June 26—Locomotive 28—Making a scenic run to Two Harbors from Duluth, Locomotive 28 is certainly a step back and an essential icon of local heritage. It has transported passengers and freight throughout the North Shore region of Lake Superior for many years. Locomotive 28 was built in 1906 and was operational until 1954 when it was retired. It was restored in the 1970s as a prominent reminder of days gone by."Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You." - Jeremiah 32:17These powerful locomotives helped build a nation and hold a place in many hearts, a reminder of the power of god used to construct the universe.
June 3 - Split Rock Lighthouse Lens - The lighthouse lens at Split Rock Lighthouse is an incredible work of art.The Parisian company Barbier, Benard, and Turenne manufactured the Split Rock Lighthouse lens, a fourth-order Fresnel lens installed in 1910 and used until 1969. The lens comprises 252 glass prisms arranged in a beehive shape, 8 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. The lens can project a light beam visible up to 22 nautical miles away. The designer made the lens rotate on a mercury bed, enabling it to turn with minimal effort. At the lighthouse museum, visitors can observe the original Split Rock Lighthouse lens up close and view a full-size replica in the visitor center."Therefore let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
June 4th - Seagull LookoutA seagull rests atop the lichen-covered rocks of the North Shore of Lake Superior in the Grand Marais Harbor to scouts for fish.
June 5 - Kingsbury CreekBlossoms, waterfalls, and green once again welcome summer in the Northland. Kingsberry Creek falls down the Duluth hillside behind the Duluth Zoo in West Duluth. A relatively obscure walking path brings you to this CCC bridge, built in the 1930s.Springtime, a season of rebirth and new beginnings, offers a chance to rejuvenate your mind and bask in the crisp, fresh air."See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me."A short walk today will refresh your soul.
June 6—Family Loons—On a warm June evening, a pair of loons mind their two-day-old chicks.Common loons are dedicated parents who care significantly about raising their young. After hatching, loon chicks ride on their parents' backs for the first few weeks until they are strong enough to swim and dive independently. The parents teach their chicks how to forage for food and avoid predators like eagles and otters. Interestingly, loon parents can recognize the vocalizations of their chicks, even in a crowd of hundreds of other loons. In addition, loon chicks can swim and dive within 24 hours of hatching, making them one of the fastest-developing bird species in the world."Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26This scripture reminds us of God's care and provision for all living creatures, including birds. Loon parents are dedicated to caring for their young, just as God is committed to meeting our needs and caring for us.
June 7th -
June 8 - Gunflint Lake Sunset - The day gently fades away, with the serene hues of magenta and orange painting a tranquil picture on the canvas of Gunflint Lake.The colors reflect in the calm waters, bringing serenity to the landscape and peace to the soul. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters." Psalm 23:2True peace and serenity are found beyond this scene as God invites us to look deeper into the heart of the one who brought the elements together to create the scene for His glory and our enjoyment.
June 9—Two Harbors Lighthouse—The Two Harbors Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Two Harbors, Minnesota, United States. It was first lit in 1892 and has been a sentinel over Agate Bay for over 100 years. The lighthouse is made of red brick and stands at a height of 47 feet. It still illuminates today and is visible for 14 nautical miles. The Lake County Historical Society operates the lighthouse as a bed and breakfast."God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." - Psalm 46:1-2, Hebrews 6:19The lighthouse reminds us of a safe harbor, which we find in Christ.
June 11—Feeding Time—Imagine this: with their baby snugly tucked in soft feathers under its mother's wing, the dad carefully delivers a fresh minnow to the growing baby loon. It's a heartwarming sight that showcases the nurturing nature of these magnificent birds.Are baby loon chicks born with the ability to swim right after hatching? Although they can swim, they can only fly at 11-12 weeks old. The babies spend all their time on the water, relying on their parents for food and protection. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4We can have confidence that our Lord will keep us until we are finally home.
June 10—Philip R Clarke—On a warm summer morning, The Philip R Clarke arrives under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge."Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me"—Psalm 23:4. This scripture serves as a constant reminder that no matter how treacherous the journey, we need not fear. For God is not a distant figure, but a constant companion, guiding and protecting us every step of the way. We can trust in His unwavering presence to provide us with safe passage, even through the harshest of circumstances.
June 12—The Anchorage—An ocean freighter, poised at anchorage on Lake Superior, awaits its turn to embark on a journey of loading grain in Duluth. The early morning light, a blend of magentas and blues, adds a touch of anticipation to the scene.The soft first light of day and the calm lake, the scene sets your soul at rest for a fresh start."The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." - Psalm 23:1-3Fresh starts are an excellent way to set your course for the day ahead.
June 13—Loon Patrol—On a calm June evening, a pair of common loons patrol the shoreline of Caribou Lake as the sun sets into the west.Loons are excellent divers and can hold their breath for up to five minutes. They are also incredibly fast and efficient swimmers and can easily dive to 30 feet to catch small fish. Their calls, a haunting melody that reverberates across the lake, are a truly unique and captivating aspect of these magnificent birds."The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." - Psalm 23:1-3Enjoy your next sunset - it is a gift from God.
June 14—Dewdrop Daisies— It's genuinely captivating how dewdrops refract the images of objects behind them, acting as tiny prisms. In the case of dewdrop daisies, the dewdrops capture the daisy right behind the leaf, creating a sight of unparalleled beauty."But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18Just as nature reflects God's glory, so do we.
June 15—Lake Superior Agates—Lake Superior Agates, the rare gems of the inland seas, are renowned for their unique red, orange, and yellow banding patterns. This exclusivity makes them one of the most coveted gemstones worldwide.People find Lake Superior agates along the shores of Lake Superior and surrounding gravel pits in the United States and Canada. Agates are chalcedony minerals that form cavities within volcanic rock. Different mineral deposits, such as iron oxide, manganese oxide, and silica, cause banding patterns.Minnesota designated Lake Superior Agate as the official state gemstone in 1969."The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald" - Revelation 21:19 If agates decorate heaven, they certainly are valued by our God.
June 16—Pink Lady Slipper—The pink Lady Slipper is a rare wildflower usually found deep in the northern woodlands. As hard as it is to see, I found it in a swamp behind my house.The pink lady slipper, or Cypripedium acaule, is a type of orchid native to North America. Its single pink flower, with a pouch-like lip, is a masterpiece of nature. Standing up to three feet tall, it blooms from late spring to early summer, adding a touch of elegance to acidic, well-drained soils in woodland areas, particularly those with pine trees."Consider the wildflowers, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." - Luke 12:27God's glory is revealed in the beauty of His creation, including the hidden flowers and the stars of the universe.
June 17—Ruby-Throated Hummingbird—The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is a fascinating creature. It is the only species of hummingbird that breeds in eastern North America. These tiny birds can flap their wings up to 80 times per second, and they can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, which is something that no other bird can do. "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:26Only God could have conceived of such a work of creation, made for His glory and our enjoyment.
June 18—Lupines—By mid-June, the beautiful lupine wildflowers grow out of the local ditches and hillsides, decorating the landscape with a purple, pink, blue, and white tapestry.Lupines are not just beautiful. Their deep taproot can reach up to 15 feet underground, allowing them to survive in harsh and dry conditions. Lupines are also an essential food source for many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds."Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." - Luke 12:27Next time you see a patch of lupines, stop and thank God for making such a wonderful wildflower.
June 19—Split Rock Lighthouse—Located high above Lake Superior on a 130-foot cliff, Split Rock Lighthouse is an icon of the North Shore.Since its establishment in 1910, Split Rock Lighthouse has been a beacon of hope, guiding ships across the vast expanse of Lake Superior with its powerful lens. A fierce storm in 1905 that sank 29 ships led to the construction of Split Rock Lighthouse."The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1You will soon reach safe harbor with the Lord as your guiding light.
June 20 - Solstice SunriseWith the long summer days now upon us, the sunrise is far into the northern azimuth. Yet, looking up the North Shore of Lake Superior, the sun will not begin tracking southward as part of its designed path laid out by the hand of God.From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Psalm 113:3Thank you, Lord, for another season of enjoying your handiwork.
June 21 - Shy Guy!A curious whitetail deer peeks behind a branch to look into a camera lens.As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42-1God created the hidden beauty within the forest for our pleasure and His glory!
June 22 - Summer SailsWith warm and long summer days in the Northland, the sailboats come out full force to enjoy Lake Superior and relax in the soft breezes.God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:10Watching a sailboat relaxes the mind, much like reading God's Word brings peace to the soul.
June 23 - A Spectacle of Pink Showy Lady Slippers - As if by magic, the Showy Pink Lady Slippers burst into bloom, heralding the peak of the wildflower season. These exquisite flowers, each a testament to the beauty of creation, unfurl one by one, creating a breathtaking display of color and life.The Showy Pink Lady Slipper is a type of orchid native to North America. Due to its beauty and medicinal properties, it is a rare and protected species. It is also the State Flower of Minnesota. The flower has a distinctive pouch-shaped lip that resembles a lady's slipper, hence the name. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." - Matthew 6:28-29The blossoms, like life, last just a short time and walk humbly before our God.
June 24 - Feeding Time!An adult piliated woodpecker brings fresh grubs to the two babies waiting in the nest.The nest holes these birds make offer crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens.
June 25 - Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge - Built in 1905, the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge spans the Duluth Shipping Canal between Duluth and Park Point.The bridge is the main attraction in Duluth, visited by thousands of tourists and locals every day, and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the state."Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" - Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse reminds us to trust God and His guidance, especially when crossing life's bridges.
June 26—Locomotive 28—Making a scenic run to Two Harbors from Duluth, Locomotive 28 is certainly a step back and an essential icon of local heritage. It has transported passengers and freight throughout the North Shore region of Lake Superior for many years. Locomotive 28 was built in 1906 and was operational until 1954 when it was retired. It was restored in the 1970s as a prominent reminder of days gone by."Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You." - Jeremiah 32:17These powerful locomotives helped build a nation and hold a place in many hearts, a reminder of the power of god used to construct the universe.
June 27—Storm Front: An approaching wall cloud warns of severe weather on the horizon over Caribou Lake.Late June is a critical period for storms in the Northland, and the striking advance of these foreboding formations is a collective call to action for us all to seek shelter. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 In times of storms and danger, it is important to seek shelter and protection. Just as we can physically seek shelter from a storm, we can also seek refuge and strength in God during times of trouble.
One of the most impressive waterfalls in the state of Minnesota, Gooseberry is always an incredible place.
June 29- Glory Be! Milky Way - The Milky Way, a perennial photography favorite, graces the Northlands night sky from February through November. Take advantage of this opportunity to witness its glory.By gazing upon the Milky Way, one can't help but be humbled by the vastness of the universe, a testament to the divine glory it proclaims.The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy with more than 100 billion stars, many of which are similar to our sun. The galaxy is approximately 100,000 light-years in diameter and about 1,000 light-years thick. "He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names." Psalm 147:4 Thank God for His wonderful creation that helps point the way to Him.
June 30 - Lightning - Lightning is one of the most dramatic and eye-catching events to photograph. While safety is a severe concern, keeping your distance and enjoying the bolts' power is accessible.Lightning strikes the Earth about 100 times every second, or 8 million times a day, each bolt carrying a current of 30,000 to 50,000 amps. This staggering power and frequency of nature's forces is truly awe-inspiring."The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them." - Psalm 18:13-14Lightning is an incredible display of God's creation and His power.
June 2—Night Light—Far and wide, people can see the incredible sight of the shining beacon at Split Rock Lighthouse. This picturesque lighthouse, built in 1910, provided a sign of assurance for many boats traversing Lake Superior. In an era of no GPS and few navigation aids, when the flashing beam of light from Split Rock was finally spotted by mariners, it was indeed a comfort and assurance."Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." - Matthew 5:14The only way to have assurance in this world is salvation by Jesus Christ.
