Moods were lifted and everyone I encountered today had a smile on their face — amazing what a little sunshine and warmer temperatures can do to the collective spirit of a community!  The snow and ice are likely to be part of our landscape in the weeks to come … what was created over several months’ time is unlikely to disappear overnight.  So, I do not think it unseasonal to post one more set of photos from our frigid hike last Saturday at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Viewing winter visitors next to the rocky bluffs allowed one to appreciate the massive scope of this natural beauty.  But, the details were just as spectacular.

(Click on any photo in the galleries below for a full-screen view.)

Exploring nooks and crannies

Doorway to Lake Superior

Inside an ice cave

Waiting for Spring

Icicles, large and small

Icy curtain frames the view

Low-hanging icicles

Icy openings provided stunning views and memorable seating.

Winter’s window

Kat in the cold seat

The ice and snow were not the only features of interest.  The rock formations along the shore created layered contrast and diverse textures for Winter’s artistry.

Varied colors and layers

Creative patterns and textures

Looking toward Lake Superior

Ice fingers reach upward

Probably the most awe-inspiring features were the massive hanging curtains of icicles and suspended waterfalls. 

Spikes reach down

Fascinating variations of frozen

Ice caves shoreline

Hiking to the next cave

For more photos and links to visitors’ information for the ice caves, check out my earlier posts:

• It’s Not Too Late for the Party: Day-Tripping to the Apostle Islands Ice Caves
• Lake Superior’s Frozen Wonder: The Apostle Islands Ice Caves, Part II

And if you are unfamiliar with the region, here is a Google Maps for context:  Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in the State of Wisconsin on the “South Shore” of Lake Superior, while the City of Duluth, Minnesota is located at the beginning of the “North Shore.”

Beautiful regions to explore, any season of the year.  I hope to share signs of Spring with you in the upcoming weeks, but in the meantime, perhaps the blog will revisit some classic summer road trip destinations and dining favorites.

Ciao! ~ Kat