This place was an adventure from start to finish. Although we were very much looking forward to going there, everything we had read talked about how hard it was to get in. We had believed Bonnie up to now but Mike wasn’t so sure with this one. Sure enough, we hit bottom and the folks at the docks heard us and one came out in his steel runabout to guide us in.
We got the last spot at the dock but who would be our dock partner but Dahlfin II and Ron & Bonnie Dahl! Mike jumpsed out and practically kissed her, telling her how great her book was. We got her autograph. They are retired teachers who have been sailing Superior for years.
The other boaters were from Red Rock and Nipigon and are the people who maintain the island, buildings and trail. The island is owned by a fellow from Thunder Bay but has others maintain it for him. There is a cabin, 2 “backhouses” and a sauna. They had been busy working on the sitting area around the firepit. Lovely, welcoming people - as long as you’re not a kayaker! They have lots of stories about them.
Frank went off to the mountain while we lazed about chatting with Bonnie and learning about her canning experiences. She is a great cook as well as sailor.
We joined the group for wine time. Lots of food and a new appetizer: cracker, salmon Philadelphia spread, smoked oyster & small pickled onion = a CPR slipper! There’s also the CPR Shooter - toasted marshmallow and Baileys.
The fire log was very unique. A large log with a star cut into it. Some fire starter is put on top and then it burns down. Very neat & lasts the whole evening.
The 4 of us hit the sauna. Mike loves saunas. The rest of us think they are okay.
Had a great dinner of devilled eggs, potato salad, chicken souvlaki from Malateser’s Grocery in TB which was amazing. Lingered at the fire for awhile and then to bed.
The next morning was overcast The fog cleared in the afternoon so Mike, Rick and I hiked up the mountain. Frank had gone the day before and said it was well worth the trip. It was quite a hike. Helgi keeps the trail cleared and the year before he had put a bench at the top. He carried it up there himself. Definitely no easy feat. The view at the top was beautiful.
Weather kept us at the slip another day. More boaters came in, some nice, others we could do without.
Will be sad to leave though.
