pictures by Max Haynes
Even in the rare years when Minneapolis lacks snow for Christmas you can count on the lake effect from Lake Superior to blanket the north woods of Wisconsin. My wife Jane and I headed up to Spider Lake Lodge for a Christmas party and a day of photography.
This wonderful collection of snowmen was designed by
friends of the owners of the lodge.
Each season brings a new and festive display to the cozy entrance of the lodge.
But when we arrived at the falls we found that we were too late. It was covered in ice and snow, only this little bit peeking through. We are planning to go back this Spring when the thaw will provide a thunderous cascade.
But the inside is where the real action is!
We were searching for Morgan Falls, a 90 foot cascade hidden deep in the forest. Some friendly folks in a local tavern gave us directions. Outside a huge wall of 12 foot long logs were stacked up ready to be processed into building materials or paper.
When we reached the park entrance it was easy enough to follow the stream toward the falls, the groomed trail and the handy bridges didn't hurt either.
I got out of the car and slowly walked closer with my camera ready
. . . for this-
Jane's sharp eyes found this bald eagle sitting in a tree along the side of the road.
On the way home we were treated to another glimpse of an eagle in flight. I wish that I could have spent a week or more capturing the beauty of this winter wanderland but even an overnight stay will offer up some treasures in this photographer's paradise.
When we reached the lodge a magical display along the drive greeted us.
Lovely displays of whimsical Christmas decorations graced every nook and cranny of the sumptuous great rooms in the lodge.
Our drive out of the forest took longer than we expected as we meandered down one old logging road and onto the next. As the sun set and the blues of the winter forest grew deeper I wondered if there were wolves peering out of the woods, watching us pass by.
During the night the temperature had dipped to 22 below zero! I didn't spend a lot of time outside in the morning trying to complete my photo essay.
This area is made up of a few small farms surrounded by forest land. The huge Chequamegon National forest dominates the area.
Here are the owners, Craig Mason and Jim Kerkow with Craig's mother Charlotte. The Christmas party was a dress up affair with fantastic food and a festive mix of friends from the Hayward area and some who drove up from the Twin Cities.