Spring Time on the North Shore

Our trip up to the North Shore of Lake Superior was in part, going to be my last snow biking of the season. Little did I know that I had essentially taken my last ride "on the snow" the previous weekend. The weather had warmed and I knew the North Shore had plenty of snow, but I didn't know how much the temperature was going to change. Before leaving there was a glimmer of hope that I would be able to ride some of the snow in the area. However, once we arrived it didn't take long to realize that it just wasn't going to happen unless I was willing to do more pushing than actual riding. The temps got much warmer than the original forecast and the roads and trails I planned to ride were nothing but oatmeal mush. The temps were not going to drop below freezing all week long and the snow would never have a chance to firm up. On top of the warm temps, through in a full day and night of rain, sleet, and fog and you essentially ended up with about 20+ inches of mush. All was not lost however, and I was able to spend some wonderful quality time with my wife Patti and our dog Bella. We hiked, snowshoed into the BWCA, went for long walks, enjoyed the local scene, I played with my cameras, and we relaxed. It was actually quite an enjoyable way to spend spring break.

Yesterday, I was on my road bike for the first time since last October. We essentially went from winter to summer in about one week. This past week has seen record temps everywhere. Some of the record highs were shattered by more than 20(F) and nighttime lows have also been record shattering. Interesting weather indeed.

DAY 1...

Rain and Fog

Upper Temperance River

DAY 2...

Entering the BWCA

Eagle Mountain

My Companions

Old World and New World

Bella was a very good trail companion.

After our day on snowshoes it was time to head down the road to Grand Marais. We hung out in town for a couple of hours and enjoyed some very good food and a couple of cold beers.

One last photo before the end of the day...

Day 3...

Hiking and snowshoeing in the Tofte and Lutsen area.

Day 4...

I spent this day mostly with my cameras. I was up at 4:30 a.m. and out and about by 5:30.

After shooting for a couple of hours I headed to Grand Marais for coffee and some more photos.

Then it was back to the Cascade River for some water and ice shots...

After a long afternoon walk we relaxed for bit before making dinner. Patti really enjoyed the time to just read, knit, and enjoy our view of the lake.

Pretty good closure on a great week up north...It's always difficult for me to return to the cities after a few days up north. I've always felt that the Northland is a part of me and that I am a part of the Northland. I'm looking forward to living there once again in the future. After all...I started my life there and it certainly would be a great place to wrap things up.

For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

~Vincent Van Gogh