Tag Archives: Lake Superior

Ice Breaking Up on the Big Lake

March 27, 2022 Troy

A warm late winter afternoon on Minnesota’s North Shore highlighted what time of year it was. Spring would soon be here bringing warmer days. Ice along the shoreline of Lake Superior was beginning to break apart as evidenced by little islands made entirely of ice floating out to sea. Plates of ice littered the shoreline from previous days when it broke apart. Probably from a windy day creating waves on the big lake. These plates were stacked up in all different directions as the waves washed them up on top of each other. Overnight a light snow fell covering much of the rock and ice making up the shore line just north of Duluth. It’s really a beautiful winter scene!

The sun was high overhead on this bright afternoon showcasing each shard of ice. Each step must be carefully placed lest you break through this often fragile puzzle or slip and find yourself face to face with an unforgiving piece of granite coated in frozen water. Worse yet, you could land in this very cold body of water. It was a warm winter afternoon but that only means the temperature was just above freezing and a dip in the water could bring on hyperthermia. This is a good opportunity to use ice cleats to help secure each step allowing the user to spend more time enjoying each barge of ice as it floats by, slowly disintegrating.

Focusing more on the shoreline brings a myriad of shapes and sizes of ice plates thrown on top of one another. How did they get like this? Many of the boulders and beach were covered in ice. That is easier for me to figure out as the spray from each wave crashing into the shoreline ends in an eruption of water coating these rocks in water which quickly freezes.

The suns strength was not enough on this day to break through most of that ice protected by a thin layer of snow. Strolling along the shore brought a relaxing beautiful late winter view. But for only a short time as there was still the long drive back to the big city before heading to work the next day. A visit to the shores of Lake Superior is always a great way to spend a day no matter what season it is.

Hawaii, Lake Superior, Troy's Blog

Surfing–Hawaii or Minnesota

February 26, 2022 Troy

On a recent trip to Duluth, Minnesota, the wind could really be felt pushing against the car and I began to wonder what the waves on Lake Superior were like. They’ve been know to get quite large and treacherous at times. Large enough to sink large ships – AKA the Edmond Fitzgerald. I’ve read about people out surfing these types of waves and I was curious to see if the conditions were right. On the north side of Duluth there’s an area to pull off the road and view this grandest of lakes so I headed there. Entering one of the snow covered parking spots I could see large waves crashing against the rocky shore and looking over to my right, there they were. A group of surfers! My wife and youngest daughter was with me and we sat there just watching these surfers as they would grab a wave and then paddle back into the zone.

It was interesting to see and compare as the week before we were in Hawaii watching surfers there. How was it different in these two bodies of water? Certainly water temperature was a main challenge and those people on Lake Superior had on wet suits to keep in any warmth in these frigid waters. The water temperature could not be that much above freezing as splashes from the waves were freezing on shore. Another very noticeable difference was the wave size. Many of the waves in Hawaii were as tall, if not taller than the people out surfing them while on Lake Superior they were only about 2/3rds the height of surfers. From a few discussions with the surfers in Hawaii I learned about using different boards for different wave types. I’m guessing the surfers in Minnesota were on different boards than those in Hawaii were using.

Watching these people out on the water with their boards in the middle of winter was a nice treat and reminder of warmer places from a few weeks before. ‘Stay Warm!’ I thought as we pulled back on the road towards home.

Backpacking, Troy's Blog

Training for the Mountain

July 5, 2021 Troy

In just a few short weeks I’ll be in Grand Teton National Park with my family preparing to climb Grand Teton. To prepare we’ve been doing a number of things such as strength training, cardio, and hiking. Recently we were up on the North Shore of Minnesota and stopped at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to do some hiking. To help in our preparation we carry backpacks weighted down so our bodies can adjust to the additional weight before going on our 7 mile journey up a mountain where we’ll camp for 3 nights. Another piece to these training hikes it the opportunity to test different gear and food. Most of the equipment is stuff we’ve used before but a few items, such as our approach shoes, are new for this adventure. It’s these times we can really put them to the test and see how they perform. Food presents some different challenges when up in the mountains. It just tastes different at higher elevations and we need to make sure we really like what we’re eating. Otherwise it gets considerably more difficult to eat anything when you don’t really feel hungry and are not motivated by what tastes good.

During my last time camping in Split Rock, I explored some trails with my wife and found Corundum Point out over the bay from where I was on Lake Superior. At that point I knew some day I wanted to hike on top of the massive rocky point. You can view a of the photo from a distance by clicking on this link: Corundum Point. This seemed like a good opportunity to both get in some hiking and explore this granite cliff.

We arrived at the trailhead parking lot mid afternoon on a partly cloudy, cool late spring day on the North Shore. Climbing out of the car we began to prepare for the hike. Changing shoes, getting our backpacks ready to go, and using the bathrooms. As soon as we were ready it began to rain. We knew this was a possibility and made sure our rain gear was also with us. Showers were popping up but stayed pretty spotty so we decided to get back in the car and wait it out. Ten minutes later we were on the trail for a short 3 mile hike enjoying the northwoods views, sounds, and smells while remaining close to the shores of Lake Superior.

During our trip the terrain was varied going up and down while staying pretty flat at other times. It’s used heavily enough that it’s fairly easy to follow but still requires navigation around rocks, tree roots, and uneven ground. At one point the rain began to lightly fall again so I brought out an umbrella. Had it been a heavier rain we could have used the rain coats and pants currently tucked inside each pack.

Before I knew it we were at Corundum point beginning the ascent to the top for a grand view of this large lake. Once on top we took some time to relax and enjoy our surroundings while grabbing a snack. Doing a little exploring on this interesting rock formation, a Peregrine Falcon made its presence known letting us know it knew we were there. I enjoyed watching as it flew back and forth over Lake Superior eventually settling back into the top of a tree. Soon it was time to throw the packs back on and return to the car.

Shortly after hitting the trail back, I spotted an orchid just beginning to bloom. It was a large clustered Coral Root orchid beautifully starting to display its small flowers. I had hoped to spot a native orchid during our hike but expected to see Ladyslippers as they tend to be a lot easier to see and should be in bloom. The hike was already enjoyable but adding a hardy orchid makes it even more fun.

At one point on the trail there are steps assisting people to climb from the shoreline up the steep granite cliff, which seem to continue on forever. You get near the top and these steps take a turn continuing up through the trees which are effective at hiding the top. It’s probably good that the top is so well hidden otherwise it could be a challenge to keep motivated to climb them. Soon we were back at the trailhead and our time here was quickly disappearing. While I wasn’t ready to leave, I had a great afternoon with my daughters and a few memories to take with.

Lake Superior, National Parks, Troy's Blog

Picture Rocks

May 30, 2021 Troy

Earlier this spring my family took a road trip to the Central Michigan over Spring Break. On our way back home we wanted to do a little exploring in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Rising at about the same time as the sun, we left the Traverse City area and headed north. Several hours later we once again reached the Mackinaw Bridge driving over it for a second time in only a few days looking out at Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other. Continuing north in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan we arrived at Pictured Rocks and now had to figure out what we wanted to see there. Unfortunately the visitors centers were closed so all that were available were the maps they had put on display outside their visitors center and those on our phones. Our first hike was to see the Munising Falls near the visitor center which is a pretty little waterfall only a short hike from the nearby parking lot. The sun had broken out making it comfortable with only a sweatshirt on this early April morning. It was a nice hike as plants were beginning to come back to life after many months of rest during the winter surrounding the water flowing over these sandstone rocks.

Unfortunately the only camera I had now was the one on my phone since my other camera had died earlier in the trip, which you can read about in the previous article. Phone cameras do a nice job but they have limitations compared to better cameras with interchangeable lenses. Still I accepted this challenge to take interesting pictures with the camera available recording our time in this beautiful National Park. Leaving the waterfall we headed to nearby Sand Point Beach were we gazed over our third Great Lake of the day – Lake Superior. I didn’t realize there were sand beaches around Lake Superior. I thought they were all rock beaches. The sand was beautiful and held all of these dead trees which had been weathered for years creating beautiful sculptures. In the photo below I liked how the log laying on the sand directs you to the multiple stumps surrounded by the tan sand and getting taller as you look towards Lake Superior. The last stump touching the soft, white cloud dotting the blue sky. We enjoyed some time climbing around some of these decaying trees and walking along the shore of this cold, large lake. In places the sand had a pink hue to it and the only thing that made sense was a nearby park building had red shingles which released sand particles during strong winds ending on the beach. As I looked into this a little more it would seem there’s a different reason for these spots of reddish pink sands. Apparently little garnets are washed up here from nearby sandstone cliffs creating this coloration on the beach.

Ready to explore some of the cliffs, we packed back in the car and headed to another area of the park. It was now lunchtime so we made a detour to head into Munising for a little nourishment. Once our hunger was satisfied, it was time to see some of these pictured rocks the park is named after. With only a short time before needing to continue our journey home, we decided on seeing the most popular of these cliffs – Miner’s Castle. There’s a nice overlook here with trails winding through the woods allowing people to see the Miner’s Castle up close. Reaching the first viewing area overlooking Lake Superior and the coastline you could see beautiful turquoise water that should only be in the Caribbean. The view is enhanced by the reddish sandstone rising out of the water and then topped by beige stone above, which can be seen in the top photograph. From here we wandered along the shore to another viewing area allowing people to see the castle close up and study the beige/white coloration along with the interesting formations creating this sculpture. During our time at Miners Castle, we interrupted a wedding party taking pictures. They were very nice and understanding allowing us to step to the platform for a better view of these rocks.

Needing to continue on our journey home, we left the castle viewing spot heading back to the car. Along the way we crossed the North Country National Scenic Trail. What a beautiful location to hike! This is a trail I’ve researched some and thought how fun it would be to backpack on. At least portions of it.

While walking back to the parking lot, fog was blowing over the trees above creating an interesting, if not eerie, landscape. Loaded back into our car I entered directions back home in the GPS, both a little sad our time here was over and looking forward to getting home. But first, Miner’s Beach is on the way and we may be able to see more of this fog drifting into the trees. How about a quick stop here to see a bit more of the landscape and walk on a sandy beach one last time for Spring Break? Entering the beach we could see the fog forming on Lake Superior with the wind blowing into the shoreline. Satisfied with the views from this final beach, we hit the road going west towards the horizon.

Adventures, Michigan, National Parks, Troy's Blog

Hitting the Beach for Spring Break

May 1, 2021 Troy

During Spring Break we (myself, youngest daughter, and wife) hit the beaches. But not like most people imagine. Our adventure took us to Michigan where a plethora of beautiful beaches exist. The first day brought us to Sleep Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where the main attraction is climbing these large hills of sand. Once we accomplished this feat we set out to explore other areas on the National Park on this beautiful April day. The temperature had reached the 70’s a little earlier but a cold front was now moving through bringing the threat of rain and definitely cooler temperatures. Along the shore of Lake Michigan are some beautiful freshwater beaches providing a shark free location to sink your feet into the sand or take a dip in the water. At this time of year the water is a bit too chilly to do more than stick in a toe or two but as summer arrives the water warms for a refreshing dip. Rain began to fall and it was time to head back to the car ending our first day at the beach.

The next day brought more rain keeping us indoors for much of it. Eventually the rain let up and we decided to take advantage with a trip to the nearby sand in Frankfurt Michigan. Only a few minutes walk and we were once again walking on the soft sand along the shore of this Great Lake. Since it was early in the year this beach was still recovering from winter as preparations were just beginning to move the sand from city streets and parking lots back onto the beach where it belongs. Winter winds blow strong shifting sand from the waters edge further inland. As the snow disappears and the landscape comes back to life, these winds calm allowing the beaches to keep their sandy shoreline bringing crowds to enjoy them all summer long. With another day on the beach, even if for a short time, we returned to the comfort of shelter for the remainder of the day.

On our final day, while beginning the drive home, we stopped at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along the way allowing us to see three of the Great Lakes in one day, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron while going across the Mackinaw Bridge with Lake Superior a short drive away. One of the first stops in Pictured Rocks was the sandy beach along this largest freshwater body of water. Again the sand was beautiful and soft for the third and final day of beaches during Spring Break. The landscape is amazingly beautiful to take in while strolling through the sand as it cushions each step. Another part of this park that was fun is the North Country National Scenic Trail runs along the lake. A trail I’ve read about and looked into portions of interest to hike. I could imagine spending a couple days hiking through this picturesque landscape enjoying waterfalls, beaches, and natural rock formations.

Having spent several hours exploring this area, it was time to continue on our journey home. One last stop at another beach before we go though. While taking one final walk on the sandy shore, fog began to roll off the lake and flow into the trees creating a different view of the landscape. This time of year, fog is common near Lake Superior as the water remains cold throughout the year so when temperatures begin to warm up and there’s a lot of moisture around, fog is quickly produced. It creates a more dramatic landscape for our final memory of Picture Rocks on this adventure. It was now time to re-enter the car to complete our Spring Break road trip.

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.

State Parks, Troy's Blog, Waterfalls

Waterfalls Along the North Shore of Minnesota

November 22, 2020 Troy

A trip to the North Shore of Minnesota would not be complete without hiking to some of the beautiful waterfalls that line the shoreline near Lake Superior. During our weeklong vacation to Northern Minnesota, my wife and I set some time aside to see a few waterfalls that we’ve never visited before. I always enjoy stopping to see the larger and more popular waterfalls in Gooseberry State Park and along the Baptism River in Tettegouche but this seemed like a good opportunity to explore a few different areas. The first excursion was on a trail in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to see the falls along the Split Rock River.

It’s about a mile from the nearest parking area so we set out mid morning in search of some waterfalls. It was a beautiful fall day with the sun shining and temperatures perfect for wearing a sweatshirt to wonder through the north woods of Minnesota along the river catching glimpses of water rushing by on its way to Lake Superior. We arrived at the falls and questioned how close to get to them as the climb from the trail was quite steep. Eventually we decided to work our way carefully down the quickly descending riverbank and found ourselves standing on rocks watching the water moving around them in no time at all.

These falls were a nice cascade of water hugging the rocks carved over centuries as it continued on by. The lighting wasn’t great for photographing here at this time of day but a beautiful place to explore and enjoy. Mid day was approaching so we took one final look at the beautiful landscape before climbing back up the hill and on towards the trailhead where we began. There was a little time enjoying the shores of Lake Superior before heading off to get a bite to eat.

Later during the week, my wife and I continued further north to see the fall colors and more waterfalls. Our journey brought us to the highest waterfall in Minnesota on the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park. This river separates the United States and Canada as part of the northern boundary. With rain in very short supply during the summer this river was not running as high as in most years. It was still impressive to see the water crashing over the ledge into the pool below before it continued on towards the big lake. It’s an easy hike on a paved trail to get to the viewing area of this waterfall with the sound of large volumes of water rushing over the edge becoming almost deafening as you turn the corner towards a platform built for gazing over these falls. This is one I’d seen before but continues to be impressive each time.

Another area I’ve never been to was Judge C.R Magney State Park which hosts Kettle Falls where half of the river disappears into a large hole carved into the solid stone it glides over. This is a place I’ve read about as many wonder exactly where this water goes to. I’ve still not found a clear answer to that question but these waterfalls are unique and interesting to view. The hike to get to them is a bit more strenuous than to High Falls in Grand Portage. There are a lot of stairs going down and back up requiring many adventurers to stop for a breather from time to time. For me these are well worth climbing as Kettle Falls is beautiful and the landscape surrounding is very peaceful. Especially with the fall colors beginning to show up.

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.

Exploring, State Parks, Troy's Blog

Getting the Shot–Split Rock Lighthouse Under the Stars

February 9, 2020 Troy

After reserving my campsites at Split Rock Lighthouse last winter I began to explore different photographs I wanted to attempt to get. With several weeks passing pondering several ideas I finally decided I would love to capture the lighthouse under the Milkyway. The direction didn’t line up great but with the dark skies of the North Shore in Minnesota I expected to at least see a partial band of the our galaxy over Split Rock. Continuing my research I discovered the moon could be a problem as it would be nearing it’s full phase. Armed with this information I waited until the camping trip in June to make further preparations to capture the lighthouse at night.

During the afternoon, while at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, I began to scout out potential locations and compositions. Starting from a distance I took a look at the overall scene attempting to figure out how much of Lake Superior I wanted in the photo and how much of the night sky I could get in a picture and still see the lighthouse well. From here I continued to move closer to the building as there was no way it would stand out this far away.

As the afternoon was nearing the end and evening was about to take over, I continued to climb over the sharp granite of Lake Superior searching for an interesting place to set up later that night. I began to feel more confident in a location to start at once darkness arrived. It may work well but it could be less interesting once the moon broadcast its light over the landscape.

Pressing on to find an alternative location or two I continued on closer to the lighthouse perched on top of a cliff overlooking the grand lake. Finding a couple more spots closer to Split Rock Lighthouse I was finally satisfied. Time had arrived to return to the campsite for a delicious dinner cooked over a fire and a little rest before journeying back during the night.

Now with a full stomach and the sun falling below the horizon it was getting time to head out. But now the days activities were beginning to wear on me and I was ready to crawl into my sleeping bag. In addition, the temperature was dropping quickly which had begun to penetrate through to my bones really causing me to question just how bad I wanted to go out with the camera underneath the dark sky. After fighting with myself for nearly 20 minutes I forced myself to get up, put on a coat, and grab the backpack containing my gear. Still reluctant to take the 15 minute walk to the lighthouse, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other until my motivation returned. I knew where I wanted to go and in no time I arrived. Scanning the scene now under moonlight, I became less convinced it was the spot for the photograph I wanted. Still I knew that if I didn’t pull out the camera and take a couple of shots I would likely not make it back here. What if this turns out to be the best location? After a few pictures, I wasn’t satisfied with my results.

The first thing I like to do is change my cameras orientation to see how that alters the scene. I liked this look better as the boulders became more prominent for a more complete picture. Still it wasn’t giving me the photograph I was after. The lower boathouse was a huge distraction under the near full moonlight and I couldn’t compose the shot in a way that the boathouse was removed and the lighthouse was located nicely. It was time to move closer as I suspected I would have to do. Under the moons illumination along with my flashlight I continued to crawl over the rocks slowly getting closer to the lighthouse and the cliff it guarded. By this time I was beginning to warm back up from my efforts to safely maneuver the rocky shoreline.

Finding a spot close enough to capture the lighthouse with stars above I scoured the shoreline seeking out boulders positioned in an interesting way to give me the picture I was attempting to capture. While doing this a voice called out from the dark. It was another photographer camped among the rocks photographing the Milkyway. Proof that each photographer sees things differently to create a unique picture. He had come here on a rare free night with no work the next day to capture the beautiful band of stars but having a difficult time due to the moon. I wanted to capture the Milkyway also but knew it would be a challenge due to the moon and altered my plan to use the moonlight to my advantage. It lit up the shoreline and lighthouse better than I could have expected creating a photograph that appears to have been taken during the day but then the stars shining above let you know it was not. It made for a scene very few people get to experience let alone photograph. It did take a bit of time to get an appropriate exposure due to this high light with a dark sky and water. Once I found a good exposure I kept snapping photos making little adjustments until I had what I thought would be a nice photograph. I actually like the picture above better than the one at the top of the post but that doesn’t show as well on the website which is why I used the landscape oriented picture for the post.

I decided to snap a couple of pictures of the Milkyway shining dimly in the night sky just to see how it would turn out. Some time I hope to work with the photo a bit more and see if I can extrapolate this band of bright stars more. While talking with the other photographer, he mentioned that using a good telephoto lens you could actually capture Jupiter with its four visible moons. Once I was done with my session at the lighthouse I headed towards my car to retrieve my Sigma 200-500mm lens and attached it to the camera. After a little searching through the viewfinder I spotted Jupiter. Focusing in on it I could definitely make out four other objects around it. These must be the moons! Playing with the camera a bit I snapped some photos before decided I had enough fun and was now cold again and ready for sleep.

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