Apostle Islands Ice Caves

Although there has been a lot of press locally about Lake Superior freezing over for the first time in a generation, it was in The Guardian, of all places, that we read about the opportunity to reach the South Shore's coastal caves on foot.

A pair or hikers (left) provide a sense of scale

Normally the caves can only be reached by kayak in the summer months, but the long and thawless cold spell this winter has created an icy traverse, as well as exquisite ice formations. It has been 20 years since  the last full-freeze, and who knows when the next will occur.

An ice "stalagtite" hangs from a cave ceiling

It was heartening to see so many others brave the cold (-5F at dawn today) and long walk to witness this once in a lifetime event.

Hearty souls along the ice cliffs