When looking at satellite photos of Minnesota, Roman noticed large swaths of wilderness in the northern part of the state. So, Friday morning the four of us left cold, drizzly St. Paul for the north shore of Lake Superior and its promise for a wilderness experience. Years ago Rocky, Roman, and I went to Berklee together – kindred spirits coming of age in jazz and baseball infused Boston when Newbury Street was still a student ghetto. Our friendship is eternal, what more can I say. Roman is Parisian and he and his wife Bibi are in the states for a vacation. Bibi is wonderful and the four of us have great adventures, dramatic conversations, and drink a lot of French wine.
At home in St. Paul with Bibi, Roman, and Rocky
As we passed through Duluth on Friday the sky brightened and soon we were hiking in sunshine along the Gooseberry River. I’ve been visiting the north shore of Lake Superior since the 90’s. For me the main attraction is watching how the weather, the light, and this giant bathtub of a lake interact. And, of course, I enjoy the many river hikes that run alongside numerous waterfalls, gorges, and flumes. This trip I was amazed to see the lake as I’ve never seen it before: mirror still and crystal clear, reflecting shades of blue I’ve seen only in the Gulf or Caribbean. It was truly a magical moment, for on Sunday when we left the lake was churned up by wind and reflected approaching gray weather, the more typical scenario.
We stayed in Grand Marais which Roman and Bibi say means “Big Swamp” in French.
Artist’s Point, Lake Superior
Roman et Bibi, Salute!
Sunrise on Lake Superior
Geese on Lake Superior at sunrise
Bibi, Roman, et Rocky – Artist’s Point
Lake Superior, 1 hour before sunset
Sunset at Artist’s Point, Lake Superior
The harbor in Grand Marais, Lake Superior
Downtown Grand Marais, time exposure, 10pm
All photos Copyright 2013 Alice Gebura All Rights Reserved