Living Life by Design - with Alan and Mark: Walking on Ice

Walking on Ice - the Superior Kind!

Date: Monday, January 12th
Time: 5:15 a.m.

A Facebook message popped up on my computer, 'What time do you want to head out?'
'Whenever you're ready,' I replied.
'How about we have our shakes while watching the rest of the 'Golden Globes [which we had recorded the night before], then aim to leave at 6:30?'
'Done!'

Such is modern technology, which enables us to communicate with our partner in the other room!!!

That's how our day started, though we had planned it the day before. Mark had checked the forecast for Sault Ste. Marie and Agawa Bay, and sunshine was promised - though we knew how temperamental Lake Superior weather can be. He also wanted to drop by Iron Bridge to see the deer while they were having their breakfast!

Setting off 15 minutes later than planned, the car didn't take too long to warm up and we were on our way.

Unfortunately for Mark, there were no deer to be seen, so we continued on towards the our destination.

Long Road Ahead

Once Hwy. 17 turned north from the Soo, the sense of excitement (which we always feel when we visit this part of the Superior coastline) mounted. (You can click the pics to make them larger).

Ridges in the Distance

'Up On the Rooftop...'

The scenery - very different from Summer and Fall - beckoned us forward until we arrived at the Voyageur's Lodge at Batchawana Bay. You can see the amount of snow that had fallen over the previous few days. The guy shoveling snow in the background gives a whole new take on 'Up On the Rooftop'!

Batchewana Bay

The bay, itself, was mostly frozen over and the wind coming off the lake lowered the temperature somewhat. However, you could feel the warmth of the sun on your skin when you turned away from the wind.

A few clicks further on, we found our spot just north of Pancake Bay. We had been thrilled at the power of the waves when we had visited the area in the Fall, last year. Nothing could have prepared us for the beauty and splendour we were to behold where water meets ice and snow. Nature had chiseled out some amazing cliffs, caves, and sculptures... and we were able to walk along the frozen shoreline to discover some breath-taking views.

Rob & Jenn

Looking back towards the car from our point out on the ice, we noticed another couple who were preparing to venture forth in our direction. You can imagine our surprise when it turned out to be our friend, Rob, from the Soo, together with his girlfriend, Jenn.

Rob is an amazing adventurer who often kayaks on Superior in all seasons. (He was the first to tell us about the Ice Caves at the Apostle Islands last year). What are the odds of meeting up with friends while out on the ice, nearly 4 hours away from home?

Rob led the way to some even more splendid sights, including a cave that had been hollowed out by the action of the water.

Us in the Cave

Inside the Cave

So glad that we happened upon each other, as we would probably not have explored further along had it not been for his suggestions.

The experience of the waves of Superior lashing at the ice-cliffs and forming ever-changing, ever-new vistas was something to wonder at. The pictures don't really do justice to the reality, but we're still very pleased with them.

These two short movie clip gives a better idea of what captured our awe.

Reluctantly, we returned to the car, and headed a little further north, noticing the contrast of the seasons in familiar places.

In the Fall

In Winter

Although we had planned to go as far as Old Woman Bay, we decided to start the return journey as we had spent quite a long time out on the ice - and we both agreed that, after that experience, there would probably be nothing to eclipse it for the rest of the day!

Deer in Iron Bridge

Of course, we had to stop by at Iron Bridge on the way home - just in case the deer were having their supper. Much to Mark's delight, we spotted a few, one with antlers, which made his day.

Antlered Deer

The server at the gas station told us that there were fewer deer in Iron Bridge this winter as there are several wolf packs that have moved into the area and so the numbers have dropped considerably. Now - if we could see a wolf - it would be ME who would be delighted!

Arriving home just after 7:00 p.m., we were tired, but elated at the wonderful day we had spent - magnificent scenery, awesome experiences, warm friendships, and a deeper appreciation of Winter, with all its beauty and splendour.

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