I love living in greater Minneapolis/St. Paul. In the winter time people get outdoors to celebrate the cold with things like the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival.
Last night, on an unusually mild evening, was the luminary loppet—an opportunity to cross country ski, snow shoe, or walk around a 2.1 mile path on Lake of the Isles lit by over 1200 lanterns.
“How could it be winter without snow?I appreciated every season, but winter was my favorite.I loved when it was time to pull out my thick sweaters.I loved the smell of a wood fire.I loved skiing and snow boarding and sledding, when I could find the time-although time was in a short supply when school was in session. I even enjoyed the cold, wintry weather, it was great for snuggling.”
― Rachel Hawthorne, Suite Dreams
It’s fun to see people out skiing, strolling, sitting by bonfires, and fire dancing lit only by the light of lanterns and ambient city light.
I went to see the luminaries and skiers and to spend time working on my night photography skills. As you can see by the photos, it’s challenging to photograph fast moving skiers in dim lighting conditions. I got to practice panning (moving the camera as skiers skied by).
It was good to overcome the inertia of long winter nights to get out and feel the cold wind blowing across the lake, smell the wood bonfires, see families and friends out playing, and see the beauty of the glowing luminaries circling the lake.
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