“White Waves”

Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, from Vista Del Lago subdivision in Lake Geneva

February 29, 2024

Whenever a hard wind blows, as it did on February 28, I often think of how it is expressed on the surface of Geneva Lake in southeastern Wisconsin. On many occasions of big winds, I have been at the shoreline to witness them firsthand.

One instance was April 6, 1997, when winds whipped across the lake at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. The waves were the highest I had ever seen them.

In journeying around the lake that day, one stop was on north shore on the south side of Cedar Point Park subdivision in Williams Bay. From there I shot across the lake and produced a photo of the former Northwestern Military and Naval Academy on the south shore.

I wrote about that photograph, which is titled “Washed Away,” in my blog entry of November 29, 2023, and on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. The photo prompted a lot of interest and many comments, and two person bought prints of the photo.

“White Waves” was made the same day as “Washed Away.” The view is to the southwest from in front of the Vista Del Lago condominium development at the eastern end of the lake in Lake Geneva.

The waves and whitecaps are incredible! I was especially drawn to the white line near the top of the photo showing the spray as the wind charged across the length of the lake.

In retrospect, I wish I would have gone in front of The Geneva Inn and the marvelous views of Button’s Bay and the lake to the north and west. Photos from there may have been even better.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this photo is a detail that is barely visible, rendered only as a tiny shape. A desktop or laptop computer with a large screen is probably the best way to see what I am pointing out.

To the left of the center of the photo is the dark shape that, upon close examination, is a duck. And, since ducks often appear in pairs, another duck is to the right of the first one. The second one has a light-colored body, though.

The ducks are just riding the waves, seemingly oblivious to the raging windstorm that is producing the churning waters. Possibly, the ducks are taking advantage of nabbing goodies and treats on the surface that normally would be submerged when the seas are calmer.

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