On the News - the Weather News that is...

"Oh Brother!" It took a little effort and then an few phone calls as the day went on, but I managed to get one of my partners in photo crime to meet me on yet another "Death Defying" photo hop. (Brother Rob)

"Hiding" behind a brick and mortar wall, far enough from the melee to "feel" safe and not be in the blowing sand. "Winnetka Power Station Pier"

Gusts to 60, sustained winds in the 50 mph range and then wind chills about 20 degrees. (Per Professor Tom Skilling @ WGN) Wow it was FEROCIOUS (I imagine a Mt McKinley summit at 50 or 60 mph and -50 degrees... those folks are crazy)


We arrive to a moderate sand blasting and bone chilling wind. The effort to required to walk eventually reminds me of crossing a shallow fast moving stream - the feet must be forced down to the intended step point. Tiring.

Gilson Park Beach This "Lee Side" of the stone breakwater gives the signs added perspective...

As we moved South chasing other photo opportunities, each "stop" along the way required we leave the relative safety of the vehicles and hike to the shore. Wiser and older we never test our exposure to undue risk, I guess from the view here "Undue Risk" is relative.

"Jay" (me) On the retaining wall @ Wilmette Harbor - Photo by Rob Kleeman

I am not one to completely enjoy my picture, that's why I carry the cameras (and tell everyone so). Bahi Temple in the background, that grass is not laying down - it's "Standing up" in the wind. We are staying well clear of the rocks and the edge. We know this area well and can't think of just how disappointed we would be to get the cameras wet... dawn - no wind - we can travel out to the light... not today! 

"The Loop" as seen from the Northwestern Campus

The next obvious shooting location would require a movement to Montrose Pier. That would have been Grand but we were running out of light and getting battered and seriously cold. Coffee Time - so we packed it in.


Parking in town in the dark, almost 5 pm - meters done... nope got a parking ticket. But I think $10 for all this is cheap. So the last few hours were a success. We got a little early winter practice in, saw some amazing displays of Mother Natures power and collected stellar images. "Priceless!"


Our final reward as the daylight fades...we head to the car and the warm calm interior it offers and see this...

Northwestern University Campus

I guess today's excitement is like life... Sometimes it looks like "A Fairy Tale."

These images were featured on the WGN Weather Segment tonight and popped up on their web-site too. Thank you Professor Tom Skilling - we are only too happy to share!

http://blog.chicagoweathercenter.com/2011/11/lake-michigan-waves-1.html