“April showers bring May flowers” …but only if there are April showers. Though this winter has been relatively mild, the past two Michigan winters were brutal. We watched in fascination in 2014 as the Grand Traverse Bay froze completely solid. We were less fascinated as it collected snow, looking like a flat field instead of the brilliant blue lake it is. With the longer days and persistent sun, the thick ice began to break up in mid-April. This day remains one of my favorites, because it was such a surprise, and the weather was perfect for between-the-ice reflections. The air was warm, but the ice was cold, reminding me of ice cream in the summertime. It was a sweet evening – the kind that makes me glad I live Up North.

Check out these galleries for more winter scenes and colorful sunsets.