Ice Caves
Over millions of years, rivers deposited layers of sand that fused into sandstone. Glaciers, water, and wind then transformed that sandstone into miles of dramatic cliffs and caves along Lake Superior’s shore near Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore preserves much of this beautiful stretch of shoreline for us as a national park. Wind, waves, and water continue to sculpt the area. During the summer, countless tourists view these dazzling formations by boat and by kayak.
But it’s winter that brings a stunning addition to the already beautiful lakeshore: ice.
Ice formations drape the red sandstone cliffs, waterfalls are frozen in place, and icicles glisten. Mineral deposits in the water and the warm tones of sunrise tint the ice with pleasing pastels.
When weather conditions are just right, the ice is thick enough for visitors to snowmobile safely across the bay from Munising to the shoreline and caves of Grand Island.
The winter of 2021-2022 was one of those winters. After four years of waiting, I was finally able to connect with a group of photographers making the crossing to Grand Island.
As we snowmobiled there in the pre-dawn in early March, we didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t very cold; it was ten degrees above zero.
The Shot
As we neared the island, we know we were in for a treat. The ice was plentiful. High clouds to the east looked promising for a colorful sunrise. And we were the only group out that early morning.
Our first stop was a familiar looking cave. After a few moments, I realized I had been there before in the fall. Several compositions came to mind. After choosing one and setting up my camera, the sky lit up in warm, inviting colors. What a treat!
After a few hours, we packed up to head back to the Falling Rock Café and Book Store for hot coffee and breakfast.
If you want to visit the ice caves of Grand Island, check out Home | Ice Cave Tours (lakesuperioricecavetours.com). Remember, accessibility is very weather dependent. Let me know if you go!
Thanks for looking,
Chuck Derus