Whitefish Point

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At the eastern end of Lake Superior is Whitefish Bay, formed by the narrowing of the big lake between Ontario and Whitefish Point, Michigan. The prevailing westerlies on the Lake blow unfettered for hundreds of miles making the water west of Whitefish Point among the most treacherous, even as they lie nearest the safe haven of the bay. And here, where the weather is severe and where all ships must pass, is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

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The above photos (click any image for larger version of all) show diving suits, early and recent. A suit like the modern one was used to retrieve the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1995, 500 feet below the surface. The famed Fitzgerald went down 17 miles off Whitefish Point.

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A Great Lakes freighter leaves Whitefish Bay for the larger lake. The land beyond (looking north-northeast) is Ontario, Canada.

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The big lake they call Gitche Gumee.

All photos taken August 26, 2009. Map via Google Maps.