Springtime Passage
A Laker makes it's way through the Duluth SHipping Canal on a warm March afternoon.
March at Split Rock Lighthouse
.March 1 - March at Split Rock Split Rock Lighthouse stands high above Lake Superior on a beautiful early spring afternoon. Lighthouse Keepers at Split Rock Light would move to the Lighthouse in the Spring and stay until late Autumn. Today, the Keeper and his family live on-site and enjoy and manage the light and grounds year-round. For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake, you lead me and guide me Psalm 31:3 The fortitude and loyalty of the lighthouse keepers are a reminder of our hardy nautical heritage.
March 2 - Blue Jay in the Cedars Blue jays are one of the most beautiful northern birds that exist on earth. These beautiful birds live up to 25 years and dwell in the backyards as easily as they live in the northern forests. Beside streams, the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. Psalm 104:12 Whether it is the stars, weather, or birds, creation declares the glory of God.
March 3 - Black-Capped Chickadee It is always amazing how these tough little birds live through winter, singing. Chickadees are tough little birds that do not migrate. However, during cold weather, Chickadees have been found to need twenty times more food than they do in summer. Beside streams, the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. Psalm 104:12 God has made these little creatures to show us how his provision is not only for the small things but also for us.
March 4 - Spring Star Trails Star trails are easy to photograph using a tripod and photo release cable. You set a manual exposure of 3 to 30 minutes, and you will have your star trails. In this image, I set up the camera looking north to capture the North Star (Polaris) as the stars rotate in a circle around it. It is the rotation of the earth that creates the appearance of the stars moving. The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1 It is a humbling experience to view our Master Creator's Work on full display in the night skies.
March 5 - Fresh Light Duluth Lighthouses on an early March morning welcome warmer weather and the promise of Spring. For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. 2 Sam 22:29 The light of a new day constantly renews our spirit and energizes our soul.
March 6 - Spring Breakup at Wisconsin Point By early March, the ice on Lake Superior is rapidly breaking up and shown in the aerial image of the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse. The blue water is a welcome sight after a long winter in the Northland. A sure hope of the soon arriving Springtime. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 Soon, new life and fresh colors will begin to show throughout the landscape.
March 7 - Evening Ice March is a great month to watch nature. Daylight hours are rapidly expanding, wildlife is beginning to move, and plants are starting to wake up from a long winter's nap. You can't help but notice the changing seasons with a springtime walk along Lake Superior's shoreline. The colors, climate, and fresh air join together to shout out that a new season has begun. calling the light "day," and the darkness "night." The twilight and the dawn were day one. Gen 1:5 In this picture, shore ice melts away along with the fading light of day in one last display of winter beauty.
March 8 - Ice Boats Springtime brings a contrast of seasons and activities. Here, the Coast Guard Cutter Alder smashes its way through harbor ice as a local "ice boat" has probably gone for its last sail of the winter season. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:2 March is is a time of hope and joy of new life and new seasons.
March 9 - Ice castles During late winter, ice embraces the shores of Lake Superior like a necklace. The beauty of this natural wonder adds a subtle white finishing touch to the never-ending glory of God's creation. A short drive from Duluth up the North Shore during March will bring you to the ice fields pushed up by the wave action of Lake Superior. By the breath of God, ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Job 37:10 It is amazing how nature, wherever you look, points to the God of Creation.
March 10 - Night Lights The March full moon beams through the Duluth North Pier Lighthouse lantern room. He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows it's time for setting. Psalm 104:19 It's nice to know that some things in life never change, such as the universe's perfect clockwork.
March 11 - Ice Breaking A Coast Guard cutter out today breaking ice in the Duluth Harbor, preparing for the shipping season, is a sure sign of Spring. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. James 3:4 Even with relatively cool temperatures, the evidence of springtime is showing up everywhere around us.
March 12 - Apostle Island Sea Caves The Apostle Island sea caves are a fantastic place to visit in early March to view sandstone splashed with a winter's work of ice from Lake Superior. "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, Job 38:22 The various views of creation never get boring.
March 13 - Cold Blue Springtime ice formations along the north shore of Lake Superior are fascinating works of art and a sure sign of Spring. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Psalm 71:5 A refreshing part of early Spring is looking forward to the next six months of warmth and long daylight hours.
March 14 - Magenta Ice Deep colors of a saturated sky Cold waters and warm skies end a sunny March day in the Northland. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 Thankfulness for fresh air and calm waters bring peace to the soul.
March 15 - Ice Coast March brings fabulous blue ice to the North Shore of Lake Superior. The blue skies of early Spring contrasted with the pure white ice along the shore of Lake Superior is a sight to behold. By the breath of God, ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Job 37:10 It is incredible how a breath of fresh air seems to break the monotony of winter and raise the future's hope.
March 16 - Icy Caves The Apostle Islands sit just offshore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. Erosion of the sandstone has carved out sea caves which can be visited by boat during the summer and on skies during colder winters. The caves are one of the region's wonders and give new meaning to "Heaven on Earth." Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! Psalm 57:5 Viewing these wonders causes one to appreciate creation and give thanks for the beauty of the earth.
March 17 - Northern Lights Lake ice melts away by mid-march, and auroras often sweep through the northern sky. While the landscapes are not yet green, the northern lights of the night skies fill in the void until May. You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; Heb 1:10 On occasion, go out and look up into the night skies. There you will see the work of the hand of God.
March 18 - Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw The CGC Mackinaw arrived in Duluth to break up the harbor ice and welcome springtime. For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12 The melting of ice and freshness of springtime breaks the cold of winter and energizes our soul.
March 19 - Sky Fire March is an excellent time for viewing the northern lights. Springtime provides long hours of darkness to view the colorful displays through crystal clear skies. And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, - Genesis 1:14 Viewing the night sky fills us with wonder and our soul with praise for the one who created it all.
March 20-Snow Cone While Spring may be in the air, it is not unusual to see a bit of frost in the morning while it is unexpected. Here, a heavy frost coats a Norway Pine tree, giving it a touch of wither beauty. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 Even in the unexpected events of life, God is in control.
Mesabi Miner gets some help from tugs as it breaks out of the harbor after winter layup
James R Barker plows through an ice field in the Duluth Harbor
A Laker makes it's way through the Duluth SHipping Canal on a warm March afternoon.
March 24 - Habor Reflections A full moon rises behind the lift bridge and beams across the Duluth Harbor on a calm March evening. As in water, face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19 Reflections are a good reminder to relax.
March 25 - Spring Breakup River ice breaking up and falling over Gooseberry Falls.
The 1000 Ft Mesabi Miner appears to be floating on ice as it makes its way across Lake Superior.
Twilight on Canal Park Drive
March 26 - Crescent Moon You are viewing an early morning moonrise over Canal Park on a late March morning. Quiet waters and saturated colors bring a fresh start to the day. He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. Psalm 104:19 Time is marching on, and we are already 83 days into the new year. So make the most of your time today..
March 28 - Sun Pillar Ice crystals in the atmosphere create a towering sun pillar as the sun sets. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Psalm 36:9
Lake Superior has it's own beauty even on gray days.
March 31 - Springtime Snow! March is a transition season around the Northland. Therefore, winter scenes are occasionally created as a reminder not to plant your garden quite yet. In this scene, heavy snow blankets Chester Creek in Duluth, still in the middle of spring runoff. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,..." Isaiah 55:10
