wisconsin

November is a month for unpredictable, dangerous weather on the Great Lakes. The most ferocious winds don't usually roar in until late in the month, as they did in 1905. Over two days near the end of that November, the "Mataafa Storm" damaged or destroyed 29 ships on Lake Superior, including the steamer which gave the storm its name.

On November 9, 1975, two ships set out, one from Minnesota and one from Wisconsin's northern shore, both laden with more than 25,000 tons of iron ore pellets. They were the Arthur M. Anderson and the Edmund Fitzgerald, each under the command of an experienced captain. In the dead of night, the gales of November came early and soon took the Edmund Fitzgerald to the bottom of Lake Superior, as Gordon Lightfoot's song describes.

This is the time of year when we wonder if Winter will ever end. It helps to daydream, and to remember that every day brings us closer to Spring, and then Summer! While we're dreaming of beautiful beaches and fun on the boat, we put together a list of five places we'd love to be this summer (and a couple we'd love to be right now!).  

Destin, Florida

  The crown jewel of Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin boasts soft, sandy beaches and beautiful clear water waiting to welcome boaters and swimmers. Don't have your own boat? There are boat rentals, fishing charters, and dolphin-watching cruises to enjoy. Speaking of enjoyment, check out those beaches! Destin's Crab Island Waterpark, a floating playground. You might even catch a local band performing on a floating stage.  

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri