7. Gateway to the North: Pigeon Point, Minnesota, to Lamb Island, Ontario When we round Pigeon Point and look up the Canadian shoreline to the north, we catch a first glimpse of the high rolling headlands and dense forests that characterize this wild rugged shoreline of the north. Broken only by the city complex of Thunder Bay with its continuous traffic of commercial shipping, we now come to that section of the lake that is one of the prime areas for wilderness cruising. With much of the shoreline laced with intricate island chains, we can cruise here for days in the protected side channels, a veritable "gateway to the north." For many, wilderness cruising is cruising at its best. For as we climb this wild shoreline toward the north, the landscape takes on a majestic rugged quality with rocky lichen-painted beaches, high over-towering bluffs and unending forests of spruce and pine. With wildlife and waterfowl abundant, it is not uncommon to be greeted with a slap of a beaver tail or the flight of a great blue heron as we glide into the remote backwaters of a hidden anchorage. Many of these anchorages are secure "hurricane holes" displaying picture postcard scenery, a true photographer''s paradise.

Since this section of the lake is a true wilderness area, it is important to note that there are no gas depots or supply stations along the way. In the 90-mile stretch from Thunder Bay to Rossport, there are only two areas to get supplies and these are 30 miles off the beaten track at Red Rock and Nipigon. Therefore when heading up this shoreline, it is important to carry along a full complement of ship''s stores, replacement parts and extra fuel. There is little or nothing that can be obtained here. Another important point to note is that aside from Thunder Bay there are no marinas and few docks in this sector of the lake. Thus you must not only be electrically independent for long periods of time, but you must also be prepared to anchor in a variety of ways. Often it may be necessary to use two anchors or a trip line to retrieve a fouled anchor. Therefore, it is important to have not only adequate ground tackle, but also to have worked out these systems beforehand.

Many areas in this part of the lake, especially within the island chains, contain hazardous shoals and rock-strewn water. Because there are also many areas of magnetic disturbance, steering a compass course may sometimes be impossible; taking visual bearings may be the only way to navigate. The prevalence of fog, especially along Lake Superior''s northern shore, will often compound these problems of navigation. Even with radar and GPS, there are some areas that should not be navigated without good visibility, and the prudent course may be to just snug up to an island and wait for better conditions. In the long run, it is important to be prepared for fog, which can descend in minutes, and cautious boaters should cruise this area with alternative anchorages always kept well in mind. To address the concerns of wilderness cruising in this area, the mid-1990s saw the establishment of the North of Superior Marina Marketing Association. By pooling resources of communities from Thunder Bay to the Sault, a key mandate of this group is the development and promotion of marinas along the north and east shores of Lake Superior. They put out a helpful booklet that describes Ontario marine facilities from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste.

Marie. Another development in this section of the lake that will affect the recreational boater is the establishment of a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA). It is not within the scope of this book to present the total NMCA with all its ramifications. The following is but a summary of the possible impacts it may have on the boating community. Basically, the goal of the plan is to "optimize use while protecting natural and cultural heritage values." Core areas, generally small in size, will protect critical habitats, endangered species and outstanding natural or cultural features. Other elements involve environmental education and interpretative programs. The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area extends from Thunder Cape on the Sibley Peninsula to Bottle Point past Terrace Bay, including both Nipigon and Black bays.

A key element of the NMCA is the division of the area into zones for protection purposes. (See Fig. 7.1.) Within the NMCA there are 70 different fish species and 50 shipwrecks. There are two Visitor Centers, one at Terrace Bay (seasonal, June - mid-October) and one at Nipigon Administrative Office (open all year). The NMCA is under the administration of Parks Canada, but in cooperation with other governmental agencies. At present there is no plan for a user fee structure in the proposal.

It is expected that the restrictive zone impact to the recreational boater will be small in comparison with the total area. Yet, it is an area on the lake that is bound to have some changes and bears watching in the coming years. A final comment. One thing we have noticed about our Canadian Brethren over the years is their incredible ingenuity in using floating docks. You have to admit, it''s reasonably easy to bring them into remote areas over the water. Attaching them to shore can vary from tying off on a few trees to the elaborate structures in Thunder Bay. And they certainly are adaptable to use in the North Country. When winter comes, all you have to do is unhook them and drag them up on shore.

We are making every effort in this guide to be as accurate as possible, both with texts and charts. However, this versatility in dock usage means that you may use a dock in a nice cozy anchorage one season only to find it gone when you come back the next.