Ice Lakeneering

It is Ice Lakeneering season.  Much like Mountaineering, you go to a specific, beautiful, and awe inspiring place to climb and clamber and reach a zenith.  You need warm gear and a stout heart. And a friend to go with you, for safety and fun.  Plus there is climbing, ice, and danger.

There is a special ridgeline to climb on in Duluth right now.  It will not last, and few will challenge it.  But those who do will reach a peak.  Or more than one.  Yes, Lake Superior is frozen, in yet another unique and beautiful way.  On Park Point the snow and ice and water have combined in an unusual way.  Through freezing temps, wind, and wave action, the lake has created a frozen landscape that stretches about a quarter mile out from the beach.  There are several tall ridges of ice and snow that you have to overcome and several planes of cottage cheese snow to cross to get all the way out to the water.  Almost cliff like in places, the ice takes on may beautiful forms.  Once to the water line you can watch the water and ice-plates slowly rise up and down, like the lake is breathing the frozen air.

This is it.  Today is likely the last really cold day of winter.  5 degrees and below zero wind chill.  It only gets warmer from here, and the Lakeneering will not be stable for long.  Like many things in Duluth, you have to get it while it lasts.  Get out there people!

 Thank you, Kerisa, for fun, motivation, and photos!