Temps in the 40’s? That certainly means an early thaw in Minnesota, along with dreams and wishes for an early spring. I took advantage of the sunshine to take a walk around Como Lake. Along with many like-minded people who were soaking up this bit of warmth, the walking path and bike trail around the lake had everyone dodging puddles. The lake was open near the northern shoreline, allowing the ducks to come and go. In another area the ice held standing water to offer a second reflection of the winter trees. We know winter is not over, and there will most likely be more snowfalls, but for this day it was a welcome glimpse of spring to come.
landscapes
A north woods cabin at dusk
We had spent the weekend exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Our last day had been cold, with bright sunshine and strong winds. The snow was deep inland from the lake and there had been no thawing anywhere as the temps hovered near zero. We pulled into our cabin after sunset, yet there was a hint of light in the sky. With a bright star high above, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, and the comfort of a light to guide us, we knew we were back – to enjoy a fire in the fireplace, and to marvel and appreciate the beauty that surrounded us on our explorations and our journeys.
A winter getaway
We’ve just returned from a weekend getaway along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Winter was in all its glory with temps hovering between zero and below. Our days were spent marveling in the beauty of the area and of winter along the far northeast corner of Minnesota and across the border into Ontario. At Kakabeka Falls outside of Thunder Bay much of the water was frozen but there were still torrents plummeting over the edge, and the cold winter air caused sea smoke to rise off of Lake Superior. Along the Gunflint Trail people were out participating in and cheering a dog sled race, and there was also a fat tire bike festival taking place. It was good to see so many people in multiple layers of clothing, big hats, thick gloves, and heavy, big boots – all ready to embrace the adventures that are unique to a cold Minnesota weekend.
Snowshoeing in the woods
We seem to be on a weekend snow schedule – the last three weekends have brought fresh snow. However this weekend’s precipitation has been followed by blue sky and plunging temperatures. I was snowshoeing in the woods yesterday morning. Temps were the highest they were going to be, 5 above, and the wind was starting to blow. I listened to the sound of my snowshoes dropping into the six inches of fresh light snow, and the wind that was picking up the powder and blowing it sideways. The brittle oak leaves would rustle in the strong gusts, then settle down to silence. It was eerily quiet and foreboding of the subzero temps that were fast approaching. Then I heard the sound of a snow plow truck, and I was reminded that I was still in the city and the “woods” I was enjoying are actually a part of the University of Minnesota golf course. A quick dose of reality that there is nature all around us, and it offers up its beauty to us whenever we want to get out and appreciate it.
Moving into winter
Last weekend’s snow disappeared with the rain that followed for a few days. Once again our ground was visible, and winter seemed far away. But the snow started falling again last night, and by this morning we had six inches of fluffy white snow on the ground and the trees. There was no wind, so the snow stayed where it fell, gracing the branches and trees. This delicate hydrangea bloom was a recipient of the dusting, and it seemed to sparkle with the flakes scattered over its blossoms. The temperatures have been below freezing the last few days and the lakes are icing over. This afternoon I saw a large skein of Canada geese heading southward. They were much higher in the air today as they continued past their usual stops in our area, knowing that they must continue further south to find open water. And there was a noticeable stillness in the air tonight; a nearly full moon shone down as the snow glistened in its light absorbing the sounds as we quickly move into the winter season.
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