On July 31, 1910, the the beacon of Split Rock Lighthouse was first lit. The lighthouse was built in response to the loss of ships due to the Mataafa Storm of 1905 on Lake Superior. There were no roads in the area so all materials and building supplies came by boats and had to be lifted to the top of the 133 foot cliff.
Lighting the Beacon
I wasn’t nice to the orioles this year as I didn’t feed them any grape jelly. I had the jelly on the front porch and they shook their beak too often with a mouth of jelly and coated and stained my white posts and railing. So I was trying to scrub and wash those stains off today but I rather watch a rock getting scoured by waves instead.
Washed Rock
Today would have been a nice summer day to take a walk on a beach and feel the sand beneath your feet as you listen to the waves rolling in.
Barefoot on the Beach
A pair of monarchs were floating around together while I was mowing and I suppose they have to hurry up and mate so there is a later generation which will migrate in the fall. Monarchs will remain together for several hours, sometimes as long as 16 hours, as they mate before the male releases the female so she can lay her eggs.
Monarchs Mating
The recent rain caused my pond to overflow again although I rather see water flowing over a falls instead, especially since I couldn’t mow part of my lawn today again with the standing water. Twin Falls is in an area that hasn’t had as much rain so the flow is lighter but at least it was flowing when I hiked back to it earlier this month.
Twin Falls Still Flowing
These ferns probably enjoyed today’s rain and humidity but I think I will venture out for a walk in the woods when it is drier and cooler.
Ferns in the Woods
It seemed like every time I went outside today, it started to rain. It even rained on me when I was at this beach last week and the tepee like structure didn’t provide a lot of cover from the raindrops.
Wet Evening at the Beach
The little rock family looks at the storm clouds that are threatening to rain over Lake Superior as sunset approaches.
Rock Family on Beach
These daisies seem to be enjoying the sunshine on a late July summer day as they peek out from behind the wooden post.
Daisies Peeking Out
The freighter, Algoma Guardian, sails pass the Wisconsin Point Light as it enters Superior Harbor breakwater to be loaded with iron ore pellets.
Freighter Arriving at Superior
