April 1 - Crescent CityA crescent moon quietly glows over the city of Duluth, where only a few residents are awake to enjoy it. Daylight hours now surpass night, and winter is giving up its strength to the incoming season.The hour just before sunrise is a magical time of day for photography. It is an excellent time for photographers to capture stunning images using natural light. Saturated colors magnify the beauty of creations, and calm winds add to the effect.When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,Four what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8Each day is a gift from the One who made all things!
April 2 - Springtime in the ForestThe Amnicon River, flowing through Amnicon State Park south of Superior, Wisconsin, is rushing with melting snow from the inland snowpack.The Horton Bridge in Amnicon State Park is a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. This picturesque bridge spans the Amnicon River and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. It is also called a Bowstring bridge and a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. Revelation 14:2The sweet smell of the pine needles covering the forest floor was overpowering, as were the sounds of the birds and the rush of water. Go for a walk today if you can; it will be a wake-up call to enjoy God's creation.
April 3 - Making Headway Thick lake ice slows up lakers as they make their way to open water with the help of the Coast Guard.Each year has its share of ice cover for the Lakers to push through, and even though it is often slow going, the arrival of springtime pushes forward. One scripture about persistence is Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up."Keep working on your project today; a little at a time will provide great rewards.
Whitetail deer seeming suprised by a late April storm.
April 7 - Split Rock SeascapeLake Superior kicks up some waves at Split Rock Beach.While it is still only April, the shoreline around Lake Superior shows its beauty in a summer-like fashion.You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. Psalm 89:9The Power of God is evident in all that surrounds us.
April 11 - Shovel PointSpringtime is returning to the Northland as winter begins to lose its icy grip. The combination of ice, orange lichen, blues of the water, and forest green paints a tapestry of early spring.Soon, the warm summer breezes will dissolve the ice away next year."For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12 Today is the day that the Lord has made. Enjoy it.
April 6 - Eagle EyeA bald eagle watches me closely as it stands guard over its nearby nest.In 1782, the United States of America appropriately named the bald eagle as its national emblem.Bald eagles can reach up to 7 feet in wingspan, making them one of North America's largest birds of prey. They can live up to 30 years in the wild and mate for life. They are also known for their impressive eyesight, which is four times sharper than a human's. Is it your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high? Job 39:27For his glory, God's creation displays fantastic creatures, such as the bald eagle. Next time you see one flying overhead, thank God for his creation.
April 5 - April Snow at Gooseberry FallsA mid-April snowstorm blanketed Gooseberry Falls with a beautiful coat of fresh snow. Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Revelation 22:1A clean, fresh snowfall is lovely to enjoy any time of year.
April 8 - Frigid Gooseberry FallsGooseberry Falls, still showing remnants of winter, is being charged up with the beginning of spring runoff. Over the next few weeks, meltwater will gorge the river valley with tremendous amounts of water from melting snow in the inland swamps and spring rains. The freshwater brushing past dissolves the remnant of underlying ice left over from winter.The water finishes its trip into Lake Superior and replenishes the big lake for another summer."Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me." - Psalm 42:7Springtime is a time for hope and planning. All of summer lies ahead.
April 10 - RollersLake Superior storms can be very powerful in mid-April, as shown by these waves at Canal Park. When high wave warnings go out, Surfers and photographers flock to the shore to catch "The Big One." A cold slap in the face from the waves is a perfect therapy for a routine day.Few things are more dramatic than viewing and feeling the power of a noreaster as it stirs up Lake Superior."Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!" Psalm 93:4 The power of God displayed in nature is small compared to his love for you.
April 12 - Raw PowerWith April now leaning into springtime, winter has mostly lost its grip, but it can still pack a punch when it wants to.Here, towering waves slam the high cliffs of Lake Superior's north shore, creating a stir and a majestic view of water in action."The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." - Psalm 93:4It doesn't take much to make one feel small, which is OK.
Noreaster
April 13 - Spring FishingA quiet morning of fishing on the shore of Lake Superior is a time of escape and peacefulness. Being alone on the lakeshore provides a calming rest.April is an excellent time for salmon spawning on Lake Superior. The lake's crystal-clear waters provide a perfect habitat for the fish to lay their eggs. It's fascinating to see the fish swimming upstream against the current, determined to reach their spawning grounds. The spectacle is not only a testament to the resilience and strength of the salmon but also to the beauty and power of nature."The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23If you want to feel better, go for a walk and look around. Things aren't as bad as they seem.
April 15 - Lake Superior ShoresThe April storm pounds the North Shore of Lake Superior, and the waves roll the rounded rocks, creating a distinct sound like they are gathering bowling balls together.Cedar trees are known for their hardiness, especially for the species that grow along the shores of Lake Superior. The harsh winds, frigid temperatures, and heavy snowfall during the winter months expose these trees to adverse conditions. However, they can survive and thrive in these conditions thanks to their firm and flexible branches, deep root systems, and ability to withstand extreme cold. Cedar trees are often used in landscaping projects along the shores of Lake Superior due to their ability to withstand the harsh climate and provide year-round greenery."For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,..." Isaiah 55:10The scene containing water, trees, and skies illustrates God's handiwork.
April 16 - April NoreasterDuluth Lighthouses stand up to gale-force winds. Keeping a tripod steady is challenging in these winds, as is trying to keep spray off the camera lens.These two lighthouses have withstood the beatings of Lake Superior waves for more than a century and are a tribute to the engineering of the early 1900s.He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29What storms in your life seem to be overcoming you? With God's help, you can stand like a lighthouse and hold fast to Him.
April 17 - Tugs at WorkTwo Heritage Marine tugs work away to pull the John G Munson out of an icy harbor.The powerful tugs made it easy to free Munson, who soon departed the harbor for another season of work."God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1Sometimes, we need help from those around us, which is a humbling experience.
April 18 - Spring RunoffSpring Runoff is in full swing at Amnicon State Park. The roar of falling water welcomes a new season. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, they flow again. Ecclesiastes 1:7 Springtime represents a new season and new life. Take the time to enjoy and appreciate it.
April 19 - Fisherman's PierFishermen gather to try their luck at catching lake trout from the piers of the Duluth Shipping Canal. Spring fishing on the piers of Duluth is a popular pastime for locals and tourists. As the ice melts on Lake Superior, fishermen gather at the Fisherman's Pier to try their luck at catching lake trout. The piers offer a great vantage point to catch a glimpse of the ships passing through the Duluth Shipping Canal while waiting for a catch. It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:28Fishing is one of the most tremendous mind-healing therapies known to man.
April 20 - Stormy WatersLake Superior waves roll onto the shoreline at Split Rock Lighthouse.It's common to experience such events during March and April's constantly shifting weather conditions. Observing these powerful conditions is a joy not only for photographers but also for travelers.He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2God is with us in the storms of life, providing comfort to the weary.
April 21st: Blatnik Bridge Night Light - Lights from the Blatnik Bridge reflect off the St. Louis Bay just after twilight, and a peaceful calm settles across the bay.The Blatnik Bridge is a truss arch bridge spanning Saint Louis Bay on Interstate Highway 535, connecting Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. It is named in honor of Congressman John A. Blatnik and opened to traffic in 1961. The bridge is 7,980 feet long and 120 feet above the water. The bridge also provides a stunning view of Saint Louis Bay, especially during sunrise and sunset."Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6This scripture reminds us to trust God's guidance and not rely solely on our understanding. Just like a bridge can help us overcome a physical obstacle, trusting in God can help us navigate life's challenges and lead us down the right path.
April 22—Springtime on the Brule. Springtime on the Brule River is often snow-covered. A visit to the Brule in April is a fantastic way to experience the peaceful forest and quiet whipper of spring runoff. Despite the snow-covered surroundings, the Brule River is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts during the spring months. The river is home to various fish species, including steelhead, brown trout, and brook trout, and the spring season provides an excellent opportunity to catch them. "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." - John 7:38The peaceful influence of snowfall during springtime in the Northland is like a healing tonic for the soul, a divine gift from our heavenly creator.
Just haning around it's nest with it's sibling is this baby Great Horned Owl
April 24 - Great Horned Owl. An adult Great Horned Owl keeps its eyes on me and its baby chicks in a nearby tree.Great-horned owls are fascinating creatures! Did you know that they are one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, often laying their eggs in January or February? They are also known for their distinctive hooting call, which can be heard from up to two miles away. Great-horned owls have large talons that can exert a force of 500 pounds per square inch, allowing them to easily capture and kill prey as large as rabbits and skunks. "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:31This verse reminds us that everything in the natural world has a purpose and function and that each part of creation is interconnected and dependent on the others.
April 25 - Surf's Up! An April Noreaster stirs Lake Superior into a mighty display of wind and waves. The waves exert tons of pressure on these historic lighthouses that have stood the test of Lake Superior for over 100 years."For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." - Romans 1:20It is not hard to see God's powerful hand in everything around us, especially in the storms.
April 26—Sunrise Wakup—As the ocean freighter sits at anchor, waiting to load grain in Duluth, the local gulls and the ship crew wake up to a beautiful sunrise over Lake Superior.By late April, migration birds will return and begin to nest, a sign of new life to a new day."This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24Springtime brings new life and the joy of warm days and longer daylight hours—Something to be thankful for.
April 27—Double Take—The Aerial Lift Bridge frames the Blatnik Bridge on a fantastic April evening. The longer daylight hours of Late April now extend into the midevening.Warming breezes and stronger sunshine are nearly wholly dissolving the winter ice cover on Lake Superior, a promising sign of hope for a new season."Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23A short walk in these lingering springtime days is a sure remedy for the strife of life.
April 9 - Saltie Arrival Arriving under the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Saltie arrived to load grain. Tug boats guide the large vessel through the harbor.Foreign boats need to become more familiar with the harbor and need assistance getting to their dock safely.Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse reminds us that we should trust God to guide us through life's challenges, just as tug boats guide large vessels through unfamiliar harbors.
April 28 - Sunrise ShippingThe Johanna C waits at anchor with a load of wind turbine blades ready for delivery. Sunrise is a fabulous time to watch and reflect on yesterday and set your sails for the day ahead."Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12If we can learn to take things a day at a time, we can relax, knowing that most things are out of our control.
April 29- Daybreak on the CanalThe 1000ft Paul R Trgurtha is a frequent visitor to the Twin Ports and arrives at the Canal on a beautiful April morning.Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift my soul. Psalm 143:8 Morning is a special time of day at the Canal - a time of rest and reflection.
April 30 - Springtime in the ForestThe Amnicon River, flowing through Amnicon State Park south of Superior, Wisconsin, is rushing with melting snow from the inland snowpack.The Horton Bridge in Amnicon State Park is a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. This picturesque bridge spans the Amnicon River and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. It is also called a Bowstring bridge and a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. Revelation 14:2The sweet smell of the pine needles covering the forest floor was overpowering, as were the sounds of the birds and the rush of water. Go for a walk today if you can; it will be a wake-up call to enjoy God's creation.
March 28 - Springtime Snow!March is a transition season in the Northland, occasionally creating winter scenes as a reminder not to plant your garden yet.Heavy snow blankets Chester Creek in Duluth in this scene, still in the middle of spring runoff.While the snow will be short-lived, its life-giving water is a welcome provision for the upcoming seasons."For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,..." Isaiah 55:10Sometimes, the temporary difficulties of life turn into blessings.
