PERHAPS I AM too easily impressed.
But I have not visited the ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in northern Bayfield County, Wisconsin.
Thus the ice formations gracing the Mississippi River bluffs along Interstate 90 on the Minnesota side near La Crosse, Wisconsin, impress me.
There is no stopping along I-90 to view or photograph this natural ice art up close. Rather, I rely on the rapid fire of my camera to capture the scene for later study.
Every time I see this water frozen in the icebox of winter, I marvel at its beauty.
I remember, too, how once upon a time I snapped icicles from the milkhouse roofline to engage in sword fight battles with my siblings.
The flip side of my mind views the ice formations as powdered sugar icing dripping down the sides of a homemade chocolate birthday cake baked by my mother.
That’s the thing about art—man-made or natural. It’s always open to interpretation.
FYI: These photos were taken 10 days ago. Since then, the weather has warmed to around 60 degrees in southern Minnesota, meaning these formations are likely disappearing.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Frozen water is pretty remarkable. I, too, have memories of snapping icicles from rooflines – sometime it was a little dangerous – they were very big and hurt a bit if you where in the way. Nice drive by shooting too 🙂
I don’t recall ever getting hurt from snapping roofline icicles. I think the danger lay in a brother poking an eye out.
Like you, I do a lot of drive bys. If I didn’t, I’d never get anywhere.
I drove through La Crosse yesterday and the ice was still there.
Thanks for the update, Bev. I thought it had probably already melted. I assume you were visiting the son and family in Owatonna? We thought of you the weekend prior as we drove through Wautoma Friday and then again Sunday.
Our snow and ice is gone after yesterday—-the last vestiges of it are soon to be driven away by the rain today. It is almost spring, I think, but I hear it is getting colder again later in the week. But for today I will enjoy the spring rain and maybe do some spring cleaning . Lovely drive by pictures!
Oh, yesterday here in Minnesota was absolutely glorious with 60-degree temps. Randy and I walked for 1 1/2 hours at the local nature center, albeit on treacherous icy trails. I have yet to download my photos into the computer. I’ve never seen the nature center this busy. Ever.
Some area of Minnesota and North Dakota are forecast to get up to 20 inches of snow. Only an inch predicted here. Thankfully. Rain here today also with some snow piles still remaining.
It is unpredictable this time of year but I certainly am happy that it has been a bit warmer. We walked around the neighborhood between watching basketball games yesterday. 🙂
Unpredictable would be the perfect adjective to describe the weather.
Those are beautiful thanks for sharing.
Thank you.
Thank you for showcasing some of the beauty that is the very reason I love winter. The photo’s are beautiful! My dream is to take a venture to the ice caves up in Bay field, my Brother-in-law did that this winter, his photo’s are breathtaking….I was a little jealous.
Oh, yes, Jackie, Bayfield would be just the place for you. More winter weather coming today and into tomorrow…
Beautiful Captures:) Thanks so much for sharing – Happy Monday!
You are welcome, Renee.
Most of what you portray in these photos is very much gone. When these sheets of vertical ice appear, sometimes there are good sized groups of ice climbers taking advantage of this not too common occurrence. This is usually when the whole bluffside becomes a frozen ice spill. Each to their own………….hugs……..
Oh, my, people climb these icy bluffs. Not for me.
Me either!!!!!!
Love it! My son and I went hiking last week at Starved Rock State Park. Saw some cool waterfalls falling inside ice shells. That said, while I love the look of the ice on the rocks, I’m ready to see green plants instead for a change!
Oh, yes, I’m so ready for green. See my post tomorrow morning.
The ice formations are gorgeous. Stunning! I love the amazing natural art forms. It’s lovely that your mother is still baking – I’d have loved to have seen a photo of her cake! xx
Oh, those were memories of my mom baking cakes. She seldom cooks or bakes anymore given her health and age.
Very pretty ice formations. Oh you got my taste buds to going with that last comment about icing dripping down a chocolate cake!!
It’s been a long time since I had chocolate cake. Hmmmmmm…