Weight of Winter by Joshua Morrison

Soaring sandstone cliffs, miles of sandy beaches, and vast rolling dunes make Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore an Upper Peninsula treasure. Located along the south shore of Lake Superior, it is a visitor favorite during the summer months. However, the lakeshore does not lie dormant when the chill of winter sets in. In winter the lakeshore is overflowing with possibility and wonder, waiting to be discovered by anyone with a spirit for adventure. Whether you crave the rush of adrenaline that engulfs your body as you scale an 80 foot ice cliff or enjoy the soft whisper of Nordic skis gliding across winding trails, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has something for everyone.

Escape

The dreaded cabin fever was occupying my thoughts as the sun was slowly making its return from months of deficiency, but the chill of winter still hung in the air. I was aching for seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the city, I needed to escape and be alone with my thoughts. I was seeking solitude and there was one place I knew that it could be found, Pictured Rocks.

My adventure started west of Grand Marais at the Sable Dunes. I strapped on my snowshoes and took my first step onto the snow covered path that meandered gently along the ridge of the dunes. The contours of the dunes appear as if they were shaped by the rhythm of the waves, meticulously placing the sand piece by piece, as to mirror itself on earth. The openness made the responsibilities of everyday life disappear. The only things to consider were the whispers of dune grass brushing my shins and the crunch of hardened snow beneath my feet. The winding trails lead me to a place nestled between two massive dune faces and surrounded by a stand of jack pines. I realized I was worlds away from the one I came from. Tonight this place would be my home, my own personal paradise.

It was below freezing and the tent was pitched and the cookstove was quickly lit with anticipation of a warm dinner soon to follow. The

temperature continued to fall as the last rays of the sun disappeared behind the dunes and the stars began to peek out, displaying themselves brilliantly on their inky canvas. My body started feeling heavy as the cold winter air lingered in my lungs. My core was satisfied with the feeling of accomplishment; I was winter camping. I crawled into my tent and my body warmed between several layers of clothing and the smoothness of my sleeping bag. I drifted into a slumber, feeling amazed by the protection a few layers of nylon could provide between me the power of nature.

Dawn came fast as I awoke with the crisp morning air. The snow covered dunes were ablaze with the reflection of the first light. I stepped outside of the tent into the sunlight of a world unexplored, eager to discover what was waiting for me on the other side of the sand dune.

Weight Relieved

It was enjoyable hike over the rolling snow fleeced dunes, through the peaceful seclusion of the woods towards the sound of the roaring Sable Falls. After resting at the foot of the falls I explored the beach below. Hiking between the massive dunes and the biggest lake in the world with its waves crashing hypnotically on the ice covered shore was a captivating experience. Following the lakeshore back to town I was well satisfied by this short winter adventure. In as little as a day the weight of winter and my cabin fever was gone. I returned home refreshed and willing to come back to Pictured Rocks...maybe next winter, but definitely this spring.

Fortunately, Pictured Rocks offers loads of undiscovered paradises ready for you to share in their wonder. All you have to do is let yourself find a place that belongs to you and to no one else. I found my place, in the middle of winter, miles from the burden of routine, and who knows when I might need to call on it again When I do I will know exactly where I need to be. The question is… will you?

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