The north shore of Lake Superior is far different than the southern shore.  Two summers ago when we brought our boat from Milwaukee to the Apostle Islands, we traveled the southern shore.  It was rocky, at times mountainous, and dotted with towns (Grand Marais, Munising, Marquette) which provided the only harbors of refuge.  The north shore is miles and miles of pristine wilderness, numerous islands to cruise and many natural bays and coves in which to anchor.  Towns are rare, and although we saw several small fishing boats, a couple of dive boats, there was only one other boat our size.  "Harborlite" was captained by Chase, Nate and their wives.  Anchored in a cove behind Otter Island, we first met these two young guys when they stopped by with their fishing boat in the early evening to say hello and chat.  The next morning they were out fishing early and again stopped by our boat with a large bag of lake trout they had just cleaned!  Thirty minutes later we were navigating a narrow channel leaving the cove and a strong current put us aground.  Chase and Nate pulled up anchor on their large trawler and came to our rescue!  After securing the boat, Walt took the dinghy back to thank them and reimburse them for their time and generosity.  Not only did he return with the money they refused to take - but also had a rum & coke! 

Saturday, June 10  A beautiful sunrise as we left the harbor in Thunder Bay.

Followed the coast and anchored in cove on Edward Island.  Crystal clear water, green hue from all the surrounding pine trees.

Sunday, June 11  Stopped for lunch in Loon Harbour.  When we pulled up anchor to leave, a large rock was stuck in the anchor.

Rounded Heron Point and anchored in a cove behind Otter Island - where we met Chase & Nate.

Wanted to walk to the waterfalls that we could hear, but were unable to find the path - and were unable to forge our own path.

Monday June 13  Followed Black Bay Peninsula.  North of Lamb Island was a stunning view up the Nipigon Strait.  We rounded the southern shore of St. Ignace Island, and then Simpson Island where we dropped anchor in the far end of Woodbine Harbour.  This marked our northern most point on the Great Lakes at 48 degrees, 45 minutes, and 30 seconds north latitude.  Met a couple of people from Vermont - fishing in the cove.

Tuesday, June 14   Stopped at Battle Island and walked to the lighthouse.

then headed for the Slate Islands - a group of 8 islands formed by an asteroid.  Known to be inhabited by a large herd of caribou - but we did not see one.

Wednesday, June 15    Crossed back to the mainland to Pukaskwa National Park.  Dodged floating logs entering Pulpwood Harbour.  This was once a logging area - which was evident when we later walked the beaches.

Thursday, June 16   Another beautiful day and calm seas.  Traveled down eastern shore.  Cruised by Cascade Falls, then dropped anchor in Otter Cove - behind Otter Island.

 Friday, June 17   Cruised to Michipicoten Island, and explored Quebec Harbour.  Then crossed back to the mainland and anchored in Indian Harbour off of Cape Gargantun.

Saturday, June 18   Walt's 66th birthday.  So beautiful here - decided to spend the day exploring.
Took dinghy around the cape to Warp Bay where there was a great sand beach.  On the way we passed Devil's Chair (spot where Nanigoujou, the giant who protected the Ojibwe rested after jumping over the lake)

 We found hiking trails. On the path we saw fresh moose tracks.  Deep in the woods we heard a noise, then animals came charging through the brush and began circling us, growling - not moose, wolves?? - no - 2 large dogs!!   Not soon enough - a woman emerged.  She was walking the trails by herself and said she often saw moose - heard a noise - so sent her dogs ahead to "attack".  The rest of the hike was without incident and we ended up on a bluff high above our anchorage



Sunday, June 19   Another travel day.  Wind started picking up and we pulled into Mamainstee Harbour and tied up on a dock with all the fishing tugs.

Monday, June 20   Headed out for Sault St. Marie.  As soon as we left the harbor, we were hit with 5-6 foot waves.  Unable to turn back, we planned to go into Batchawana Bay - about an hour away.  We were pitching and rolling - and so was everything on board!  After 3 hours of tacking, we made it to the bay - but suddenly the waves died down and we decided to keep going.  In Whitefish Bay, the waves started growing again, and we entered St. Mary's River with a significant following sea.  We crossed our path from 2 summers ago at the Gros Cap Light.  Last time I was driving and mistook this for a boat and set my course behind it - until I eventually realized not only was it not moving - but it was not a boat.  Walt was driving this time - and of course did not make the same mistake!

 About 2 miles from the soo locks - the wind picked up and we were getting hit with winds up to 37 knots!!  I was on the deck trying to put out fenders and the wind, waves, and water spray was so loud I could not even hear Walt on the communication set.  We did make it into the lock -

- but still had to get into a marina.  We called ahead to get help with lines.  The dock boy was unable to keep control of the stern line - and Walt came out of the pilot house to throw a line over a post.  He forgot to take his socks off and when he threw the line - his whole body went flying!!  We were a good 3 feet from the dock and I was sure he was going into the lake - but he landed on the dock in one piece.  Of course we had not cleared US Customs yet - but explained to them that he did not get off the boat - but fell off ;)

Watched a HUGE freighter go through the locks last night.  We are spending the day here - trying to catch up on things, then will head back into Canada to the North Channel.