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Melting caves, icy cliffs and other Up North delights

Vaughn Rodriguez, climbing ice in Munising, where he guides currently. (Photo courtesy of Vaughn Rodriguez)
Vaughn Rodriguez, climbing ice in Munising, where he guides currently. (Photo courtesy of Vaughn Rodriguez)

Today, we have two stories about how we use ice — from temporary caves along Lake Michigan to 'cryofarming' in the Upper Peninsula.

First, Brian Freiberger from the Leelanau Enterprise tells us about the beauty and danger of ice caves, which have formed in our robust winter.

And while this winter has indeed been pretty potent, the season has become less predictable over the years. Journalist Roxanne Hoorn tells us about efforts to make ice on a sheer rock face, and how that might help ice climbers have a more dependable season to practice their sport.


Producer: Austin Rowlader
Music: Blue Dot Sessions

Ed Ronco is IPR's news director and the local host of "Morning Edition."
Austin is a freelance reporter and producer based in Bellaire.