without actually being on the ocean. The only difference is the tides and the lack of salt water. But many like pilots know the Lakes provide their own set of challenges: because they are smaller than the ocean, their waves don't dissipate as fast, especially in a gale force storm. Many a skipper of a "saltie" vessel has had his will tested by sailing on the Great Lakes, and many has gone to the bottom because of his arrogance.

Which is, again, a perfect metaphor for the coasts vs. flyover country. Just because we in the middle don't seem as sophisticated does not mean we aren't intelligent, or couldn't teach you a thing or two.