"Clear Moment"

This image was captured during a mid-January 2004 gale with high winds and blowing snow drove big waves into the end of the St Joseph north pier, which is seen in the process of being covered with its winter coat of ice. About two weeks after this image was shot, the lake was frozen solid as far out as one could see from atop the dunes in Tiscornia Park along the shore.

The title for this image derives from the fact that less than 2 min after this image was shot, I was in a total whiteout, with conditions so severe I couldn't see my feet!

 

The gulls circling the end of the pier, seemingly braving the breaking waves and billowing clouds of spray, are actually "fishing" -- waiting for fish in the cold lake to be thrown up by the waves where the gulls can swoop in to make an easy catch.

All images are Copyrighted by Gary Martin, 1996-2004. No images can be downloaded or used for any purpose without premission in writing from the copyright holder.