I drove north to Duluth, Minnesota, to look at nature’s winter art. It was the many ice formations that adorn the shores of Lake Superior. My trip was multi-purposed: to visit my son, who lives in Duluth, to see the icy shores and ice-scapes along the great lake; and to check my January nature resolution off my list.
I had planned on taking the trip a couple of weeks back, but my car broke down, and my plans changed. Disappointed, I had turned to nature for comfort (and it worked!), but I knew I’d need to get the trip in before January ended. After all, I had written it on my blog that I was going to look at ice formations on Superior the first month of the year. I like to keep my word (even if it’s just to myself).
The other day, I left just after the sun came up. I had a two-hour drive north, and the temperature was below 0° Fahrenheit. As I drove, I listened to a book recommended by a friend, called “How to Winter.” The book was motivation for embracing winter, a season many people claim to hate.
As I listened to the book, I realized it was redundant because I loved winter. I already knew how to winter. Heck, I was on my way to the North Shore when temperatures were sub-zero. I laughed to myself as I realized I needed a book that could help me love summer. I do enjoy the warm season, but I find myself complaining when it’s too hot or humid. If I had to choose between arctic cold and stifling heat, I’d choose the cold. No contest!
I was smiling and excited as I drove north. The sunny skies and streaks of pinkish-purple clouds invigorated me. I had enough warm clothing for my lakeshore exploration, and I was excited to see what the day would bring. Even rush-hour traffic didn’t quell my happy mood.
When I drove into Duluth from the top of a familiar hill that overlooks Lake Superior, I felt comforted. I felt a sense of home. I have driven into that city many times and in all seasons. But wintertime was special for me. Memories of my grandparents were embedded in the rocks that lined the freeway. Winter was a common time for my family to visit. My parents would pack eight kids in the car, brave the snow, and take us north to see grandpa and grandma.
The old feeling I had as I crested the hill that overlooked Duluth was familiar. But it was something new I was seeking. While I’ve seen ice formations along the lake many times, they are new every year. They are not replicated but original artwork. And every year they provide a fresh sense of wonder.
My first stop was Brighton Beach, just north of Duluth. I pulled in near a snowy and rocky shoreline. The water on Superior was open, but I could see some snow and ice sculptures along the edge. It was a little windy by the lake and very cold. The water was lapping up on the icy shoreline, and I felt like I was somewhere in the Nordic countries. It seemed like an “other world” experience for me. I knew in my head I was in Minnesota, but I felt in my heart I had been transported to a magical winter wonderland. Another world.
I had an hour to explore the shoreline alone before meeting up with my son. I was careful as I walked, not interested in slipping on the vast sheets of ice. The views were spectacular, but the ice was daunting. I had to slide on my butt a few times to avoid slipping on the rocks.
There was a mist across the top of the lake in the distance, like smoke on the water. I was completely enchanted and, at one point, sat too long on the ice, gazing out over the lake. It took me a while to realize both my hands and backside were frozen. I decided to move on.
I met my son, and we did more icy exploration together. We climbed to higher ground at one point and were careful not to slip. I commented that it wasn’t the most dangerous climb I’d ever made. He said the same. I figured his dangerous climb, adventuresome as he is, was much greater than mine. But who was competing? We were there to see the ice along Lake Superior. And we did!
I make it a point to see that Great Lake as often as I am able. There is something about it that pulls me in, and I am never disappointed. It’s not only during wintertime either, but it’s a lake I love to visit year-round. But the icy shore during winter is hard to beat.
I’m hoping to make another trip north before winter is over. I’ve got a lot of time, so I don’t think it will be a challenge getting to Duluth. What I do know is things will change by the time I see it again. The ice is always changing. That lake always offers something new. It is just like nature to surprise me with beauty.
Well, there it is, January nature resolution done. I feel accomplished and on track. Mostly, however, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to see ice formations on Lake Superior.
