Clear, cold skies over the boreal forest, no light pollution and stars so big and crisp it seems as though you cold reach right up and pluck them from the sky. As a night sky photographer, these are all things that I love and are ideal conditions for making photographs.
A peaceful winter's day on the Cross River along the Gunflint Trail in northeast Minnesota. Snow was gently falling all day long, making for postcard-like views everywhere.
Cook County, MN - A drive up the Gunflint Trail last week on a snowy day revealed a lot of beauty in the forest.
"You are the creator, enjoyer and destroyer of all you perceive."
-Nisargadatta Maharaj
I went out for a bit early this morning (around 3:00 AM) to enjoy the night sky and take a few pictures. I couldn't help but think of the above quote as I took in my surroundings. The wind was kicking up as I stood on Old Highway 61 gazing up at the heavens. Because of the wind and the cold (it was barely 5 degrees above zero), many people would probably think it was a miserable night to be out.
While the weather did make it a little uncomfortable to be out there, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of the sky and the snow-covered trees. I could have easily let the cold wind destroy the experience for me. Instead I focused on perceiving the awesomeness of what I was looking at, thus creating for me an intensely positive experience.
It sure has been a snowy winter so far. Last night and today we got about a foot or more of new snow. Plow crews have been out working all day to keep our roadways clear. So thankful for the job that they do! Here is a MNDOT plow clearing TH 61 over Mt. Josephine in Grand Portage, MN. The photos were taken from the safety of a scenic overlook pullout along the highway.
Hovland, MN - I took a drive up the Arrowhead Trail today and boy was it ever a beautiful drive! Snow was coating all the trees and cliffs making for some really cool views.
I had a nice visit with this little guy up near the end of the Gunflint Trail today...
