December 1st was the start of Meteorological Winter vs Astronomical Winter (more information from the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire). Whichever winter start date you choose to follow, all I know it was COLD this morning before sunrise at our house (-10F). Given the wind had finally abated, the calmer conditions meant Lake Superior was steaming this morning, or Sea Smoke. On windier days (such as the last two mornings) the Sea Smoke blows out into the big lake. The HUGE temperature differential between the air and water forms the smoke. Even when I got home around 8:30 am (80 minutes after sunrise), it was still -7F at our house. Not quite certain how the birds survive these temps (actually … yes I do know their survival tactics). All I know is I was quite cold upon arriving home. Unfortunately to take photographs it is often necessary to remove one’s winter gloves. Uff dah.

Duluth, Minnesota Sea Smoke Sunrise (These images take you from 35 minutes before sunrise to an hour after sunrise. I also spent some time right at sunup looking for Snowy Owls. The harbor is almost completely iced over, which provides the contrast along Minnesota Point)