Because we wanted to make this a one day trip, we left our place before the sun was up, grabbed our coffee, and headed north, through Duluth, and over to the Bayfield, WI area. Thankfully a 4 hour drive goes well when you enjoy the company. :) So thankful for great friends and the chance to do something fun like this! We got to the access point on Lake Superior around 8:30 in the morning. On a, albeit cold, but sunny and stunning day. It's around 1 mile of walking from the shoreline out onto the lake just to get to the "starting point" of these caves, and over 2 miles of shoreline beauty from there.
There is not one blade of grass, not one color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice! | John Calvin
The shoreline of one of the Apostle Islands, which is the the location of these caves is only accessible when Lake Superior is {totally and completely} frozen. Hence why it is making such a stir this year. It hasn't been accessible for over 5 years! Initially I wasn't super excited about walking on the lake {ok, at all.} But it turned out to be the last thing on my mind. I mean, it was so. pretty.
If created things are seen and handled as gifts of God and as mirrors of His Glory, then our delight in them is also a delight in their Maker. | John Piper
The whole day spent on the lake we were just awe-struck with the grandeur and magnificence of it all. One turn seemed better than the next, and one cave smaller and more interesting than before.
At one point, we found quite the gem. A small opening, with a cavern inside that could fit about 20 people. But you never would have guessed...
Ice Cave 2014 from Skyler Johnson on Vimeo.
We started our trek off of the lake around 1:30. Hadn't even noticed our stomachs and that we had eaten breakfast so long ago at 5am - there was just so much to take in!
What a picture dumping that was - thanks for hanging in there with me guys! As hard as it is sometimes for pictures to fully convey the scale and wow-factor of scenery like these caves, even as I was recapping last weekend in my head and through this post, I still am amazed. Not only that places like this exist, but that God is so creative as to allow us this enjoyment through His creation.
It was a JOY-FILLED day, being outdoors, being with great friends, and being in the presence of God through stunning creation. Next time {or even still this year if conditions allow} I HIGHLY recommend taking the time, sacrificing a full day and going to see these caves. It was a blessing to my wintertime!
Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father
from of old and forever.
To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might,
the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor;
Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth;
the kingdom all yours! You’ve raised yourself high over all.
Riches and glory come from you,
you’re ruler over all;
You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand
to build up and strengthen all.
And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you,
praising your splendid Name!
from of old and forever.
To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might,
the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor;
Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth;
the kingdom all yours! You’ve raised yourself high over all.
Riches and glory come from you,
you’re ruler over all;
You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand
to build up and strengthen all.
And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you,
praising your splendid Name!
1 Chronicles 29:11 | the message
Wow. Stunning!
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