Lake Superior Ice Caves, Wisconsin.....
From the Los Angeles Times.....
Superman had his Fortress of Solitude, a cave he carved out of ice to have a place to weigh his ontological angst. Since he could fly, access was never an issue. Not so in Wisconsin, where tens of thousands of people have taken advantage of this year’s deep freeze to hike across Lake Superior and visit the dramatic ice caves accessible by foot for the first time in years.
The caves are at the western end of the Mainland Unit of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in far northern Bayfield County. They were carved out of sandstone by the waves from Lake Superior, the largest by volume and surface area of the five Great Lakes. The lake system, linked by a man-made seaway, has about one-fifth of the entire planet’s surface fresh water and this year is more than three-quarters frozen.
In warm times, the caves are reachable by boat, but when the temperature falls to the point where frigid seems like a heat wave, Lake Superior freezes. This winter's icy grip has made the ice thick and stable enough to allow people to walk across and marvel at the crystalline wonder of stalactites and stalagmites. It has been five years since the caves were so reachable.
This beautiful, though cold, act of nature gained the attention of national news this year......even to newspapers in Los Angeles, CA.
I lived 60 miles south of Lake Superior for over 50 years. The area is one of my favorite regions to visit. I learned of the ice caves a few years back, but mild winters kept the ice from being safe to walk that far on.
This is something I've wanted to see, but age has got the best of me and I don't think I could handle the 1 mile plus walk out to the caves when it is also cold enough for Lake Superior ice to be froze over thick to allow visits to them.
I have taken a virtual trip to see them through the photos of a family friend who took her siblings there for an outing recently. Thank you, my friend!!
These are her pictures. I'm sure you would like you to enjoy them as well.
Lake Superior Ice Caves....
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I've been struggling through the flu these past few days. I did go to church service on Sunday, then home for a nap followed by dinner and a movie at Deb's house. Monday I was able to get a few chores done around the house. I've been sick since Wednesday, but it seems..forever. Mostly sinus congestion and achy muscles. Really eager to feel better and get out to enjoy our spring weather.
I have also been following the news of the mysterious disappearance of the Malaysian airplane.
This has been a good 3 sick time/virtual tour days in the life of Grandma G.
"The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds. The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen."
(Job 37:9 & 10)
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