2010 In Pictures - Gunflint Trail Sunset

Our family made a trip up to MN's North Shore this past summer.   Here is my very first sunset shot from the Gunflint Trail.

Gunflint Trail Sunset - ISO 100 - f6.3 - 1/160th

An early morning swim

Several weeks ago the Gnat family was up in the Boundary Waters area.   It was an amazing trip for my family and a great trip filled with exploration and discovery.   Several mornings I got up in the dark and hiked out to the point to take pictures of the sunrise.  On this particualar day, I found a little furry friend out on an early morning swim.

A slow stroll around the point and through my viewfinder

This little guy either did not notice me or was interested in me as well as he pretty much did the 180 degree swim around the point I had my tripod set up.   As I watched him swim by I wondered what he was up too?   Was he out for the same reasons as I, to experience the sunrise?   Or did he have places to go?   I don't know but I must say that I was glad he joined me.   As he slowly swam around the point, I followed him in the view finder of my camera.   I wished I had a long 200+mm lens to bring him in closer but on this day, I had one lens.   Much like a bike race where you ride what you brought, I shot away with my wide angle lens.   

Early morning swim - East Bearskin Lake

Here is my final shot of the early morning swim.   It is one of my favorite shots from the trip.

Up North & Unplugged

Wow time flies! I can't believe my sabatical is over. For those of you coming here today looking for a big post with a lot of writing, you'll have to come back later. I got in last night and downloaded almost 1000 images. Thanks to all of you for the kind words, emails and notes wishing me well during this time. It was a special time for me and my family. We went north, I mean way north, for some time in the woods. We left with food, a desitination and gear. Our home for most of the week was a primitive cabin in the north woods. No electricity. No running water. No internet. No cell phone coverage. In short, it was amazing and better than I imagined when my awesome wife booked this trip. We came home a closer family. I'd be lying if I didn't say I came home with some new thoughts, new goals and a new perspective. However, it will take me a bit to process all this. So instead of words, I'll share just a handful of images from last week. Hope you enjoy. A view of West Bearskin Lake Our private little beach view on East Bearskin Lake N & N tearing up the north woods gravel An early morning reflection on East Bearskin Lake Magnetic Rock Trail - (The start of the Border Trail and site of the severe forsest fires a few years back) N & N exploring XC Ski Trail at Bearskin Lodge Split Rock Lighthouse Our first sunset on the Gunflint Trail

As you can see, we did and saw a lot. Honestly, just skimming photos last night I could have posted a couple of hundred here. I can't wait to dig into the images, process them and put words to them. Should be a fun week to share with all of you. Enjoy your week and thanks again for coming back after my week away.

Ps. For all of you that have sent me emails that requested a response of some sort, I will get to them starting tonight. Thanks for your email and your patience.