December 15, 2019
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Split Rock Moonrise 001
The traditional name for the December full moon is “Cold Moon” and cold is what it was this last Wednesday evening. I decided to bundle up and head down to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to photograph the rising full moon. The night was clear and breathtaking. Breathtaking not only because of the cold but the beauty of the scene we were witnessing. Watching the moon rise in front of the light station was absolutely stunning. There were no clouds blocking the moon. Just a small amount of sea smoke moving along the surface of the waters of Lake Superior.
Split Rock Moonrise 002
In recent years for the December and January full moons it has been shoulder to shoulder photographers capturing the magic. As we walked down the beach there was just myself and a friend from Duluth, Dennis O,Hara. It seemed strange to have so few people experiencing such a magical occasion.
It reminded me of the first time I photographed the full moon behind the light 35 years ago. There was no road so two friends and I skied from the lighthouse parking lot. We had our film cameras and tripods in our backpacks. It was so cold that night that my shutter froze open. I had to take the photo by removing and replacing the lens cap at the 3 second correct exposure. I would then advance the film for another try. I was surprised that the photos actually turned out.
Split Rock Moonrise 005
As I turn 70 this weekend I look back on all the exceptional moonrises I have been able to view, photograph and share with others. These experiences implant in me a feeling of thankfulness to have been able to spend so many years living and working on the North Shore. Hopefully there will be several more moonrises ahead.
