A week or two ago we had a bit of wind. Gale force wind, actually, with gusts up to 66mph (106kph) and sustained winds that put us at a full gale. I did not go out in the worst of it because I have responsibilities, but I still like a good show and minimal risk.
As I recall it started on an otherwise pretty nice day with temperatures slightly above freezing. The temperature dropped below freezing overnight and stayed there for over a week. There was a little ice buildup around the shore that stayed for most of that week.
It started off easy with the lake starting to get riled up.
Even the harbor couldn't hold back all of it and our downtown area got a little wet. That was on the way to work in the morning. Later, after work, I went to the Rec Park to see how things were progressing.
A few more shots around the harbor.
Aftermath. There was English 101. Sorry.
Around the harbor nearly a week later.
That is a cropped shot of the one above it.
It was really difficult to attempt to walk on that ice and I'm not as graceful when falling down as I used to be. I used to be able to say, "I did that on purpose," and folks would believe me. Now when that happens I moan and groan as soon as I regain consciousness and folks ask if they should call an ambulance. It depends on the size of the pool of blood, I guess.
Stopping on the way home from work to look at the remnants of the wind and spray was worthwhile, too.
Just another week along the shores of Gitchigumi.
You have caught some powerful scenes here. I'm used to the ocean having this much force but keep forgetting that your lake is as big as our whole province and therefore can pack quite a punch too. The pictures of the spray frozen on grass are especially interesting; the water, still liquid even in the shallow pool on the rock, with the spray just next to it frozen solid.
ReplyDeleteI always thought the title of that song said "Wendy" ... you learn something new every day.
you must be hearty stock to live up there. not me, brother. the pix look some sort of moonscape.
ReplyDeleteStunning photos. Definitely wild and windy. And chilly. Love the ice shawl on the lamp posts...
ReplyDeleteJono--The song title took me back many decades into my past.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are haunting, especially the 5th and 6th ones. They would look spectacular enlarged and framed.
I agree with Anne Marie. You're a tough guy to live in and embrace that part of our country.
"pretty nice day with temperatures slightly above freezing." My raised in Southern California brain doesn't think that phrase makes any sense.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like the perfect landscape for a sled and some huskies, and you wouldn't have you worry about falling on your butt!
ReplyDeletejenny_o, I grew up on the ocean and am aware of its might, but this lake can still be a force to reckon with. It was all I could do not to wipe out and fall, either on the rocks or into the lake.
ReplyDeleteanne marie, I grew up near you and was always trying to get away from "civilization." I was somewhat successful.
Elephants Child, Thanks! The ice shawl pics were taken a week after the storm. I was amazed that they were still there.
Sioux, The Association was one of the first concerts I went to. They were playing at the Town Hall in Philadelphia. You are welcome to do whatever you want with the pictures. Conditions here keep some of the riff-raff out.
Jenny B., I'll bet you could get used to it. BTW, thanks for the book. The wife snagged it before I could, but I knew it was good by the giggles and laughter coming out of her. I'll have to steal it back when she isn't looking.
Gorilla B., I have been behind sled and huskies and still fall on my butt or get wrapped around a tree. A native named John Beargrease used to do the mail run from here to Duluth back in the day. He and the dogs used to do much of it on the frozen lake. That was back before things warmed up. It doesn't freeze often anymore.
Hi Jono, what fabulous photos! We had some wind but nothing like that. I cracked up reading the paragraph about you no longer being able to walk on ice.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week.
I'm sure you don't care for the cold and ice, but your photos are beautiful. You captured nature in the moment.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
You've captured some amazing primal beauty in those photos of water and ice. Thank you for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeletehow incredibly beautiful...and scary..
ReplyDeleteCat Lover, Walking on ice IS funny and usually the injuries are minor. WHY we walk on ice is the real question.
ReplyDeleteJanie Junebug, The cold and ice loses its charm eventually, but at least the bugs aren't bad this time of year.
Ahab, Sometimes nature is beautiful in its fury and sometimes it is deadly. We got off easy this time.
JACKIESUE, Nature is a Mother that needs to be respected like no other.
Great photos, but they are making me shiver. Gotta go put on another sweater. And, btw, be careful on that ice. As you suggest, we don't bounce and roll the way we used to.
ReplyDeleteWow - spectacular! I'm very happy to be enjoying it through pictures, though, instead of living in it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSome spectacular photos here!
ReplyDeleteWind is a reminder that nature rules.
ReplyDeletethe Ol'Buzzard
I love all your photos! And I know the Great Lakes are a force to be reckoned with...I used to live near Lake Erie and remember the waves and ice going right over Route 5 just south of Buffalo. I wish I had taken photos...but that was before digital and film was expensive enough to save taking pictures for vacations and special occasions.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I've got Gordon Lightfoot in my head. Thanks!
Your photos make frightening weather conditions look beautifully peaceful. Harsh winds scare me - I'm afraid I'd get blow away.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and warm, my friend.
Tom S, We used to bounce, but now it's more of a dull thud with occasional cracking noises.
ReplyDeleteDiane, With your proximity to the coast you might have a chance for some stormy shots. Are you going to post more pics of your new digs?
Debra, Thanks! Wish I had the time (darned day job) to get some more.
Ol'Buzzard, Wind is the stuff of many songs and stories. Momma Nature always has the last word.
Pixel Peeper, Once in a while some storms come up and are referred to as Edmund Fitzgerald storms. Even in 1000 foot ships they are not to be trifled with.
Robyn, You just need to fill your pockets with rocks to weigh you down. Just on land, though as it doesn't work the same in water. :O
Pretty impressive ice sculptures I would say! It was windy everywhere. Even where I was in the SW states I almost got blown away a couple of times.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo essay.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place Jono. Who needs tv if it looks like this outside!
ReplyDeleteAnd you know we walk on ice because it is there!
Several of those photos are framable. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteI've been toot Daloot in winter but never saw LAKE SUPERIOR look like that...wow!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics, but also scary. Nature is really boss.
ReplyDeleteI love those pictures. It gets that cold here, but we don't have much in the way of wind, so our ice is usually pretty stationary and boring. And not nearly so white. Usually it's only a matter of hours before it's black and caked with dirt. Not very scenic looking.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos but you have to be one tough dude to live where it is that cold and wet. The Maritime Provinces are like that. I could live in Cape Breton in summer but the winters no thanks. I'll take -40 and no water. But your pictures should indeed be enlarged and framed!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I use to live near a beach and my favorite time to go there was during storms. I loved watching the waves. There was a small, uninhabited house close to the water's edge, and the waves would wash right up and over it.
ReplyDelete