Tag Archives: Fall Colors

Exploring, fall, State Parks, Troy's Blog, Waterfalls

Searching For Fall Colors

October 15, 2022 Troy

With a few days off at the end of September, it was time to head to Northern Minnesota in search of fall colors. Getting on the road for our three hour road trip, my wife and I got going before sunrise to drop our dog off for the day with a family member allowing us to spend most of the day on the North Shore. While driving, the clouds above us sent out a flash of lighting with thunder quickly rumbling. We both looked around for the storm as there weren’t a lot of clouds above when rain began to land on our windshield. It must just be a small could burst that produced a crack of thunder also just above us. As daylight began to reach across the horizon, we could see areas of spotty showers interspersed with clear skies on this early fall morning. It was a fairly warm morning with sunny skies in the forecast for most of the day making for some bonus shorts weather. Soon the sky began to light up with amazing pinks, reds, and purples making it more difficult to concentrate on driving without staring off into the colorful rising sun.

Eventually the sun breached the horizon sending its warm rays across the sky. As I looked in the opposite direction, I noticed a bright rainbow arching across the sky from the small rain showers. What more could we ask for to start this beautiful fall day? A non-threatening thunderstorm followed by amazing sunrise colors only to be capped off by a gorgeous rainbow. The rain continued to move east and sun moved higher in the sky making way for a nice day to do a little hiking in hopes of finding some beautiful fall colors which are often making their way by now in the northern part of the state.

Reaching Duluth, there was the grandest of the Great Lakes – Lake Superior reaching out across the landscape. A quick stop to use the bathroom and look out at the scenery in front of us and we were back in the car continuing north. Gooseberry Falls State Park was coming up and we decided to make a brief visit since it had been awhile from our last time here. There was definitely less water crashing over the cliffs as dry weather from the summer kept the river lower than usual, but it was still a beautiful park on the shores of Lake Superior.

Now satisfied with seeing some North Shore waterfalls, we climbed back into the car and made a short drive to Split Rock State Park. We had been anticipating colorful foliage to start appearing for much of our travels north and really didn’t find much. The landscape appeared to be pretty green and vibrant as if it was in the middle of summer. A small shrub or tree here and there produced something other than the deep green leaves but that was it. We looked along the shores of this Great Lake hiking several miles and saw very little as far as colorful trees were concerned. Fortunately it was still a beautiful day with great scenery along our way.

With really no colors along the shore, we hiked up on top of some cliffs to see if there were any changing leaves further inland. Sometimes the large lake tends to moderate temperatures keeping these leaves green longer while the inland trees experience different conditions and change a bit earlier. With clear views for miles and miles inland, green prevailed everywhere we looked. A little defeated in our goal of finding some colorful scenery indicating that fall is making its way, we enjoyed our time together and the opportunity to do some hiking on quieter trails. The morning was nearing the end indicating it may be time to start making lunch plans. We had a few miles to hike to our car which would take a little time and then some additional time to drive to a place to grab some delicious food.

On our way back to the car we talked about the disappointing fall colors from this year and some of the spectacular views from the past two years around this same time. Who would have guessed the colorful portion of our journey was right away at sunrise? Still a great day to enjoy with my wife. Here’s a photo from a year ago in the same area.

fall, Lake Superior, Photos, Troy's Blog

Late Fall Colors of Lake Superior

Image December 12, 2021 Troy

Early in November there was an afternoon trip to Duluth to pick up my daughter from college for the weekend. I never like to just go there and turn around to come home. There’s too much to explore along the Great Lake which comes to a point in Duluth. I stopped at a park on the North side just to get out and breath in the air flowing off this Great Lake. Surprisingly there were some magnificent fall colors still painting the shoreline. Fortunately I had the camera with as I’ve learned to never go to this area without it. While the grand landscape of fall colors had disappeared, there were trees here and there showing off their fall displays. Most of these were Mountain Ash Trees with a few Maples mixed in.

Mountain Ash were showing off their incredible shades of orange and yellow, depending on where in the tree you looked. Topping off this display were beautiful orange clusters of berries which complemented its foliage for such a striking fall arrangement growing next to the dark granite shores of the lake. Taking pictures of the overall trees seem to lose the vibrancy of these oranges and yellows. In addition, the trees that surrounded them had all lost their leaves and now only had bare sticks to show making for a much less interesting picture. It was a cool fall day with a light breeze blowing off the lake and the sun covered by clouds. Yet it was relaxing to stroll along the shore to take in the fading show of fall, capturing a piece of the show here and there with the camera.

As I continued to photograph the Mountain Ash trees, a birch tree kept distracting me with it beautiful white bark interrupted by dark scars as the tree repaired areas damaged previously. Eventually I turned the camera towards this birch tree working to capture this interesting bark. When I used the right angle, Mountain Ash leaves and berries would contrast beautifully with this bark allowing the photograph to show the white bark beginning to peel from the trunk as birch do. Areas where branches once danced in the breeze were now covered in dark, rough bark making an interesting view next to this white bark. Having taking a few shots and now satisfied with the pictures I captured, it was off to explore more areas of this park.

Heading towards Duluth, there’s an amphitheater with the historic lift bridge residing in the distance. Here a young maple tree continued to hold on to its blazing red leaves while all of those around it had recently lost theirs. This created a bed of red and yellow on the ground as if to pay homage to this last tree holding on to it precious life giving foliage. A beautiful final fall display as winter snows will soon cover it all in white. Off to campus to reunite with our daughter and prepare for the long drive home as darkness would spread across the freeway.

fall, Photos, Troy's Blog

The Vibrant Colors of Fall

October 30, 2021 Troy

Earlier this fall I went in search of beautiful fall landscapes with my family. I’m addicted ever since my camping trip to the North Shore last fall and the colors put on a spectacular show. This year is a different year, as they all are, and the colors were more challenging to find but they were there, just had to be found. There were pockets here and there as some trees had changed and quickly lost those leaves while others remained green. It may not have been as grand s sight as a year ago, but it was still enjoyable to explore the North Shore of Minnesota as it’s a beautiful area nearly all of the time.

Finding areas more protected from the wind allowing the trees to keep their vibrant leaves yielded those beautiful sights I was searching for. It was an amazing fall day with temperatures reaching the lower 70’s Fahrenheit under mostly sunny skies. Being able to see some incredible fall leaves only added to a relaxing day in the North woods. Much of the day was spent driving around gravel roads taking in the views, stopping on occasion to admire the show being put on by trees here and there.

My photos tended to be more concentrated on these pockets of vibrant colors and the changing leaves themselves as a result of what was available. Still a beautiful sight as even these pockets were uncertain after a very dry summer. It was expected that the trees may just drop their leaves once cooler nights approached with shorter days. Fortunately there were some timely rains to provide enough moisture for these leaves to change and stay on the trees for many to see.

We came across an area which I thought was available only to people participating in activities there but turned out to be open to visitors. This area had some amazing autumn displays, some of the best we came across on this afternoon. And there weren’t a lot of people using the trails and overlooks available to explore making it even more peaceful and enjoyable.

While on one of these trails, a grouse came on to the trail as if to lead us on a fall color tour for awhile. Eventually it decided to abandon the tour and continue on its way. A nice addition to this already beautiful afternoon!

Photos, Troy's Blog

Enjoying a Beautiful Fall Sunrise

October 10, 2021 Troy

The trees may not have been showing their vibrant colors for the first weekend of fall but the sunrise did. The night before local forecasters were hinting at morning fog under partly cloudy skies. Waking up this first Saturday morning of fall I hesitated going out to a nearby lake, but the fog had blanketed calm waters several days earlier in the week so this would be my opportunity to capture a few pictures of an amazing fall morning. Deciding to get dressed and grab the camera gear, I began heading towards a nearby lake. On the way, I soon realized the wind was blowing telling me there’s no chance of a foggy early morning sunrise.

Soon after arriving on this cool fall morning, I headed towards the spot I wanted to photograph from and began looking for just the right place to set up the tripod and camera. There were ducks and geese swimming back and forth watching as I explored the shoreline. Within a few minutes the clouds began to turn from a gray to pink with increasing light on the horizon. Clouds streaked across the morning sky making for a spectacular view welcoming in another day. Their reflections bouncing off the waters surface only enhanced this kaleidoscope of colors creating a beautiful landscape. Ducks began lifting from the water flying across this colorful scene to begin their day of searching for food. Then an eagle came out of nowhere and began circling the lake. All of this was happening with too little light to capture good photos. The only thing that showed up on any picture was a blur as they flew by.

As the sun rose higher, silhouettes of geese started to break up the golden reflections from the mornings rising sun. While trying to both capture this beautiful scene and take it in, the light continued to change minute by minute from pinks and purples to reds, and then amber with the sun peaking above tree tops bringing a finale to the days colorful sunrise.

At this point I changed my attention to some of the still blooming native flowers trying to find a composition using this nice early morning glow. While snapping a couple of pictures of the asters used as a foreground in the top photo, I noticed a bumblebee clinging to the underside of one of the leaves waiting for the suns warmth. At this time I needed to return home and begin my day of activities so I finished with another photo or two and it was back to the car to end my sunrise adventure.

Lake Superior, State Parks, Troy's Blog

A Moody Lake Superior

December 20, 2020 Troy

On the last night camping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park this fall, a storm moved through the area signaling an end to our glorious warm fall days. During the night rain fell over the tent eventually fading to silence. As the morning light neared, wind began to blow through the trees above shaking remaining water droplets down over the ground. Off in the distance, the occasional boom could be heard. Laying there in the dark, I tried figure out what was causing this noise. Was it storms continuing to pass by?

With a sliver of light penetrating the cloudy skies, I exited the tent and began walking towards the shoreline for my last morning being greeted by Lake Superior. The closer I got to the water, the easier it became to identify this booming. Waves of this Great Lake were slamming into the rocky shoreline making terminating in a watery crash.

I had seen pictures of incredible waves crashing against the cliffs of the North Shore in Minnesota but had not experienced such an event myself. The lake appeared to be angry this morning. Perhaps angry with fall for bringing with if colder days before winter battles with this grand lake to cover these waters with ice and snow. Or maybe it was merely reminding those becoming complacent that this, the largest lake, demands our respect.

These were not the mega waves in pictures I’ve seen before which showed the amazing power of water destroying parts of the immovable granite boulders creating the beautiful shoreline, but their smaller siblings. In those photos, Lake Superior seemed furious with reckless abandon even sinking ships positioned in the wrong place. These smaller waves were impressive as they connected with shore sending water high atop the cliffs creating sounds demanding respect. With several hours of driving and more places to explore along the way, it was time to leave and say goodbye to this place I enjoyed with my wife and others I’d met while watching the sun rise from the watery horizon. I could have stayed and watched each wave as it reached the rocks creating amazing fountains for much of the day but that was not meant to be. Good bye to this amazing wonder, which has bored a connection deep inside, until next we meet.

Exploring, fall, Troy's Blog

Fall Colors in Northern Minnesota

December 12, 2020 Troy

While in Northern Minnesota earlier this fall, one day was set aside to drive through these northern forests to enjoy the beautiful fall displays. Starting out near the Minnesota – Canadian border, my wife and I took back roads venturing out in search of the best fall colors. We drove along rivers, lakes, inland, and along the Lake Superior coast. There were amazing colors in many places. Unfortunately is was a bit of a dreary day with mist hanging in the air and fog floating just above Lake Superior. Thankfully the forecasted rain seemed to be holding off.

Cell phone service in this area is very spotty making this a perfect place to get away from work and stresses of everyday life allowing us to focus on the landscape as we slowly meandered through it. There were beautiful scenes all around us requiring a stop frequently to get out of the car and snap a few photos while taking in such surroundings. This was an interesting experience trying to navigate these unfamiliar roads knowing there was little access to help if we were to have a problem.

Each intersection required a decision as to which way we should go, which can be liberating as there was no destination other than to get back to our hotel at some point. Preferably before dark. The day was for exploring and nothing else. We had food from camping earlier in the week along with a grill and fuel so we wouldn’t starve. At least for a few days anyway. Our general direction was to eventually connect with the Gunflint Trail for a return trip to Grand Marais and on to Grand Portage.

Our travels took us through the Grand Portage Reservation on through the Superior National Forest. Some of the roads were a bit dicey but we were able to make it through. Fortunately it had been a dry summer so there wasn’t much mud or puddles which could’ve significantly altered our adventure. Along the way we found an overlook for the Pigeon River valley with a grand view. On clear days I’m sure it’s even more spectacular looking out at the border between Minnesota and Canada. I could have spent half a day here just looking out at the details of this valley, but I also wanted to continue inland and explore more places. Who knows what may lie ahead?

Continuing down the road we neared the Boundary Waters Canoe Area taking us to a number of different lakes to get out and enjoy the scenery. One of these stops had a loon still swimming in the calm waters. Must have been one of the last to begin the trek south from these northern locations. Eventually we arrived at East Bearskin Lake where I had camped with a college friend the year before. It was a nice way to end our exploration of the backcountry of Northern Minnesota with a scenic, calm lake where the aspen displayed their bright yellows reflected in the water below. From here we would join the Gunflint Trail and return to Grand Marais bringing an end to our fall foliage adventure.

State Parks, Troy's Blog

Fall Is Arriving at Split Rock State Park

November 14, 2020 Troy

One of my goals while staying at Split Rock State Park this fall was to explore some areas I didn’t see the last time I was here. There was so much more to this park than I realized while camping the year before. And even more to explore for another trip here someday that I didn’t see this time. Fall was arriving quickly and painting the landscape in beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows combined with the evergreens contrasting nicely. This was the first time I had the opportunity to witness the North Shore transition from summer to fall. With exceptional weather over several days it was truly a relaxing adventure.

Asters were one of the last plants still blooming giving a nice sight along the trails and much needed food for the insects still buzzing around. I could have spent the rest of the day just basking in sunlight listening to the waves of Lake Superior gently splashing against the rocks while taking in the leaves. Other trails called though and I didn’t have lunch with so after a short break it was off to another destination.

There was no reason to hurry from this spot or while on the trail. A casual stroll was a great way to take in the landscape while watching animals dart back and forth preparing for winter. There were several other people around but this seemed to be a slow time on this trail encountering only another couple doing the same thing…enjoying a beautiful fall day along Lake Superior!

Seasons, State Parks, Troy's Blog

Getting Up to See Fall on the North Shore

November 1, 2020 Troy

There have been a lot of spectacular photos shared this fall of incredible Autumn colors and with good reason. It has been one of the most spectacular displays in many years. And it came right after the Fall equinox during some very nice days. My wife and I planned a week long trip to the North Shore last winter and couldn’t have asked for much nicer conditions with warm, sunny days and cool nights for sleeping for the first portion of the week. We’ve visited Northern Minnesota on several occasions during this same time in September and have never experienced the explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges as we did this year which made this trip even more memorable. I tend to wake up earlier than my wife so in an effort to keep from disturbing her I would head out with the camera and watch the morning light enter the horizon over Lake Superior. During these mornings I often encountered others wanting to grab a sun rise shot of Split Rock Lighthouse. We would exchange words and from time to time short conversations as they meandered up and down the shore looking for different angles. I set up my camera in one location on a tripod and just watched as night turned into morning taking a few photos as this light changed.

From time to time I would get up and photograph a different view always returning to my original spot until I felt it was safe to return and join my wife to begin the day. Early morning can be such a peaceful time as the air is quite with little wind. The nighttime creatures have returned to their daytime hiding places while the daytime animals haven’t started moving much yet. Many people are still sleeping or just beginning to wake up. Eventually the sounds of birds begin to enter the quite landscape with light increasing all around you. As the sun finally reaches above the horizon, its rays begin to reach you allowing the warm light to penetrate through to your bones beating back the chill that has been slowly creeping in since you got out of bed. The world around you begins to wake up now as the squirrels forage for a morning meal and the birds take flight while people begin their days as well. It is at this time I return to join my partner so we can spend the day exploring together.

As daylight became brighter we could see the colors of fall and how much they changed from the morning before. There were so many beautiful scenes to take in and the day was just beginning. Even the animals seemed to take a little time to see the splendor surrounding them as they prepared for what is still to come.

Seasons, State Parks, Troy's Blog

Watching the Colors Change

October 3, 2020 Troy

Recently I was able to spend a week exploring Minnesota’s North Shore with my wife. This was planned back in February before the pandemic became a global crisis. As the spring went on changing into summer, I wasn’t sure it would happen as so many places closed. Thankfully many of the parks re-opened allowing camping as well. We had three nights planned at the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to camp. I was certainly nervous before going as it can be quite cold near the end of September. In the days leading up to this trip I became a little more relaxed as the weather forecast was for beautiful days for much of the time camping. With this nice weather, we were able to watch the colors of fall drape over the area. Unfortunately I did not capture photos every day of the same location to reveal this change from our first night to the last morning.

In the top picture, you can see the yellows, oranges, and reds as they had already began to show significantly on Ellingsen Island but much less so near the lighthouse early in the week. In this next photo above, the colors seem to be even more vibrant the next day on Ellingsen Island contrasting beautifully against the evergreens also populating this little island. In the next picture below, you can see more of the yellows near the lighthouse. Unfortunately it was cloudy limiting the amount of light to really give you a good comparison from the top photo, but the colors are definitely stronger just three days later. I was absolutely amazed at how noticeable the change was in such a short time but very thankful to be able to enjoy this time with my wife while relaxing in such a beautiful spot.

Photos, Seasons, Troy's Blog

Fall Colors

October 28, 2018 Troy

Fall is slowly making its way south bringing with it some colorful leaves. There was a lot of promise for a spectacular fall canvas filled with reds, yellows, and oranges as Northern Minnesota has shown amazing displays but the transition further south has been less striking. It takes a little searching to find some beautiful fall leaves but they’re there. A little here. A little there. Many trees have decided to either turn a dull brown or just drop their leaves without even hinting at a change in color. It makes these spots of fall color more impactful though I think.

One of falls lessons in the above photo – Don’t be afraid to display your uniqueness! Most of the leaves have turned a bright yellow if they are displaying their color this year but there’s a few stunning red leaves mixed in. Capturing leaves floating in the water is always interesting especially if there’s a blue sky shining back.

Heading out one afternoon the unbelievable red colors of some of the leaves caught my attention in the late afternoon sunshine so I of course had to stop the car and grab a camera for a few quick shots before continuing on my way. Trying my hand attempting to find some artistry I set the camera so the sun was peaking through a hole near the top of the beautiful leaf. Not sure it had the effect I was hoping for but I still kind of like the shot. The grass is in the way in my opinion and the details of the leaf become lost in picture but I do like the sunburst filtering in through the tree behind and the whole in the leaf.

Heading home from work one afternoon I happened to look down along the Mississippi River and noticed some nice fall colors showing up. I decided the next morning to get up before sunrise, as the forecast called for a sunny day, and head to a nice spot to capture this morning light against the fall foliage.

Arriving near the river an hour before sunrise revealed a cloud filled sky leading to some disappointment but there was still time so maybe the clouds would begin clearing yet. As time passed and sunrise neared the clouds kept persisting dampening my hopes for a beautiful fall sunrise along the river. As the morning continued I tried to find things to photograph and began to notice a few breaks in those cloud blankets so I decided to explore along the river banks a little and there it was. The sun revealed itself shining on the reds and oranges beginning to arrive along the river. Unfortunately it was later in the morning so the light wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for but I took some photographs anyway which turned out ok.

On another outting I came across some beautiful bittersweet fully colored up and showing their bright red berries contrasting nicely with the bare trees and shrubs around it. I had to snap a few photos of this great looking vine. Happy Fall!

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