Aristotle said “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Nothing proves his point better than Lake Erie, captured by Ontario photographer Dave Sandford.

Sandford's series 'The Gales of November,' have gone viral for showing the pure power of Mother Nature. It's left Sanford at a loss for words. "There have been moments on Lake Erie where I have lowered my camera, looked over it & literally out loud said to myself "What. The. Hell. Did I just see" and my jaw drops."

Waves are not measured in feet or inches, they are measured in increments of fear

Sandford is from London, Ontario and has been taking photos for close to 20 years. The Canadian does whatever it takes to get the shot, including going in Lake Erie in November and December "I can scratch December off my list as the only remaining month I had not been in an Ontario body of water. Lake Erie was a toasty warm 44f (6 Celsius)."

Working in frigid water makes it worth it when you capture those one in a lifetime moments. Despite what some may claim, the images are not photo-shopped. "When the autumn winds howl across the Great Lakes pulling cold air from the northwest & meeting warm air from the south, it’s known as the Witch of November. The result; waves that are wicked & treacherous. Reaching heights of up to 35 feet. If you look closely, you can see the witch in the wave hoping to claim unsuspecting victims," explains Sandford.

Dave Sanford Photography
Dave Sanford Photography
loading...

Sandford believes the legend that Lake Erie is haunted. "With all the time I've spent on her, I believe it to be true. Waves are not measured in feet or inches, they are measured in increments of fear."

The 'Gales of November' Lake Erie photos have been featured on news and websites around the world. See more of Sandford's work on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and DaveSandfordPhotos.com.

Lake Erie Photo Gallery


MORE: Munnsville Man Creates Star Wars Christmas Display

Stay Connected

More From Big Frog 104