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David Barthel

Photo Journal & News

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Full Pink Moonrise Over Agate Bay

Readers who examined the title of this entry might at first wonder if I am colorblind. You say, "That moon isn't pink - it's creamy yellow." Yes, you are right - and, I am slightly colorblind, but not nearly to that degree!

Native Americans long ago gave names to each month's full moon with April's being named the "Pink Moon" due to the pink wild ground phlox that was one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring.

Indeed, when the moon first slipped above the horizon on this clear night last Sunday, it was actually more orange than yellow - and quite large - one of the most beautiful I have seen in a while.

Since the late 1890s, the Edna G tugboat has called Two Harbors home, except during a period of World War I in which she provided service on the East Coast. By the 1970s, she was the only steam-powered tug still in service on the Great Lakes. She was finally retired in 1981 and now serves as a floating museum operated by the Lake County Historical Society.

The Edna G is now about as old as some of the oldest living persons. Both have, no doubt, seen remarkable change in their lives. But, one thing has remained the same. Every 29 or so days, given clear skies, the full moon has always made its appearance as if like clockwork. The Edna G has seen hundreds, with no two exactly the same in appearance.

Compared with the Edna G, I have seen few full moonrises. However, each new one I view and photograph has qualities that make it as magical as those that came before.