Winter came upon us in a fury, with high winds and various amounts of snow, depending where in the U.P. you live. Here in the Keweenaw, Lake Superior was quite riled UP, splashing and crashing all over the place. Elaine Robbins took a ride to check things out and these photos are a result of that excursion.

Eagle Harbor had some good size waves rolling in the entrance to the harbor, between the lighthouse and the marina. The video posted here today (in the fourth photo spot), was taken there in the harbor by Cathy McKenzie. It shows the Big Lake in action, along with something that always makes me wonder how it happens…watch closely and you'll see the waves going both ways, into and out of the harbor there.

Elaine's last two photos were snapped at Esrey Park. It certainly doesn't look like a good day for a picnic on the table there, nor does it look like a good idea to ascend those icy stairs. I love how all these photos and the video show a different beauty of Lake Superior, her amazing wild side.

Wow, what waves! And such confusion as waves roll
in, hit the shore, and are reflected out into more
oncoming waves.
I stood on that spot in September on a sunny, mild,
and calm day, watching the sun make sun pennies on
the water.

Fantastic photos and video, just like being there!! Thanks Elaine and Cathy for taking us along!!

Once again, I'd like to thank all of you for your messages of support on the passing of my best buddy Rocco, it really meant a lot! Pasty folks are the best!

Quite a prelude to Winter.

Awesome photos, and great cinematography, Cathy!

To answer your question, Mary: I just finished reading the book "White Hurricane" by David Brown (a book I highly recommend anyone interested in the 1913 November gale to read). In it, they explain a phenomena called "Cross-Sea" whereby waves from one weather system continue despite a shift in the winds. Waves generated by the new wind run at an angle to the old waves, creating dangerous water conditions. Being that these waves are in the Harbor, you would also get a lot of wave refraction that's going to bounce the waves around, a lot!

Great photos! I second the Captain's recommendation, WHITE HURRICANE is an excellent book about the Lakes. One impression of a late September trip to Eagle River during the early '50s (besides being cold) was standing on the lower bridge watching the the wave surges coming up the river. Part of the family lore is a storm in the '30s that took out Henry Long's boathouse which stood where the Fitzgerald now stands.

I agree...quite the totally awesome, washtub action video and hauntingly beautiful pix. Thank you everyone for your efforts, you're keeping us alive down here.

Wow!!!

Amazing wave action! Can you imagine being a ship back in the day trying to safely get into the harbor and running into those waves?

Thanks Elaine and Cathy!

The Gales of November

WOW! When November acts up, it acts up! Love
these!