### Pilotage Plan from Silver Bay, Minnesota to Two Harbors, Minnesota**Route Overview**This scenic water route from Silver Bay to Two Harbors along the North Shore of Lake Superior promises stunning views, rich wildlife, and multiple opportunities for safe anchorage if weather conditions change. The journey is perfect for intermediate to experienced boaters familiar with coastal navigation, as it includes both open waters and sheltered bays along the way. **Departure from Silver Bay**As you set sail from Silver Bay (Lat: 47.2706833, Long: -91.2724333), ensure that your vessel is fully prepared for the trip. Check your navigation equipment, make sure you have life jackets, and have the necessary safety equipment on board. Your route will track approximately 15 nautical miles along the shoreline to Two Harbors. **Point of Interest: Silver Bay Marina**Before heading out, take a moment to explore the Silver Bay Marina. It provides excellent facilities for fueling up and has a delightful restaurant where you can grab refreshments. The marina staff are friendly and knowledgeable about local conditions—an excellent first stop for information.**Navigational Considerations**As you navigate from Silver Bay to Two Harbors, pay attention to the following aids and hazards:1. **Aids to Navigation**: The route is marked by various buoys and lighted markers. Make sure to reference your charts: - Look for **Green can buoys** to your right and **Red nun buoys** to your left as you sail. - The **Sable Point Lighthouse**, located just south of your path, is a useful landmark; its visibility can help in spotting your course.2. **Hazards**: As you round the points near Split Rock Lighthouse, keep an eye out for rocky outcroppings. Stay within the marked channels to avoid submerged rocks. 3. **Weather Awareness**: The weather on Lake Superior can change rapidly. Monitor local forecasts and your marine radio. Should conditions worsen, your plans may need to shift quickly.**Shelter Bays Along the Route**Navigating north along the rugged coastline, you're likely to encounter several inviting bays where you can seek shelter if inclement weather strikes:- **Taconite Harbor**: This sheltered harbor provides an excellent alternative if winds increase. It’s roughly three nautical miles from Silver Bay and has good holding ground for anchoring.- **Baptism River**: Just before reaching Two Harbors is a beautiful spot to anchor for a break. It showcases pristine wilderness and might be a good stopping point for a quick hike along the river trail.**Two Harbors Discovery**Arriving at Two Harbors (Lat: 47.0154167, Long: -91.6664667) is a highlight of this journey. This historic area is home to several points of interest:- The **Two Harbors Lighthouse**: A beautiful sight, it’s worth the visit to take photos.- **Agate Bay**: Perfect to anchor for a swim or picnic, Agate Bay offers calm waters and lovely views of passing boats.**Local Regulations**Be aware of local boating regulations and fishing rules within Two Harbors. Respect no-wake zones particularly near shorelines and around marinas. Always confirm any local advisories that might affect travel on the water.**Recommended Boating Apps**To enhance your trip, consider utilizing navigation apps such as **Savvy Navvy**. This app is particularly useful for its user-friendly interface and real-time weather updates, along with tide tables—essential for planning your docking times. Other excellent apps include **Navionics** for detailed nautical charts and **Windy** for wind and weather tracking.**Final Thoughts**This journey from Silver Bay to Two Harbors offers a chance to connect with nature and experience the rugged beauty of Lake Superior. While maintaining safety as your first priority, enjoy the adventure. Both skilled and newer boaters can benefit from the lessons learned on this trip, with ample opportunities for exploration and refuge along the way. Safe travels!