Jul 15, 201110:13 PMThe Bucket List
Lake Superior
Bailey Leveille
Last time I talked about how we all see Lake Superior and that we should try a new perspective and see the shore. I’m all about finding new perspectives—especially when it comes to things that seem to slink themselves into a particular classification in our minds—and I’ve already given one example of getting a new view on the greatest of the Great Lakes. This time, I’m here to give you another: discover a new perspective under the surface of Lake Superior.
Yes, I am suggesting and, in fact, encouraging that you submerge yourself into a lake that has an average temperature of 40 degrees. I’m also here to assure you that it does get warmer in the summer . . . for a few days and probably only by a few degrees. Personally, I enjoy the shock of the cold water on a hot day. If you jump in at the “start” of summer, the submersion gives you empathy for a person suffering from arthritis. But, if you wait until the middle of July it becomes more refreshing. One can feel the cold an hour after doing whatever it takes to get the feeling back in your limbs.
I exaggerate its cold—only slightly—but Lake Superior is one of the greatest treasures of the Northland and a little cold should not stop anyone from checking off this one on the bucket list. We can boast that our lake can fit (as determined by surface area) Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and still have room to spare! Through the St. Lawrence Seaway, Lake Superior indirectly connects to the Atlantic Ocean. The lake, containing more water than all the other Great Lakes combined, could flood North and South America under one foot of water. Lake Superior also creates the most significant lake effect snows in the world (lake effect snows are actually quite rare as they only occur on the Eastern shore of Hudson Bay and the west coasts of two Japanese islands). That big body of water you see on your way to work, yes that one, is one of a kind.
Several months ago I mentioned that often some of the best Northland treasures, some of the most unique items on a bucket list, are right in front of us. Diving into the world’s largest freshwater lake and opening your eyes is no small feat! How many times have you marveled at the beauty of Lake Superior? How many pictures have you taken of it? Now, how many times have you gone in? Lake Superior is a treasure. We need to just open our eyes to see it.
