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Monday, February 16, 2026

The Winter Lake

I usually go to Lake Michigan at least once in the winter. It's beautiful in every season, and there is something about seeing all that ice that is awe inspiring.  However, I don't stay long!  It's so cold out there, walking on the icy pier with the winter wind blowing.

Here's some pics from my visit last week.




Walking along the pier, you see everything coated in ice.  When the wind blows, the waves wash over it and this is the result.






It was a cloudy day, but that's the usual look here in the winter.






Ice, as far as you can see.








This is called pancake ice and it covers the channel into Grand Haven.





It started snowing a little as I went further down the beach.






This little sea gull doesn't seem to be bothered by the wind or the cold.







Look at all the ice around the lighthouse!  





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One last view before I left.  Next time I come back, all this ice should be gone. I must admit, I prefer it in the summer.

28 comments:

Miss Merry said...

Brrrr! Lovely pictures, though.

Susan said...

So pretty, but just looking at it has me shivering.

Chrissy T said...

This is marvelous!!!!!!!! I know it is cold but I would love to see this in person!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Mari, I absolutely love ❤️ these photos. Birds 🐦 are amazing. They feel the cold 🥶 but tough it out so well. The seagull is sweet.

Veronica Lee said...

Your enchanting photos captured the stark beauty of winter so well.
There’s something magical about all that ice, even if it makes me shiver just looking at it!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my goodness! I love the shots of the lonely lighthouse. And the snow seems to be glittering. But the pier, oy! How on earth could you walk on it?

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hi Mari! Wow, the lake looks so cold!! We finally have some snow in the forecast later this week. God is answering prayers for moisture here. See you again soon!

Nicole Orriëns said...

That is inderdaad beautiful Mari! I love the term 'pancake ice'. Why is it called that?

Donna said...

Cool photos but...I think I'll stay in Texas! lol
hugs
Donna

Lori said...

These are all beautiful pictures.

Catherine said...

Beautiful surprising pictures! It must be SO cold up there!

MadSnapper n Beau said...

it truly is amazing to see and IF I could make myself go there, I would be snapping myself crazy with a camera. love that last view, they are all wonderful... I can FEEL the cold coming from my laptop

Pamela M. Steiner said...

BRRRRRRR! I'm cold just looking at these pictures, but they sure are beautiful! I love seeing them, but I can imagine how cold you must've been trying to take these pictures! It really is a lovely scene, however, and I'm glad you made the trip there to capture it all for us. I know you are looking forward to spring!!!

Prims By The Water said...

The ice is so pretty especially with a blue sky. I love seeing the ice in our river. What I dont like lately is the hoarfrost and fog lately. So glad I dont have to drive to work in it right now. Janice

Chatty Crone said...

Love those photos - but boy does it look cold!

photowannabe said...

Stunning photos Mari.
I'm shivering just looking at them.
My favorite is the lonely lighthouse surrounded by ice. It would make a beautiful wall hanger cropped square. Love the murky gray blue sky too.
Stay warm and cozy.
Sue

Shug said...

Oh goodness...it looks as if you were so close to the ice. I mean a lot of ice!! Each photo is stunning Mari.. I would love to see all of this in person some day.

Terri D said...

If I remember right, it was a bit windy in July when I was there with you!! I can't imagine walking out there with ice everywhere!! Brrrrrrr!!

acorn hollow said...

Frosty pictures. Our ice is inches thick and feet in places.
Lots going on on the ice such as planes landing.
Cathy

Joyful in His Presence said...

Now THAT'S what I call ice! My goodness! You are special to brave those elements. But thank you for the beautiful pictures you have shared with us.

HappyK said...

Beautiful photos but it sure does look cold.

Lowcarb team member said...

Thank you for sharing these photographs, I enjoyed every one of them.
Bur Brrr it does look very cold.

All the best Jan

Kim said...

Gorgeous in any season!!

❤️ Debby said...

I can feel the cold just looking at those pictures. Beautiful though.

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

There is such beauty in the frozen landscape. Gorgeous pics dear Mari! Stay cozy. xoxo

Great-Granny Grandma said...

Beautiful pictures, and a lovely capture of the little seagull.
I'm not sure I would be brave enough to be walking around there because I have become so paranoid about slipping and falling, but back in the day I definitely would have, just to be able to take some shots.

Connie said...

Gorgeous pictures.

The Happy Whisk said...

Dang. These were nice to look through. That second one with the light house far off. Very, very cool shot. Cheers, Ivy