Endless Ice

Here is a recent shot of plate ice on Lake Superior, extending out as far as the eye can see.  It sure was an interesting morning to be out exploring the shoreline.  There was a wind coming off the lake along with a gentle swell that made the ice fascinating to watch.  As each swell rolled in to shore you could see the plates of ice gently moving up and down with each passing wave.  It was a very gentle movement, and to me looked as though you could see the lake breathing.  With each wave the ice would rise, then fall.  It was as if each passing wave was the lake taking a breath, then exhaling.  This photo was made at sunrise.  I returned to this same location at sunset and all the plate ice was gone.  After a full day of being ground against each other by the waves the plates of ice had been ground down to small chunks of ice that "tinkled" against each other as they rolled in the waves that were still coming in throughout the evening.