An Arctic Sea nearly in the middle of the North American continent, Lake Superior has earned the title. Largest freshwater lake by surface area and 3rd largest by volume, Lake Superior is a national treasure like no other. Geologically speaking, the Lake Superior region has seen it all including an ancient mid-continent rift creating one of the deepest rifts in the world. Even today, the deepest part of the lake claims the title for the lowest spot in the Continental Interior of the U.S. which is 733 feet below sea level.
The intense beauty of this spectacular lake is enough to make your eyes bleed and the few photos I have provided in this photo diary are a good start in sharing that beauty with you.
The region I have selected in this (and part 2 which will be coming soon) is centered roughly in the Munising, MI area on the south shore. Collectively, this area is known as "The Pictured Rocks". Various layers of sandstone erode into fantastic shapes and features such as sea caves, natural bridges and huge amphitheatres, many with waterfalls. The most well known location would be the "Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore", however, none of these pictures were taken there. Instead, I have featured some much lesser known areas with far less tourism. Once such location is the Grand Island National Recreation Area, a wilderness island 1/2 mile off the coast near Munising. Each inch of this island is the kind of place dreams are made of & we dream to return soon. We paddled over in an open canoe (see safety warning below) and for the next week we had the time of our lives. The other area featured is a secret location near Christmas, MI and due to its pristine beauty we are going to keep it a secret. Sorry!
Enjoy the photos!
Safety Warning: Do not paddle in Lake Superior unless you know what you are doing and we mean years of experience and the best of equipment. Expert paddlers usually choose to stay on the beach and wait until better weather. This lake can kill you!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Grand Island National Recreation Area (US Forest Service)