northernimages > Snow Dunes
The arctic front charged into the area with -20F air temperatures and  -50F wind chills. It was evident that this was going to be a strong cold front even by February standards.

As snow streamed across Caribou Lake it piled into wave like patterns that advanced across the surface of the lake like desert sand dunes shifting in the wind.

When I knelt into a drift to set up my tripod, the blowing snow quickly filled every seam in my camera bag and poked into my face like a thousand small needles. I took my gloves off for a few seconds to change some camera setting and the cold bit into my fingers so quickly that it caught me off guard. I was dressed for the weather, but this was extreme.

The setting sun highlighting the snow dunes was an awesome display of Gods creation, and even though the beautiful sunset only lasted for few minutes, that's about how long I lasted in the frigid wind chill. When I stepped back into my house, I appreciated the warm fireplace, far more than before I when outside.

I knew it wouldn't be long before the warmer days of spring would arrive, and the cold snaps of winter would fade into fond memories.

It's was amazing how the beauty of God's creation was there even in the midst of extreme weather. I think that's what he wants to show us in these situations, that he doesn't necessarily keep us from our difficulties, rather that He is there with us in the midst of our difficulties and that's how we learn to trust Him.

The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold.
God's breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. Job 37:9
northernimages > Gooseberry in White
In the 1989 movie "Fields of Dreams", as they stood near a baseball field in the middle of Iowa, John Kinsella (Dwier Brown) asked Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner),  "is this heaven?” Ray (Costner) replied "its Iowa". While Photographing Gooseberry Falls after a record April snowfall (13"), I though to myself the same question, "is this what heaven is like?”

I arrived at the newly plowed parking lot early in the morning and headed quickly down the trail. The lack of any footprints in the fresh snow indicated that I was the first visitor of the day to the falls. As I made my way through the foot deep snow the sound of the distant waterfalls invited me into the white landscape with a muffled roar. Migrating hawks overhead were the only sign that summer was indeed approaching and that this mid-winter scene would soon be melted into the forest floor.

God uses the beauty and power of nature to help us understand who He is. This day at Gooseberry Falls State Park was one of those days where everywhere you looked, you were awed by the stunning work of a heavenly artist. Pine trees covered in soft white snow seemed to stand like enormous spectators, watching as the Gooseberry River swept down the valley, anxious to reach Lake Superior, a half mile downstream.

The cold north wind blew against the tops of the pine trees sending billows of snow floating over the park combining with the rising mist from the river below to form an occasional veil over the scenic valley. Auburn colored water, stained by tannin leaching from tree roots and peat moss tumbled down cliffs contrasting against the white snow in an unusual springtime display of ice and water making it look like a gigantic root beer float.

Climbing up the steep hillsides, I could feel my heart pounding, and I wasn't sure if it was the excitement of being out taking pictures on a day such as this, or, if I was soon to find out the answer to my question " is this what heaven is like". Since I'm writing this, I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
northernimages > Crossing Into Spring
March always brings anticipation of warmer weather and new life. In this picture, Amity Creek in Duluth, begins to show signs of springtime as it begins to reveal the waters that it has hidden under a blanket of ice and snow since late last year.
northernimages > Blizzard Ice
After the most recent blizzard, I put on my snow shoes for the first time this season and walked along  the ice covered cliffs of Lake Superior near Tettegouche State Park. It was a perfect day, with clear blue skies and the sun glimmering off the ice encrusted rocks and trees.
northernimages > April Fools
April snow is especially beautiful, it clings to trees in radiant white, lasts a day or two and you’re back on the way to spring.
Today, I was determined to complete a list of tasks today before night-fall. But, as the fresh snow piled higher and higher, I began daydreaming what the local waterfalls would look like with a fresh coat of snow layered over the banks of the newly open rivers. So, like an addict being helplessly drawn back to his vice, I packed up my camera and headed into the whiteout.
The driving was poor, but the scenery at Chester Park in Duluth was fantastic. I trekked down to the cascading creek breathing in the cold damp snow as it fell in a thick blanket onto the branches and rocks below.
I moved slowly throughout the park, stopping to position my tripod in the fresh snowfall and trying to keep the heavy snow off the camera lens. As I carefully pushed aside tree branches, I would get an occasional avalanche of snow dropped on my head from overhanging trees. Except for the running water, there was an unusual hush throughout the park, almost like everything stopped to listen to the quiet.
After an hour in the wet snow, a trickle of icy water began dripping down my back. The snow was getting heavier and it was time to head home. I had had my fix for now, but I I will be back to enjoy more of God's created beauty as the seasons continue to change. Just as this springtime snow was a reminder of winter, God made this day as a reminder to us that our days are numbered; enjoy them.
He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes.  He casts forth His ice like crumbs; who can stand before His cold? Psalm 147:16
northernimages > Sea Smoke on Superior

Weather forecasters had been announcing for days the arrival of a Siberian Express, a massive blast of cold arctic air. With the water of Lake Superior still clear of ice, I knew that there would be some interesting weather phenomenon near open water.

The cold air soon arrived and early morning temperatures dropped to -23F, a perfect morning to do some photography on the shores of the big lake.

Standing on the shore of Lake Superior at Canal Park in Duluth, I watched as the arrival of daylight lifted the veil on a marvelous exhibit of natural beauty. Sea Smoke lifted off the water as super chilled wind blew across its surface. It is one of the most beautiful weather effects that the eye can see.

With the wind chill at -40F, my fingers soon felt the familiar sting of cold as it penetrated my gloves while I was setting up my tripod and camera. I snapped pictures for the next 15 minutes before my camera battery died from the cold.

The sun soon burned through the fog to shine its light on another beautiful January day. Once again, God mixed the elements of His creation together to reveal his power and glory, and I felt privileged to be able to view it. I left the shore with frozen camera equipment and numb fingers, yet there was a warmth inside me, knowing that such a Master Creator was watching over me....and you.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the expanse proclaims His handiwork. (psalm 19:1)
northernimages > Photo Journal 2/10/08 photo
northernimages > Photo Journal 2/10/08 photo
northernimages > Photo Journal 2/10/08 photo
Snow Dunes
The arctic front charged into the area with -20F air temperatures and -50F wind chills. It was evident that this was going to be a strong cold front even by February standards.

As snow streamed across Caribou Lake it piled into wave like patterns that advanced across the surface of the lake like desert sand dunes shifting in the wind.

When I knelt into a drift to set up my tripod, the blowing snow quickly filled every seam in my camera bag and poked into my face like a thousand small needles. I took my gloves off for a few seconds to change some camera setting and the cold bit into my fingers so quickly that it caught me off guard. I was dressed for the weather, but this was extreme.

The setting sun highlighting the snow dunes was an awesome display of Gods creation, and even though the beautiful sunset only lasted for few minutes, that's about how long I lasted in the frigid wind chill. When I stepped back into my house, I appreciated the warm fireplace, far more than before I when outside.

I knew it wouldn't be long before the warmer days of spring would arrive, and the cold snaps of winter would fade into fond memories.

It's was amazing how the beauty of God's creation was there even in the midst of extreme weather. I think that's what he wants to show us in these situations, that he doesn't necessarily keep us from our difficulties, rather that He is there with us in the midst of our difficulties and that's how we learn to trust Him.

The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold.
God's breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. Job 37:9
northernimages > Snow Dunes
The arctic front charged into the area with -20F air temperatures and  -50F wind chills. It was evident that this was going to be a strong cold front even by February standards.

As snow streamed across Caribou Lake it piled into wave like patterns that advanced across the surface of the lake like desert sand dunes shifting in the wind.

When I knelt into a drift to set up my tripod, the blowing snow quickly filled every seam in my camera bag and poked into my face like a thousand small needles. I took my gloves off for a few seconds to change some camera setting and the cold bit into my fingers so quickly that it caught me off guard. I was dressed for the weather, but this was extreme.

The setting sun highlighting the snow dunes was an awesome display of Gods creation, and even though the beautiful sunset only lasted for few minutes, that's about how long I lasted in the frigid wind chill. When I stepped back into my house, I appreciated the warm fireplace, far more than before I when outside.

I knew it wouldn't be long before the warmer days of spring would arrive, and the cold snaps of winter would fade into fond memories.

It's was amazing how the beauty of God's creation was there even in the midst of extreme weather. I think that's what he wants to show us in these situations, that he doesn't necessarily keep us from our difficulties, rather that He is there with us in the midst of our difficulties and that's how we learn to trust Him.

The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold.
God's breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. Job 37:9
Snow Dunes
The arctic front charged into the area with -20F air temperatures and -50F wind chills. It was evident that this was going to be a strong cold front even by February standards.

As snow streamed across Caribou Lake it piled into wave like patterns that advanced across the surface of the lake like desert sand dunes shifting in the wind.

When I knelt into a drift to set up my tripod, the blowing snow quickly filled every seam in my camera bag and poked into my face like a thousand small needles. I took my gloves off for a few seconds to change some camera setting and the cold bit into my fingers so quickly that it caught me off guard. I was dressed for the weather, but this was extreme.

The setting sun highlighting the snow dunes was an awesome display of Gods creation, and even though the beautiful sunset only lasted for few minutes, that's about how long I lasted in the frigid wind chill. When I stepped back into my house, I appreciated the warm fireplace, far more than before I when outside.

I knew it wouldn't be long before the warmer days of spring would arrive, and the cold snaps of winter would fade into fond memories.

It's was amazing how the beauty of God's creation was there even in the midst of extreme weather. I think that's what he wants to show us in these situations, that he doesn't necessarily keep us from our difficulties, rather that He is there with us in the midst of our difficulties and that's how we learn to trust Him.

The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold.
God's breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. Job 37:9
See photo in gallery

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