.March 1 - March at Split RockSplit Rock Lighthouse stands high above Lake Superior on a beautiful early spring afternoon.Lighthouse Keepers at Split Rock Light would move to the Lighthouse in the Spring and stay until late Autumn. Today, the Keeper and his family live on-site and enjoy and manage the light and grounds year-round.For you are my rock and my fortress;and for your name's sake, you lead me and guide me Psalm 31:3The fortitude and loyalty of the lighthouse keepers are a reminder of our hardy nautical heritage.
March 2 - Blue Jay in the CedarsBluejays are one of the most beautiful northern birds that exist on earth. These beautiful birds live up to 25 years and can be found in backyards as easily as in northern forests.Interestingly, the blue color of their feathers is not actually from pigment but rather from the structure of their feathers that reflects light, making the Blue Jay a genuinely fascinating and beautiful bird to observe in the wild.Knowing the designer, what a pleasure to view such a work of creation.Beside streams, the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. Psalm 104:12Creation declares God's glory, whether the stars, weather, or birds.
March 3 - Black-Capped ChickadeeIt is always amazing how these challenging little birds sing through winter.Chickadees are challenging little birds that do not migrate. However, during cold weather, Chickadees have been found to need twenty times more food than they do in summer. Beside streams, the birds of the heavens dwell;they sing among the branches. Psalm 104:12God created these little creatures to show us his provision not only for the small things but also for us.
March 4 - Spring Star TrailsStar trails are easy to photograph using a tripod and photo release cable. You set a manual exposure of 3 to 30 minutes, and you will have your star trails.In this image, I set up the camera looking north to capture the North Star (Polaris) as the stars rotate in a circle around it. It is the rotation of the earth that creates the appearance of the stars moving.The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1It is a humbling experience to view our Master Creator's Work on full display in the night skies.
March 5 - Fresh LightOn an early March morning, Duluth Lighthouses welcome warmer weather and the promise of Spring.Sunrises at the Canal never get old, and combined with the sounds of the waves and birds, they set you up for a good day!For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. 2 Sam 22:29The light of a new day constantly renews our spirit and energizes our soul.
March 6 - Spring Breakup at Wisconsin PointThe aerial image of the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse shows that the ice on Lake Superior is rapidly breaking up by early March. The blue water is a welcome sight after a long winter in the Northland—a sure hope of the soon-arriving Springtime.For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11Soon, new life and fresh colors will begin to show throughout the landscape.
March 7 - Evening IceMarch is a great month to watch nature. Daylight hours are rapidly expanding, wildlife is beginning to move, and plants are starting to wake up from a long winter's nap. You can't help but notice the changing seasons with a springtime walk along Lake Superior's shoreline. The colors, climate, and fresh air join together to shout out that a new season has begun.calling the light "day," and the darkness "night." The twilight and the dawn were day one. Gen 1:5In this picture, shore ice melts away along with the fading light of day in one last display of winter beauty.
March 8 - Ice BoatsSpringtime brings a contrast of seasons and activities. Here, the Coast Guard Cutter Alder smashes its way through harbor ice as a local "ice boat" has probably gone for its last sail of the winter season.A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:2March is is a time of hope and joy of new life and new seasons.
March 9 - Blue IceIn late winter, ice embraces the shores of Lake Superior like a necklace. This natural wonder's beauty adds a subtle white finishing touch to the never-ending glory of God's creation.A short drive from Duluth up the North Shore during March will bring you to the ice fields pushed up by the wave action of Lake Superior.By the breath of God, ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Job 37:10It is amazing how nature, wherever you look, points to the God of Creation.
March 10 - Night LightsThe March full moon beams through the Duluth North Pier Lighthouse lantern room.He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows it's time for setting. Psalm 104:19It's nice to know that some things in life never change, such as the universe's perfect clockwork.
March 11 - Ice BreakingA Coast Guard cutter breaking ice in the Duluth Harbor, preparing for the shipping season, is a sure sign of spring.Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. James 3:4Even with relatively cool temperatures, the evidence of springtime is showing up everywhere around us..
March 12 - Apostle Island Sea CavesThe Apostle Island sea caves are a fantastic place to visit in early March if ice conditions permit on Lake Superior. The ethereal view of the sandstone caverns splashed with a winter's work of ice from Lake Superior makes for a true sight to behold.When you enter the caves, you feel you are walking into a work of art that has taken eons to craft. Indeed, the elements were used as tools in God's hands to create these incredible echo chambers."Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, Job 38:22The various views of creation never get boring.
March 13 - Cold BlueSpringtime ice formations along the north shore of Lake Superior are fascinating works of art and a sure sign of Spring.The ice ridges often get pushed up onto the shore, sometimes overnight, and you can usually watch the large ice chunks moving against each other as they pile high.Ice appears blue because it absorbs more red and yellow light than other colors in the visible spectrum. When sunlight hits the ice, the blue light is transmitted and scattered in all directions, making the ice appear blue to our eyes. For this reason, deep bodies of water often appear blue.For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Psalm 71:5A refreshing part of early Spring is looking forward to the next six months of warmth and long daylight hours.
March 14 - Magenta IceDeep colors of a saturated sky Cold waters and warm skies end a sunny March day in the Northland.He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29Thankfulness for fresh air and calm waters bring peace to the soul.
March 15 - Ice CoastMarch brings fabulous blue ice to the North Shore of Lake Superior. The blue skies of early Spring contrasted with the pure white ice along the shore of Lake Superior is a sight to behold.By the breath of God, ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Job 37:10It is incredible how a breath of fresh air seems to break the monotony of winter and raise the future's hope.
March 16 - Icy CavesThe Apostle Islands sit just offshore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. Erosion of the sandstone has carved out sea caves which can be visited by boat during the summer and on skies during colder winters. The caves are one of the region's wonders and give new meaning to "Heaven on Earth."Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! Psalm 57:5Viewing these wonders causes one to appreciate creation and give thanks for the beauty of the earth.
March 17 - Northern LightsLake ice melts away by mid-march, and auroras often sweep through the northern sky. While the landscapes are not yet green, the northern lights of the night skies fill in the void until May.You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; Heb 1:10On occasion, go out and look up into the night skies. There you will see the work of the hand of God.
March 18 - Coast Guard Cutter MackinawThe CGC Mackinaw arrived in Duluth to break up the harbor ice and welcome springtime.For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12The melting of ice and freshness of springtime breaks the cold of winter and energizes our soul.
March 19 - Sky FireMarch is an excellent time for viewing the northern lights. Springtime provides long hours of darkness to view the colorful displays through crystal clear skies.And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, - Genesis 1:14Viewing the night sky fills us with wonder and our soul with praise for the one who created it all.
March 20-Snow ConeWhile Spring may be in the air, it is not unusual to see a bit of frost in the morning while it is unexpected. Here, a heavy frost coats a Norway Pine tree, giving it a touch of wither beauty.Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23Even in the unexpected events of life, God is in control.
Mesabi Miner gets some help from tugs as it breaks out of the harbor after winter layup
James R Barker plows through an ice field in the Duluth Harbor
A Laker makes it's way through the Duluth SHipping Canal on a warm March afternoon.
March 24 - Habor ReflectionsOn a peaceful March evening, a full moon rises behind the lift bridge and casts its glow across the calm waters of Duluth Harbor.I always enjoy watching the moon rise because it represents the perfect order of the universe.As in water, face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19Reflections are a good reminder to relax and contemplate God's creation, evident in the world around us.
March 25 - Spring BreakupRiver ice breaking up and falling over Gooseberry Falls.
March 26 - Crescent MoonYou are viewing an early morning moonrise over Canal Park on a late March morning. Quiet waters and saturated colors bring a fresh start to the day.He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. Psalm 104:19Time is marching on, and we are already 83 days into the new year. So make the most of your time today..
The 1000 Ft Mesabi Miner appears to be floating on ice as it makes its way across Lake Superior.
March 28 - Sun PillarIce crystals in the atmosphere create a towering sun pillar as the sun sets.For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Psalm 36:9
March 29 - Spring SplashLake Superior spits the ice remnants onto shore as it gives up the last bits of winter ice cover. The cold spray on the camera lens and the water drops on my glasses are a fond farewell as a fading season of cold gives way to a warming landscape.The book of Psalms, chapter 147, verse 17, says, "He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?" This verse reminds us of God's power and majesty, who controls even cold waves and winter storms. It's a humbling reminder of our place in the grand scheme of things and a call to trust in God's wisdom and provision even when the world around us seems chaotic and unpredictable.
Early Spring shipping.
March 31 - Springtime Snow!March is a transition season around the Northland. Therefore, winter scenes are occasionally created as a reminder not to plant your garden quite yet.In this scene, heavy snow blankets Chester Creek in Duluth, still in the middle of spring runoff.“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 55:10
