Believe it or not the winds are down this morning … only 35 mph and out of the west on Lake Superior. Ships had been hiding in the Duluth Harbor from the strong 60+ mph NE winds and ice buildup the waves might cause. In very short order I saw three “Lakers” heading down lake. (the photo location is about 13 miles up the shore from Duluth’s Canal Park)

The sun also returned, but the birding is still horrible given the very strong winds. The chill factor this morning must be below zero. However, within a few days spring is rumored to arrive in the Northland with temperatures soaring into the 50’s with strong winds out of the south (bringing migrating birds??). The North Shore waterfalls will be intense given both the depth of the snow back in the woods combined with an extremely fast melt which will start (video link for email subscribers … this morning’s ore boat)

It may be April 5th, but do NOT tell Lake Superior. There were 60 mph winds overnight and heavy snow. My yard at the northern edge of Duluth still has 2+ feet of snow on the ground.

Around the point from the crashing waves, our cold water surfers were at play. They dared not surf out at the point … normally their favorite local spot. (winter waves videos for email subscribers … Video1 | Video2)

The Arctic Riviera lived up to its name this morning! I was actually out birding between Duluth and Two Harbors along Scenic 61 looking for Bohemian Waxwings in fruit trees when a raft of surfers caught my attention. By northern Minnesota standards it was a great morning … crystal clear and sunny with zero wind (temperature was -6F). The surfers were enjoying the rolling waves at Stony Point which resulted from yesterday’s winter storm. Yup, there is a dedicated group of individuals who surf the Great Lakes, braving Lake Superior’s 36F degree water.

While I was photographing the surfers, a gentleman came over to my car. He asked if he might photograph me while I was photographing the surfers! Turns out there was a team of two folks (writer and photographer) doing a story for the Wall Street Journal! Yup, our Arctic Riviera reputation is getting around the United States.

Surf City USA on the Arctic Riviera (at Stony Point)

The Movie (link for email subscribers)

Two still images … photography was difficult due to the angle of the sun.

In case you missed my other Arctic Riviera post this week, here is just one of my images from that post which I named Arctic Mound Snowy Owl Take-Off. The State of Minnesota is using this Snowy Owl photo from my post for their official tourism site.

That’s it for today, and so long from the Arctic Riviera!

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