UW Memorial Union - Signs of Summer

After a long and brutal winter and a slow start to spring, signs of summer are finally here.   A favorite summer spot is the University of Wisconsin's Memorial Union Terrace.   Dusk is always a beautiful time to take in the last remnants of the day and celebrate with a beer from the Brat Stand.

Lake Superior Ice Caves - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Extreme cold temperatures this winter has created a glorious display of ice formations along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore at the northern most tip of Wisconsin. Only accessible by boat in the summer, the lake ice is thick enough this year to access the Lake Superior Ice Caves on foot. It's well work the journey, the single digit temperatures, and the 1.5 mile trek on the ice. Mother nature at her best, the Lake Superior Ice Caves are a true natural wonder.

 

 

End of the World Blizzard

It was the eve of the end of the Mayan Calendar and the blizzard dumped nearly 20" of snow on Madison, prompting some to think it truly was the end of the world. Seriously, it was our first major snow of the season and just in time for the holidays. It was a winter wonderland!

 

Waiting for Lightning

While visiting, St. Louis I went to the Missouri Botanical Gardens to see the Chinese Lantern Festival. The skies were a bit threatening but the rain was holding off as the sun was setting. Unfortunately, the cloudy skies ruined my plan to photograph the lantern displays at the perfect time where the lights are visible and there is still color in the sky. The alternative was to wait for the lightning to illuminate the sky. It's tricky and takes a lot of patience and a quick finger on the tricker.  This one is the best I managed. Not bad.