Desolation

Staying inside as much as possible, as it is still freezing cold here in Michigan. This morning is is -5 degrees outside. I know Spring is right around the corner, and I can't wait! I did manage to go out a few times and snap some photos of the freezing cold conditions. Right now most all of the Great Lakes are at least 60%-90% frozen depending on location. This photo is one of Lake St Clair, which flows into Lake Huron a few miles down the road. I called this one "Desolation", because there is no living thing in sight here, not even a bird. It was so cold this day, that the kids deserted the hockey nets, probably in favor of some warmth and hot chocolate. Have a great day everyone!

Brash & Polar Vortex

With our record-breaking cold temperatures (Polar Vortex) this winter in Michigan, it has created problems on our international waterways. These waterways have shipping channels which let freighters travel between the upper and lower great lakes. One of the main waterways, which is the St.Clair River, has frozen solid and creating what is called as "Brash", making the waterway un-passable due to the solid ice formations. The Coast Guard and ice-breaking boats have to come in, and cut the ice, making the water passable for cargo vessels. So far, the crews have been working for at least a month on removing the Brash ice for passage on the water. Brash ice is actually broken ice, which is makes it harder for the cutter ships to navigate a path for the cargo vessels. This is the same river I wrote about in a post last week, entitled "Winter Inspiration" which shows the river in a totally different state about a year ago. I have never seen the river frozen solid, and was sure surprised when I took a ride a few days ago just to see the water. I was greeted with large chunks of ice as far as the eye can see. I'm still amazed, every time I see something new and amazing that has been created by nature! Here is a photo of the "Brash" that was created by the so-called Polar Vortex! Enjoy!

Oh Spring, Where Are You?

I can't believe that it is still so cold here in Michigan. I guess we were spoiled last year by the warm weather and we just expect the same thing this year. So, while I still wait for the nicer weather, here are a few pictures that I have been fooling around with. Thanks for looking, hope you like one or all! Happy Monday!

Michigan Weather in Days!

Well, I was really hoping Spring was just around the corner as I saw this beautiful tree while driving down the road early on a foggy morning a week ago. I took the picture as a passenger in the car going 60 mph and was unable to get a really clear shot of this tree. It looked so beautiful and serene just sitting there in a mist of fog. A few days later, it was raining and all of the snow was gone! Getting really happy now, as it really looks like Spring is in the air! There was even a rainbow after this rain, but I could only capture a photo from my front porch. Two days after what I thought was Spring rain, I woke up to two inches of snow. I tell ya, Michigan is so fickle with it's weather. So again, I will wait for the real Spring, to go out and smell the air, soak up the sun, and get out there with my camera!

Winter Fades, I Hope!

Friday was an absolutely beautiful day here in Michigan. The sun was out and it smelled like Spring is in the air. I decided I had to get out with my camera for awhile and went to one of my favorite local parks near Lake St Clair to see if any of the ice had melted on the water yet. Well, it has not melted yet, but is definitely showing signs of moving in that direction. I love the way the sun was reflecting off of the snow and ice. I saw a few other weird things there too! I have so much to learn, but love each and every minute of taking photos, looking for my mistakes and what I can do better next time. One thing I've been trying to remember each time I am out is, to "look up".

Baby It's Cold Outside!

I took this last weekend at a local park on Lake St. Clair. The ice is frozen enough that there were even a few ice shanty's out on the lake.