Gooseberry Falls in Infrared

The warm winds of April melt down the winters accumulation of snow, filling area streams and rivers with refreshing cold water. This picture was taken at Gooseberry Falls State Park, located on the north shore of Lake Superior.

Taken with an infrared camera, normally green trees appear pure white. Since infrared is invisible to our eye, a special sensor in the camera is needed to "see" infrared. This camera blocks all visible light and only sees infrared.

There are not many experiences that compare to a walk along a swollen river on a sunny afternoon in April. The sound of the rushing water, the sweet smell of new cedar, and viewing the beauty of the woods fills the senses and makes us take notice of God's creation in a special way.

Walking down the muddy river bank, new life surrounds you with migrating wildlife, newborn animals and birds, and tips of fresh green plants peaking through the forest floor. All around, the earth seems to be waking up. The experience adds new life to your soul like a cup of coffee to a weary traveler.

Although infrared light is beyond our ability to see, an infrared camera makes it possible. Likewise, though we cannot see God yet, He reveals Himself to us through the beauty of His creation.

Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy, Psa 65:8

Gales of Superior

It was the second major storm of April and the first Blizzard to pound Western Lake Superior with a solid Northeaster. 50-60 mile an hour winds howled off the big lake with waves as high as 15 feet. Ten inches of wet snow blew in horizontally and brought winter back for an April Visit.

As I stood in the cold spray coming off the lake at Canal Park in Duluth, I was joined by dozens of "Storm Watchers" some of who drove many miles to experience the full brunt of a Superior Gale.

The giant waves crashing into the shoreline, were not unlike those that occurred nearly 103 years ago in 1905 when the 430ft Steamer Mataafa attempted to enter the canal in a fierce November storm. The Mataafa approached the Ship Canal in a desperate attempt to reach safe harbor. The steamer was slammed by the waves into the end of the North Pier, where it struck the breakwater. The captain tried to free the ship, but the attempt was futile against the huge waves. The Mataafa came to rest in front of the same spot that I was standing today and was pounded by the waves overnight in the freezing temperatures. Nine of the ship's 24 crewmen perished that night while literally thousands of Duluthians watched helplessly from the shore or from windows on the hillside.
The storm ended up destroying or damaging 29 vessels on Lake Superior, taking 36 seamen and causing property losses in the millions of dollars.

God mixes the elements together to stir up storms, and he also controls and calms them before our eyes. It is truly a show of force not only to display His mighty power, but also, to remind us of our helplessness before His mighty hand. When the inevitable storms of life swirl in on us, the same God that controls the weather is our only "Safe Harbor".

Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world.
They, too, observed the LORD's power in action, His impressive works on the deepest seas.
He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves.
Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. Psa 107:23

April Fools

April snow is especially beautiful, it clings to trees in radiant white, lasts a day or two and you're back on the way to spring.
Today, I was determined to complete a list of tasks today before night-fall. But, as the fresh snow piled higher and higher, I began daydreaming what the local waterfalls would look like with a fresh coat of snow layered over the banks of the newly open rivers. So, like an addict being helplessly drawn back to his vice, I packed up my camera and headed into the whiteout.
The driving was poor, but the scenery at Chester Park in Duluth was fantastic. I trekked down to the cascading creek breathing in the cold damp snow as it fell in a thick blanket onto the branches and rocks below.
I moved slowly throughout the park, stopping to position my tripod in the fresh snowfall and trying to keep the heavy snow off the camera lens. As I carefully pushed aside tree branches, I would get an occasional avalanche of snow dropped on my head from overhanging trees. Except for the running water, there was an unusual hush throughout the park, almost like everything stopped to listen to the quiet.
After an hour in the wet snow, a trickle of icy water began dripping down my back. The snow was getting heavier and it was time to head home. I had had my fix for now, but I I will be back to enjoy more of God's created beauty as the seasons continue to change. Just as this springtime snow was a reminder of winter, God made this day as a reminder to us that our days are numbered; enjoy them.
He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice like crumbs; who can stand before His cold? Psalm 147:16