I explored the Lake Superior ice caves near Bayfield Wisconsin in March of 2014. Lake Superior is so vast that it is like an ocean to me. Although not actually an ocean or a sea, Lake Superior is the second largest lake in the world (surface-wise). The Caspian ‘Sea’ is larger, though it is actually a lake, semantics be damned.
The ice was very slippery and slushy to walk on that day because it was near the end of the winter season. The stronger March sun melted some of the ice. Fortunately, I was well prepared for the adventure, wearing spikes that strapped onto the bottom of my waterproof boots. I found walking to be more laborious on the ice than on a drier and more resilient surface. Even with spikes on my boots it felt as if I were walking on sand.
The ice was frozen into the most fantastical and colorful formations.
Some hikers brought dogs, that I thought would be as hungry that evening as their human companions.
Temporary stalactites and stalagmites decorated the caves.
The ice in the caves was starting to drip again, creating a more crystaline look.
The ceiling of this cave looked like the roof of a lamprey eel’s mouth.
A woman, a dog, and a curtain of ice.
I loved viewing the beautiful, banded shoreline from a watery vantage point, without having to get into a boat.
A frozen waterfall!
The ice was the bluest blue, as blue as the sky!
More companion doggies.
Notice the tiny size of the human figure in the lower left-hand corner.
An icy dental reflection!
There is a doorway to the lake, under the hill.
The ice is aqua-colored here.
The dripping, crystaline ice had beautiful hues of blue, green, and gold.
I had never been in this kind of place before and felt that I had experienced something special. The ice caves are a magical place created anew every year, though not always accessible during the winter season.
Travels with Chris 