Lighthouse Dispatches
The wind continues to blow with lots of weather and activity to remind us of how insignificant we are on this Lake Superior Island.
With mounting clouds forming in the west last night, we could see the thunder and lightning show over the Sleeping Giant. Porphyry Island located some 15 km further to the east on Black Bay has a wonderful panoramic view of the mainland and many islands including 40 miles of Isle Royale.
This weekend saw an influx of boaters ready to start the summer season with over 12 vessels in the harbour at one time. With lots of dog walking, hiking, biking and being surrounded by nature, the experience is always fulfilling.
Many of the boaters have been here before so it’s an annual pilgrimage to the light to see what has changed and what has been updated and take some time for a quiet moment.
The water level continues to go in the right direction, which is up. We’ve seen a big increase of around six inches, but it can all change quickly.
Recently we heard many reports of seiches taking place in the area as the water is blown to the east, west, north, or south; it starts to pile up, making a deficit on the leeward shore and removing the water exposing the beach or reefs.
Our artists in residences have arrived, one from Kingston and the other from Detroit. Both artists bring with them a wealth of experience and we are looking to what they discover and capture on the island.
Andrew Ehn has been busy in the kitchen and houses getting everything ready for the guests. Having an artist in residence on site, is just another way of telling a story, through art. It’s a great conversation started!
The lilac bush is starting to flower, considering that it’s been more than three weeks in town that they have been blooming! Our vegetable garden is doing well. We have been able to keep things growing because of the ample rainwater that we’ve been receiving, along with some sunshine too!
Our charters are running on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday, and Sundays to two destinations, Porphyry and the new attraction at Trowbridge Island Lighthouse. On Saturdays Sail Superior leaves from Thunder Bay to go on a lighthouse trail journey ending in Porphyry with a stop at Silver Islet on the way home. Archie’s Fishing Charters is leaving Thursdays and Sundays for a full tour of Porphyry. What a memory maker!
The lighthouse’s mandate is to preserve protect Canadian Lighthouses on Lake Superior. With a membership of 80 individuals, and 100 volunteers, tours, event and excursion there is always something for people to do and see. It’s a unique experience. Why? The volcanic sands, the arctic-alpine disjunct, the clean clear beautiful water, and the stories of lightkeepers, and shipwrecks.
Happy Canada Day! We will be celebrating with some flags and maybe a bit of rhubarb pie as its very abundant and flourishing. Hopefully we will meet some boaters, and visitors so we can share our story.
Aboard the vessel Hidora at Porphyry Harbour, the firebox is keeping the water bubbling hot for now its tea-time, and time to take a moment, be grateful to have the opportunity to connect and share the surrounding panoramic views.
