Winter Caves

Some of the Great Lakes' most spectacular scenery can be found at the sandstone cliffs and caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. With daylight hours increasing and the sun becoming more powerful with each passing day, a February hike to the caves is always an enjoyable endeavor.


The 1.5 mile walk to the caves across the frozen surface of Lake Superior is relatively easy going and makes for a pleasant stroll with the pine and hardwood forest of the south shore on one side and the frozen expanse of Lake Superior on the other.

Once at the caves, the carved out sandstone cliffs stand in stark contrast to the blue February sky and the pure white snow of the surrounding landscape. Although there hadn't been much thawing yet, giant icicles rimmed the cliffs and hung from the cave ceilings like crystal stalactites.

One cave in particular was interesting as a small frozen waterfall formed right in the mouth of the cave. The falling water could be heard splashing inside the ice encrusted waterfall and with springtime fast approaching, it won't be long before it will brake out of its cold tomb. I decided to step into the cave and compose a 360 image in order to show more closely the beauty inside. Here is the interactive panoramic.

I never could understand why northerners flee to the white sand beaches of Mexico this time of year when they have the beauty of the white beaches of Lake Superior to enjoy. Maybe someday, I'll catch on, or at least my wife Debby hopes.

Walking back along the tundra-like landscape, the days when waves would once again be hammering out the caverns and caves of the Apostles seemed a long way off. But, longer days and the water starting to trickle off the cliffs, appeared to whisper that things are changing and I should enjoy the day.

God uses His creation to teach us many things, and one of them is to help us understand the march of time, however imperceptible, our time here is limited, we must spend it wisely.
"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to You; at best, each of us is but a breath."
We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You. Psa 39:4

Fire and Ice

Ice shards are now decorating much of Lake Superior's North Shore like a crystal necklace.

Walking along the shoreline, the tinkling sound of the ice capped waves pushing against the shore adds a special touch to the winter landscape.


In this picture, a fiery sunrise over Lake Superior floods the scene, making even the ice pieces seem warm.


View More Ice Photos | Lake Superior Gallery

January Chinook

Chinook Salmon are a popular fish caught in Lake Superior. On this January afternoon another type of Chinook, the Chinook winds from Alberta blew across the Great Plains and swept into the area, warming temperatures by nearly 60 degrees F from a few days before.

In late-winter, the Chinook battles with arctic air triggering dramatic temperature changes and brings in temporary relief from cold winter temperatures. The fast changing climate also creates fantastic weather along Lake Superior.

Driving along the shoreline in Duluth, it's hard to pass up a stroll on the ice when you see dozens of people enjoying the winter break. The longer daylight hours and the increasing intensity of the afternoon sun triggers a reminder that springtime is not far off and that winter activities will soon become history.

The beautiful afternoon weather also enticed me to do a Spherical Panoramic at Jay Cook State Park.

_____________________________________________________

Website Update: I have been working on a few other web sights during the winter that you might find interesting:

Northern Images 360 - Collections of 360 panoramic images
Duluth Harbor Cam - View the Duluth Harbor and Aerial Lift Bridge from two live webcams
Natures Revelations - an e-book on Nature and God