Tag Archives: North Shore

Late Summer Mushrooms

September 3, 2022 Troy

As late August arrived, we planned a family camping weekend. It was a cloudy and wet weekend at times making it more challenging to get out and photograph nature. While hanging around the campsite preparing breakfast, I started wondering around and came across these small mushrooms popping out of a mossed covered log laying across the forest floor. Looking through the camera lens, the lighting was very nice creating a soft image perfect for these delicate little fungi.

The next weekend brought a trip to the North Shore to help my daughter move in to her new place for the winter as school gets back underway. While in the area, I got up to watch the sunrise which ended up being a bit dismal. After the light began to spread across the landscape I headed for a nearby trail to explore the north woods. Walking all alone into these beautiful trees, I came across a large rotting stump. Examining closer I could see coral mushrooms. And then red capped mushrooms. Continuing to walk around I found brown mushrooms. So much to capture all in one piece of wood.

This little red capped fungi stood out against the more natural tones of the forest floor bringing fantastic color on such a small scale. It was such a picture perfect mushroom to enjoy. Walking to the other side of this stump, coral mushrooms were coming out of the ground. These are definitely one the most unique mushrooms I’ve seen. I remember reading about them in one of my magazines but had never seen one to know a mushroom like this existed. A few years later I finally saw one and now I find them from time to time enjoying it each time with their interesting branching structure. I had a saltwater tank with coral in it and these always bring back positive memories of that aquarium.

The first coral mushroom I saw was fairly large but in a difficult spot to get a nice photo of it. Searching the area I saw this one surrounded by birch branches bringing a little more interesting background to the photo. When I look over this picture, I always think it should have water droplets hanging off of it to soften up the image and make it more inviting. There was no rain that morning so it wasn’t an option. Moving on to one more of the fungus growing out of this decomposing tree stump, I wanted to show a different moss surrounding these mushrooms. These were fun to capture because there are several stages of opening present from the rounded to top to becoming flattened to having a cup forming in the top of the most open stem. This brown was a nice contrast to the brilliant green moss growing around them completing the earthy tones often associated with a forest in late summer.

It was getting to be time to rejoin my family for breakfast and one more day of exploring together before needing to return home. My little adventure had been a successful one with some great mushrooms along a beautiful north woods trail near Lake Superior and I was ready to get back to my car. Almost…. While walking back towards my car I kept stopping just to take in these surroundings and the plants making up the woods. At one point I bent over to examine some plant leaves and berries growing from them when I looked closer towards the ground and noticed a bright yellow mushroom. I had seen one of these earlier but it was not in great shape. A little too old to capture. As I continue to get closer to this one, there was a snail climbing around it. Watching it for awhile, I moved around with the camera to get an interesting picture as it worked its way over the top of this next meal. That was really fun to witness and a great send off from the trail as I returned to my vehicle to meet my family.

Lake Superior, Troy's Blog, Winter

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.

Ice and Snow, Troy's Blog, Winter

Ice, Snow, and Frost at Gooseberry

March 6, 2022 Troy

Winter continues to have a tight grip in Northern Minnesota. I love exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior in the winter even if it means trudging through deep snow to hike anywhere. The landscape seems so peaceful resting from a summer of growing. As I take in each detail of the rocky, icy rivers and waterfalls, little ice sculptures begin to appear. They’re so unique and beautiful! It’s calming to watch water rushing underneath these while trying to imagine how they’ve formed over the past couple of months.

To see the caverns tucked under the deep snow warns of possible danger should someone decide to venture over this ice cold water. Yet a peak at the snow above and ice below connected by each pillar of ice begs for a closer view. Deciding to walk out on top of this rushing water, following trails of others, I kneel down next to a rare open spot on the river to see frost clinging to these icicles. It’s mesmerized me causing me to forget it’s a cold, cloudy winter day next to the big lake. Reaching for the camera and focusing on the ice formations allows me to see even more of the detail coming together capturing them to admire over and over again. If only I had a macro lens with me and could get even closer to these, I would be lost here for hours.

At first sight, the rushing water grabs your attention. But after watching for awhile you begin to see details surround this small, open portion of Gooseberry River carrying it’s ice cold payload to Lake Superior a short distance away. The ice formations floating above the moving water connected to the snow above with small pillars of ice hiding the numerous caves just behind. Soon these will all be gone with spring quickly approaching. In the next couple of weeks, these ice sheets will begin to melt carrying these sculptures down the river. For today there is plenty of snow taking over the landscape creating a beautiful winter wonderland.

Moving up and down the waterfalls, there are many areas I would like to explore but the afternoon is moving quickly and daylight will run out. Time for a little hike along the river banks enjoying the views. I had hoped to get out and see the lake shore at least for a few minutes but no such opportunity today. There was still the long drive home to come. I could see Lake Superior through the canyon carved by this river from a distance. Ice covered near the shore with that familiar open blue water as you looked out over the lake. That would be as close to it as I would get for this trip.

Walking along the river, I was amazed at how much ice and snow was on top of the water. You could only tell by small areas of open water rushing downstream. The snow had to be four or five feet above these open areas. I couldn’t recall a time when I’ve seen the snow that deep. Once this all begins to melt I’m sure these waterfalls will be furious with all the water running over top. I’ll have to return in early spring to see it first hand.

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.

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!

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.

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