I love clouds. There is something mystical or restorative about them. The Winter this year has been a challenge as it has been for many on the Island and beyond. It keeps plugging along with snow continuously piling up more snow. Time for a review of my favorite Winter images.
Photo: Joe Atwell
January 23
Here’s Doug Foss on the Dorothy Ann Pathfinder over his Winter Break. This guy sure knows how to have fun. Doug says it was -8 with a windchill of -40 the day this photo was taken. The crew was kept out longer this year before the expected Winter layup. This image was snapped the day after a storm came up after leaving Cleveland. Mother Nature kicked up 15 to 20 foot seas all the way up Lake Erie to the Canadian border. Doug did mention if the photo was a close up, one could see his teeth chattering.
Photo: Kate Kaniff
February 1 -
Kate took this image as she left the Island on February 1 en route to participate in the Washington Island Fishboil at Fitzgerald’s in the Chicago area. This scene is typical of a crossing in the Winter months. There is no telling how long the effects of Winter will last this year.
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
Just about a month ago, Melinda raced the sun on her way home. Beautiful, significant images are like that. They can capture us and suddenly time goes on hold and we are consumed with getting one more - or seven - shots. It can be a rich, fulfilling race. Forgetting time and taking in this immense experience can renew us. It is part of the reason Washington Island and places like it, are special.
The following words are Melinda’s:
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
February 2 -
“Sunset on this Ground Hog day in February...
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
the sun was playing with the horizon... closer and closer... but not to be caught...
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
filling the sky with emotion... and doing his best to apologize for that polar vortex fellow that hung around far too long.
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
I tried to catch Mr. Sun on my Beach, but he had slipped into the Lake and …
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
left in his wake the most gentle pink glow everywhere...
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
such behavior deserves a great big two-arm hug❤️ “
Photo: Melinda Ellefson
I was amazed when I saw these images. I asked Melinda how long it took her to capture this series. One day? Two? A week? “No”, she replied, “ all last night... twice around the block... Townline, Rangeline, Airport, Jackson Harbor , and then home... got it though... it does happen quickly!”
Over on the Island, the conditions force people to keep an eye on their roofs as well as those of their neighbors, raking off the excess white matter to prevent damage.
Photo: Anna Gibson
March 3
Figenschau Bay
Well, there is a little blue out there. Maybe Winter is moving along. Not to get excited though as this transition time is usually just as challenging.
Photo: Anna Gibson
It has to start melting sooner or later.
Photo: Paula Hedeen
March 10 -
Paula posted this. It was at the end of a series of lovely scenes taken in Door County. I am so glad I went through them all. It was so nice to see this! I do believe there are signs and signals especially in Nature.
Oh, to be open to the world around us. There is so much to see. Just have to be open to the possibilities. Step by step, day by day,
Thanks to those who let me share their work today. Your work means so much.
Til next time.