If you are interested in a wilderness experience the north shore of Lake Superior is one place to consider. This is the only shoreline of the five great lakes that has true pristine wilderness. Superior is the largest of all the great lakes and as such storms can generate large waves. Fall gales have taken many a large vessel to the bottom. It truly is a lake to have some respect for.

Fog is a part of life on the lake. On occassion you may find yourself fog bound in a harbour for a few days at a time. There are no navigation markers other than for a few lighthouses but in this day of GPS navigation there is no problem with finding your way. Most harbours have deep-water entrances and there are numerous all-weather anchorages. Any marginal achorages should be avoided as the weather can change quite often on the lake. There is nothing worse than staying up all night worried about dragging on to a lee shore because a storm came up during the night -- been there, done it.

What you bring is what you have. There are few places to get any supplies so double check that you have everything.

The number of boats travelling these waters are far and few between. We have had times when we haven't seen another boat for a number of days.

The cold waters of Lake Superior not only produce a lot of fog but keeps the air temperature down as well. Bring lots of warm clothes -- yes, even in the middle of summer. Most boats have some heat source to take the evening chill off.

The picture up until now might look bleak and you might ask why venture into this area. Just about all of the shoreline is public which affords you unlimited exploration ashore. Water clean enough to fill your water tanks. Quiet anchorages where you can watch otters playing and hear loons singing. Campfires ashore where you can socialize with the boats you meet. Watch moose feeding at the shoreline. Drop a line in the water and have a fresh lake trout for supper. A week or two in such an enviroment can truly put you in touch with yourself and nature.