of Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands archipelago, Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs along 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The park also has a 1-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, large family campground and two group camps. A short ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island is needed to reach the park.

Enjoy the photos and thanks for viewing. Susanne

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Ice road towards Madeline Island; 3 eagles in the sky 

Ice road at sunset heading back to Bayfield, wind blowing snow across the road

A cold January morning along the Flambeau River, Wisconsin

I had been waiting for a sunny and cold (like -20 F) winter morning so I could go to the river and take photos of the steam or smoke drifting on the water surface. That morning arrived today (January 7th) with -25F (-32 Celcius) at my place.

The Chippewa River near me was all covered with ice and snow. Therefore I had to find open water somewhere else and decided to head south of Bruce, Wisconsin on Cty rd E to the Flambeau River - and I was greeted with a spectacular view. The steam/fog was lit up golden by the light of the morning sun and the trees along the banks of the river were covered with frost. What a beautiful sight!

I continued on Cty rd E to the location where the Flambeau and Chippewa river meet (at Flater's Resort). Only a small part of the river had open water, just enough to create a magical scene with steam and shadows from trees along the river. 

I was surprised to see a flock of pigeons sitting at the edge of the water on such a cold morning.

Two years ago I took photos on a very cold and frosty morning at the Chippewa River. You can view those in this blog:

http://soulcenteredphotography.blogspot.com/2020/02/frost-smoke-at-chippewa-river.html 

Most people would probably prefer to stay home in these cold temperatures. If you bundle up it's the best time to go out and experience winter and capture some extraordinary moments of beauty.

Enjoy! Susanne

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The last of the Fall colors

 I was longing to see some more fall colors and went on a road trip, heading south. I wasn't sure how far I would go and simply "followed my nose". It was overcast when I was leaving but I could see some breaks in the clouds to the west. 

I ended up in the beautiful hilly area west of New Auburn (Dunn County) and was exploring the backroads north and south of Hwy 64. This is only about 50-60 miles south west from my home but I was delighted to find so much color. It was the perfect day as the sun would come out and paint the picturesque landscape, like shining a spot light on certain areas. The golden, warm colors and the clouds painted a beautiful picture. 

Enjoy my little road trip and thanks for viewing.

Susanne

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Chronicles of Shanti, part 4 - visiting extended (dog) family

 Yesterday, 10.4.2021, was a fun day!

First thing in the morning we visited neighbor Roy and Copper and Duke. The whole gang got spoiled with some special treats!! Naturally, Shanti didn't want to leave. Luckily these "temper tantrums" don't last very long!

In the afternoon we stopped by Debbie, (from Earth Angels) Shanti's first human Mom. She has a lot of animals and loves them all and cares deeply for them.

Shanti spent time with his dad, Keegan - such a gentle and sweet soul. He also met some aunties, cousins and half brothers/sisters. He was very gentle with the 3 week old puppies. They all had such a great time together - dogs are so easy! So of course Shanti didn't want to leave!! We hope he can visit again soon!

Enjoy Shanti's latest adventure! Also, if you are on Instagram you can follow us there. At #shanticreamgolden

Susanne 

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Shanti at 14 weeks old

going for a walk

Treat party with the neighbor's gang

I don't want to leave!!

Shanti was very gentle with the 3 week old puppies

Shanti was very gentle with the 3 week old puppies

Debbie, Shanti's first human Mom

Debbie, Shanti's first human Mom

Doggie love

Shanti with his dad Keegan

Shanti with his dad Keegan

Keegan, such a gentle and sweet soul

Shanti with his dad Keegan