May 10 – Apostle Island Sea Caves

The Apostle Islands lie just offshore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. After paddling my kayak a few miles across the clear water, I reached the sea caves along Sand Island. The clear water acts like a mirror, illuminating the caves from below and creating a remarkable scene— an unforgettable setting for photography.

These caves formed over thousands of years as powerful waves, winter ice, and wind slowly eroded the soft red sandstone cliffs. Lake Superior acts like a giant sculptor, carving arches, tunnels, chambers, and pillars along the shoreline. Even today, the process continues. Storm waves on Lake Superior can reach 20–30 feet, gradually enlarging the caves and occasionally collapsing sections of the cliffs, forming new shapes.

The Apostle Islands sea caves are one of the great natural wonders of the Lake Superior region.

“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.” — Psalm 93:4

As I float alongside the caves, it is easy to recall the power and majesty of the Creator who formed them.