A Moon Cathedral
by Valerie Bollinger
Looking out over the expansive dark lake, at night
Gazing at the full moon rising
Reflecting a sparkling path on the water
Streaming it’s light directly towards shore
Guiding my eyes upward
Resembling a cathedral between the trees.
Behold, A moon cathedral,
God-made, inviting praise for His beautiful creation.
We were blessed to have an opportunity to travel to the north shore a second time this fall, within two weeks of our first trip up to Lake Superior.
The first week up on the north shore we had a great time with family and saw abundant fall colors. Our second trip to the north shore we enjoyed showing off one of our favorite places to our visiting friends from New Hampshire.
The forecast was dismal…rain was predicted for every day we were to be up north. And, on our first day – the drive up – it was misty rain all day.
But, even so, we stopped at the New Scenic Café for a delicious lunch, and then toured the impressive, historic, and iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, which opened in 1910 and was deactivated in 1969.
Looking out over the railing we could not see the big lake. It was fogged in and clouded over, but inside we climbed up the spiral staircase to the top to see the special lens. Click here to read more on this fascinating lens.
We also toured one of the lightkeeper houses. An antique oven was lit while bread dough was rising so it was very cozy in the house as we warmed up in the kitchen on a cold blistery day.
Even in the rain we stopped a few more places along the way to Tofte, where our friends had rented a condo.
Much to our surprise we saw the sun rise over Lake Superior the next two mornings. What a treat – what a delight! We were grateful!
For two days it did not rain, and was partly sunny…to mostly sunny.
We took a another look on Oberg Mountain by hiking the trail for a second time in two weeks. The colors were fuller and even more vibrant than on our first hike two weeks prior.
We meandered a long time at the top of Oberg, to enjoy God’s spectacular creation and amazing colors.
We showed our friends a taste of the wonderful north shore: Temperance River, Grand Marais, Naniboujou Lodge, and we spent time on the rocks, had a bonfire, and drove one of the fall color tours on the back roads.
It brought us much joy to show off the beauty of Lake Superior. Time went by too quickly.
Early in the morning, on the last day, our friends headed north – they were driving back home through Canada. We headed south – back to Northfield, once again basking in the glory of the north shore and grateful for a second look at it this year
I needed my two-year-old granddaughter to walk Honeymoon Trail with me. I wanted to go at her “stop and look at every thing” pace….only I would stop and take pictures.
But she had already gone back home when we drove on this dirt road one rainy afternoon up north. Even in the rain the colors were stunning.
However, the next day the rain had stopped so we decided to ride our bikes on Honeymoon Trail. This road is a segment of one of the suggested Fall Color Tours on the north shore.
We’ve been going up to this area for 30+ years so we know this road and have always enjoyed it in autumn. But we don’t always see it so colorful. It was amazing.
It’s easier to stop on a bike to take pictures than stopping in the truck. These photos are taken with my iPhone. I can’t imagine having a specialized camera and capturing more of the beauty.
I just couldn’t get enough of the fall colors and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. I guess it’s a good thing I wasn’t walking.
Our ride was great fun and it was a new adventure for us…riding our bikes one Honeymoon Trail.
While driving back to the cabin we saw a wolf cross the road. That was a first for us. I was not quick enough with the camera.
Walking at a two-year-old “I want to stop and look at everything pace” is a wonderful way to walk…it slows us down and opens our eyes to see things we might not notice while walking at our normal pace. We enjoyed several of these walks with our grand-daughter and her mom and dad while they were here with us on the north shore. It was delightful.
After they went back home we continued our stay at the cabin for a few more days to enjoy more hiking and biking and relaxing. One trail we always hike is the Oberg Mountain Trail. It’s a rather short hike…2.2 miles round trip. You hike up, walk around a loop on top and witness great vistas of Lake Superior and of inland trees and Oberg Lake. It’s a favorite hike of ours.
We arrived at the trailhead early one morning and spent a good two hours meandering the top and sitting to enjoy the vistas – even stopping a couple of times to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and muffin we brought along. We were pleasantly surprised at all the fall colors. We were not expecting these colors so early in the season.
Here is a photo essay from our hike on the Oberg Trail.
Such astounding beauty. It was breathtaking. Pictures, of course, do not do it justice. I am grateful for this opportunity to see this beautiful change of season, to feel it’s fresh air, and to smell the distinct fragrance of the fir trees, which also add the dark green contrast to the beautiful oranges and reds and yellows.
On our way to the north shore we always take the scenic drive instead of the expressway from Duluth to Two Harbors. It may be a slower route, but it is, as the name describes, a scenic route along Lake Superior. About half way between the two towns is a non-descript building that looks more like a house than a store. It was called Practicals, Collectibles & Antiques.
We’ve been stopping at this unique store for years. We enjoyed browsing around and visiting with the owner who was always there. He was friendly and welcoming and recognized us. We knew he was a retired military guy who wintered in Texas but would spend his summers in his shop right across the road from beautiful Lake Superior.
The interior of the store was lined from floor to ceiling with thousands of used books and old vinyl record albums. Shelves outlined the perimeter of the store, which displayed antique dishes, collectibles and “practicals”. We always looked forward to stopping at this quaint shop. We would usually buy a couple of books at about $1-2 a piece.
One year we apologized for only spending $2 but he graciously said…the north shore gets a million visitors a year…if each one spends a $1 that works for me…however, I run this store because it’s fun…not for the money.
This year at the turnoff we noticed the large hand-written “For Sale” sign in the yard. The building was locked and empty, and we were a bit sad. I guess we knew it was coming sooner or later but it was too soon for us.
While at the cabin we searched for additional information about the store. We found a local TV news program had interviewed the owner in Spring 2018. We learned the owner’s name is Ed Johnson and that he was loved by many (we were not surprised). We learned he ran this store for 26 years and at the time of the interview he was 76 years old.
One other fond memory I have of “Mr. Ed” is from years ago, before we got to know him a bit. My mom and I would occasionally take weekend trips together and I remember bringing her to his shop once. She was using a walker at that time and she required some extra care. He always welcomed people into his store. This time, when my mom and I left the store, he came to the door to say good- bye, and then he said to me, “thanks for taking such good care of your mom.” I don’t think any other person in the world ever told me that and it really meant a lot to me and brings tears to my eyes this day. A simple act of kindness.
“Cheers to Ed!” We trust he and his wife are enjoying their retirement.
As we prepare for our annual trek to the north shore I usually reread the psalm I wrote years ago. I’ve posted it before but am posting it again. It continues to capture my feelings about wonderful Lake Superior and the north shore.
Lake Superior Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall thank him.
He allows me to come to Lake Superior
And hear the calming waves.
He restores my soul.
He guides me on the trails of the Superior Forest
And leads me along the rocky shores.
Even when the waves are rough – even when the lake is calm,
I look forward to coming,
And He is with me.
His creation and His majesty, they comfort me.
He anoints me with many blessings
My cup overflows and I am grateful.
Surely I will praise him and follow him
All the days of my life,
I‘m grateful to dwell in His presence
On the shores of Lake Superior.
Valerie
09/08
Enjoy the Summer Solstice… today… June 21, 2019.
“On this day the length of time with sunlight is the longest.”*
Here are some excerpts from, A Summer Blessing, from the book entitled The Circle of Life.*
Blessed are you, summer,
season of long days and short nights,
you pour forth light from your golden orb,
energizing the earth and calling forth growth.
Blessed are you, summer,
with your generous gift of heat.
Your warm breath animates creation,
encouraging all growing things to stretch towards the sun.
Blessed are you, summer,
you call us into playfulness,
encouraging us to pause from work.
You renew our spirits.
Blessed are you, sacrament of summer,
natures’ green season, sweet echo of spring.
You speak to us in living color as you renew the earth
with symbols of life for our bodies and souls.
Blessed are you, summer,
with your firefly evenings
you minister to the child in us.
You feed our hunger for beauty.
* The Circle of Life by Joyce Rupp & Macrina Wiederkehr
The photo of a man’s head popping up, in what looked like Lake Superior, caught my attention. It was on the front page of the Variety section of the StarTribune, Sunday April 14, 2019. I recognized the north shore… I love the north shore, and Lake Superior and am always interested in reading stories about it.
The article told about Christian Dalbec, a photographer, who puts on a wet suit, swims out into Lake Superior and catches the waves…on camera! What a clever idea and a unique niche. He not only takes pictures of the waves but of sunrises and sunsets and shipwrecks and all kinds of scenes while in the waters of Lake Superior.
He’s a recovering alcoholic who became interested in photography, which aided his recovery. He came up with the idea of getting into the lake to take unique photographs. The article said this kind of photography is uncommon since the lake is cold and dangerous.
There were four of his photographs of waves in the newspaper article and a link to his website which I’ve included here.
I was impressed by this unique way of taking photographs of Lake Superior.
Light, space, zest – that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
When insecurities start to surface, when thoughts and comparisons attack me, I will turn them over to the Lord.
Though troubles rise up against me, my heart will not fear. He will change my name. My new name shall be Confidence.
One thing I ask of the Lord that is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the BEAUTY of the Lord and to seek him.
For in the days of difficulties he will keep me safe in his arms, he will call me Friend of God and lift me high upon a rock.
God holds my head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.
My head will be exalted above the inner enemies and I will be called overcoming one. I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
You are a faithful God. The Lord will receive me and fill me with joyfulness.
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path. I acknowledge your wisdom.
Do not turn me over to my own understanding, for false lies rise up within me, breathing out untruths.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living and he will change my name.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage and wait for the Lord.
Stay with God! Take heart, don’t quit and stay with God!
The hymn entitled, The Love of God, was new to me as we sang it in church on Sunday. It was written in 1917 by Frederick M. Lehman. I really like the metaphors in the third stanza.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
and were the skies of parchment made;
were every stalk (tree) on earth a quill,
and everyone a scribe by trade;
to write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky. (Refrain)
Refrain:
O love of God, how rich and pure;
how measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure,
the saints' and angels' song.
Click here for a link to the entire lyrics.