Rest Stop

For as long as I can remember, being by water has been good for my soul. And one of my favorite places is to be near Lake Superior. There is something magical about it – Paul says I breathe better the minute I catch sight of the lake. It is an inspiring sight, but perhaps it is more.  In our efforts to control everything about our daily world, Lake Superior totally defies the rules. The sheer magnitude and statistics of the lake effectively take it outside of the realm of human control. With 2, 980 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 1,333 feet and an average water temperature of 40° F, the lake commands respect from even the most experienced navigators. The wind and waves can vary dramatically from one bay to another, making it nearly impossible to accurately predict weather patterns.

In our journeys along the beautiful North Shore, we are amazed at this continually changing seascape. On our recent trip to Port Wing, we bore witness to the power and destruction of the wind and waves. During a fierce three-day storm earlier this spring, the lake literally pushed hundreds of mature trees – roots and branches – into the Port Wing harbor, completely destroying docks and capsizing several large boats. Easily dismantling a recently community-built boardwalk, the force of the waves also obliterated a two-block section of paved road and carved a steep cliff from what had been a fairly protected beach area. The strength of water is astonishing.

This week’s painting, Rest Stop, 8”x10” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, calls the viewer to pause and take in the view. Whether relaxing from a long hike in the surrounding forests with a faithful friend or a leisurely stroll along the rocky shore, Lake Superior is an incredible place to be.