Lake Superior Lighthouse Sea Smoke Sunrise at -12F!

It was cold this morning!  I drove down to Canal Park and took this video and photographs 20 minutes before sunrise. While the water temperature at Duluth’s end of Lake Superior’s was a balmy 36F, the air temperature was -12F which made for a delta between the air and water of 48 degrees … sea smoke!

While the water does not experience the effect of a chill factor like exposed flesh, my face did. Uff dah! When the wind gusted to 35 mph, the chart from the US Weather Service said the chill factor before sunrise was -45F (-42.7C). All I know it was cold for the ten minutes I was out of the car. Where I parked, there was security policeman sitting in an idling truck. I figured my car was pretty safe, and I left it running. Who in their right mind at -12F would try to steal a car right next to the Security Police! It was super nice to get back to a warm car.

Images taken five minutes apart as the sunrise moves from having reds to orange. I was not actually at Canal Park. Using my photography app I had determined last night I needed to be about 800 yards distant in order to get the sun which was below the horizon in line with the lighthouse.

It was extra special to see Lake Superior in her glory (video link of Sea Smoke Sunrise for email subscribers). We got back from Mayo Clinic late yesterday after a five day visit … me in a motel … Molly in the hospital. Our new journey will be fighting Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. This cancer was unexpected, and I am actually grateful the previously planned surgery that led to the more extensive cancer’s discovery.

Thankfully Canal Park is only 20 minutes from our house. Thus a quick trip was okay.

19 thoughts on “Lake Superior Lighthouse Sea Smoke Sunrise at -12F!

  1. Greetings from Savannah, GA! Sending well wishes and many prayers for restored good health to Molly. First time I’ve commented, but I’m a regular reader and love your stories and photos. Thank you for my virtual birding trips up North!

  2. So sorry to hear of Molly’s illness. Your last post was cryptic and I was concerned. Mayo is a good place to go, though. Hoping it works out well.
    On the photography front, this post is spectacular.

  3. My best to you both Molly and Rich. I’ll be sending healing thoughts. You, hopefully, will be able to follow your owls while you support Molly. She was a stalwart supporter of you in the trials and tribulations of your health. Such an inspiring couple.

  4. Wonderful photos as usual Rich. Sorry to hear of Molly’s diagnosis and hoping for the best possible outcome. Our thoughts are with both of you and your family.

  5. Beautiful, beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing your news. You both have been in my prayers and will continue to be. So glad you have each other.

  6. sorry to hear of your news from Mayo but Mayo is a good place to get answers. They have saved the lives of many of our family and got me up out of a wheelchair almost 20 years ago. Prayers for Molly and you and your entire family for speedy recovery and comfort and peace on your new journey.

  7. stunning images. we saw the smoke driving to the west end this morning. so grateful you and molly are back home. we’re sending healing thoughts to molly and love to you both.

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