In 2015, REI Co-op started Opt Outside inviting employees and members to look at the Black Friday in a new light. I have been participating in Opt Outside from the beginning and this year was no different. For 2021, I took a trip to Jay Cooke State Park, the nearest state park to Duluth and a park I frequent due to its closeness. On arrival I was happy to see a busy parking lot and lots of people enjoying the nice November day.
We don’t often get temps above seventy in October but, when we do, it behooves us to get outside and enjoy it. I choose to spend a few hours at Jay Cooke State Park enjoying the sound of the St. Louis River and waiting for the sunset.
I’ve been cooped up a bit too long between staying home and my time working at our local food co-op, time to go outside and hug a tree. And grab a photo or two.
Sunset colors above the St. Louis River as it flows through jay Cooke State Park.
Another visit to the St. Louis River as it flows through Jay Cooke State Park.
This image could also have been better with a shorter exposure to bring out the detail in the flowing water.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Tamron SP 28-75mm F/2.8, ISO 50, f/11, 20 sec, 10 stop ND filter.
In hindsight, I think I could have gone with a lesser stop filter and shorter exposure to maintain more detail in the water.
Sunrise viewed from Skyline Parkway above Duluth looking toward Superior, Wisconsin. The St. Louis River flows from the right on its way to Lake Superior on the left.
Out of the forest and back to the river, time to go home.
Watching the river flow.
The rapids upstream from the bridge.
Northern Visions Media 