We just finished a week cruising the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (i.e., National Park) in Lake Superior. It was paradise north (though when Superior is grumpy, it can be like the other place minus the heat). But this past week was just about perfect. In my limited view, there are few if any places in the lower 48 which are more beautiful and boater friendly. It truly is the land of sky blue waters, and when viewed close up, they are crystal clear. The options in the National Park are many ranging from about a half a dozen historic lighthouses which can be toured, to sea caves to be explored, to hiking trails through old-growth and in some cases virgin timber on the islands, to several historic landings with either original or reconstituted buildings to be toured, to soft yellow-sand beaches, to rugged rocky shores. Betwixt all these are the sparkling waters of Longfellows Song of Hiawatha: "By the shores of Gitche Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water, Stood the wigwam of Nokomis Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis. Dark behind it rose the forest, Rose the black and gloomy pine-trees, Rose the firs with cones upon them; Bright before it beat the water, Beat the clear and sunny water, Beat the shining Big-Sea-Water Pardon, the poetry, but this still describes the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior. David Sorenson Duluth, MN ____________________________________________________________ Hard times? Career rut? Fast track your career with an online degree. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTKL6gmif3upLvUTzxuhm7fOcpkXOwGWkmAh35r3tb0VHD3MJucY60/