Surrounded by huge icicles, and frigid Lake Michigan, Chris takes a photograph of me, taking a photograph of him. We're on the pier in St. Joseph, Michigan capturing the ice formations on the outer lighthouse and the catwalk. The catwalk was built so lighthouse keepers wouldn't need to worry too much about washing over the side when it's wavy on the lake. Looks as if the keeper wouldn't be able to get to the light after this period of freezing spray.
Pancake ice, that is. As the lake water freezes near the St. Joseph, Michigan lighthouse, ice forms. The wind and wave action constantly move the pieces of ice, and they pack together in circles-growing radially forming these interesting circles.
The ones here were about five feet in diameter.
Perhaps they should call them kolache ice, as they appear to have a fruit filling in the center.
A closer view of the outer light of the St. Joseph, Michigan range lights. The ice and snow give the lighthouse the look of cake frosting.
This week, the temperature climbed up near 60 degrees, so I'm assuming the ice no longer covers the lighthouses of lower Lake Michigan. Temperatures are falling today, so perhaps a fresh batch of ice will be clinging to this tower soon.
One can't help but notice the thick ice on the lighthouses of the Great Lakes in winter, but a closer look often yields some very interesting formations. While carefully moving toward the windward side of the outer light - through an arch created by the ice hanging between the tower and a cable - I captured the view up toward the lantern.
The tons of ice hanging above created an interesting "room" resembling the interior of a cave, complete with stalactites and stalagmites.
Although they are millions of miles apart, the Moon and Jupiter appear only a few degrees apart tonight, January 21, 2013. This conjunction of Jupiter and the Moon is the closest they will appear until 2026.
It was worth standing in the 8 degree cold for a few moments to capture this image.
Not much growing during this time of year, but interesting things can often be found if you look around. These wildflowers dried out a long time ago, but still dot the landscape.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Preserve.
Another test for the new lens....
Built in 1886, this one room schoolhouse served the local residents of Palos Park, Illinois for decades. Around 1915, the landscape changed from mostly agriculture to forest as the Cook County Forest Preserve was established. The number of pupils declined until the school was closed, and tuned into a nature learning center.
Today, a modern facility stands a few feet away, and this building stands empty once again. I hope the future includes a school museum, with exhibits outlining the daily lives of the school teachers and children of the Little Red Schoolhouse.
An unusually warm January day! The perfect day for a trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
This particular dune continues to see a lot of erosion, not only from the wind, and the waves of Lake Michigan, but from the small stream that runs at its foot. Marram Grass refuses to grow (or, it's not being allowed) on the windward side of the dune. The sand doesn't stay in place long enough for the grass to take hold, and if it does begin to grow, the stream undermines the foot of the dune causing a collapse and mini landslide, dragging the grass down to the lake.
After a couple of days of 40 and 50 degree weather, ice remained in some shaded blowouts along the stream.
A few hours later, temperatures dropped and sleet began to fall, reminding us that winter was still in control.
Dan takes a break during a long hike in Cowles Bog. This point was two miles from the parking area, and the highest point on the trail. The views were great - in the winter, the leaves don't obstruct anything.
Most of the snow melted on this part of the dune, but much of the wooded areas were still covered under an inch or so.
Still two miles back to the trail head, Dan took the opportunity to rest on the exposed roots of an oak tree.
I've seen this ride a few times over the years. A local resident who put together a little train ride for the children who visit. It appears to be built of plastic barrels bolted to hand carts. Genius.
LaPorte County, Indiana
Dan takes a ride on a bear at the annual Bass Pro Shops Christmas Fest. Bringing a good old fashioned Christmas to children with free rides, shooting galleries, archery targets, photos with Santa, and crafts.
