LHR Images BLOG

Every November 10, the light at Split Rock Lighthouse is lit in commemoration of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This year, my friend and fellow photographer Gordon and I headed up to see and photograph the event.

We got there about 2:30 to allow plenty of time to scout and stake out a good spot on the shore to the west of the lighthouse. The sky was absolutely clear with no wind, a slight chop on the water and a hint of a swell.

It would have been nice if the event had better coincided with the full moon. As it was, the moon was a couple of days shy of being full… and therefore, rose a bit too early to be in the right position for the right lighting. It was pretty dim with the sun still fairly high in the sky.

Gordon and I weren’t alone. Plenty of photographers turn up for the event and several were on the ridge behind us.

By the time it was getting dark enough to see the light from the lighthouse, the moon was high in the sky and moving too far away.

The moon did help illuminate the foreground however

Ok, I know it’s nothing like other people around the nation have, and still are, experiencing. But, this is what I woke up to this morning!

I grabbed the camera and took a few shots in my neighborhood shortly after dawn.

I love when there’s still some fall color left when the snow starts flying!

Later, I took Sam and Pip to nearby Quarry Hill Park for their usual morning walk. It was beautiful! So, after taking them back home, I headed straight back with camera in hand. Unfortunately, a lot of the snow had melted by the time I got back. Still managed to find a few things to take photos of though.

I was particularly was looking for vestiges of fall and signs of winter together.

The transition has begun.

In contrast, just last Monday, I went canoeing at Chester Woods park. We’d had record breaking temperatures in the 70’s that day. Although windy, the paddle was very pleasant. I noted the fading colors in the fading light.

Transitions. We’ll have some fall weather, I’m sure. Winter has announced it’s impending arrival.

Still haven’t found Pip.

Info:

LOST Puppy: Sanborn, Cottonwood County, MN - 10/14/2008
5 Month old, intact Male, Shih-Poo (Shih-Tsu, Mini Poodle mix) - Pip
Also answers to Pippen and Pippy
Pip disappeared into a cornfield north of the house at 24838 US HWY 71, Sanborn, Mn 56083 (south of Sanborn).
He is Black with white markings including a white tipped tail, and white/gray “goatee”, approximately 9.5lbs. He was wearing a blue collar with a rabies tag.
He is very friendly but a bit timid around strangers.
A REWARD IS BEING OFFERED.
Please call Larry or Pat at 507-288-9077 or email photog@lhrimages.com
or call Scott or Lorrie at 507-648-3666

I went for another paddle yesterday. The lake was calm — smooth as glass. Of course, I had to visit the eagles. I think they’re getting used to me…. they were definitely cooperative. The 2 adults sat in one tree… not exactly side by side but close enough so I didn’t have to move between photographing each of them.

Across the lake, this year’s young one had left the nest, exploring the tree it resides in. It’s the first time I’d seen it out of the nest. Won’t be long now before it starts flying.

On the way back to the landing, I took a few photos in the fading light.

I sure do like having this place close by!

Last night, I took advantage of a break in the weather to go paddling at Chester Woods. First time since we lost Frodo so it was definitely a bittersweet event.

Thanks to all our recent rain, the lake was about 10 feet higher than usual. I paddled past sunken fishing piers, picnic tables and trash cans. The dock at the boat launch was a few yards from shore.

Fantastic cloud formations reflected in the calm water.

The bow of my canoe sure was empty without Frodo sitting there.

There was an eaglet on the nest I’ve been observing for the last several years. I took a bunch of obligatory shots but none worth sharing. Mostly, I just concentrated on the clouds. And, searching, in vain, for the turkeys gobbling along the shoreline.

With the clouds, I was expecting a spectacular sunset. While definitely nice, it didn’t live up to expectations.

Although I stayed fairly late, I wasn’t anywhere near the last one off the water. It was such a nice evening, it was tough to leave. Yes, Frodo was missed but I definitely still enjoyed the paddle.