It was a chance sighting captured by one of our guests of a unique moment. Doug Spry and his wife Prue, visiting from Shuniah, were amazed at what they saw. Captured on Doug’s camera was an inflatable unicorn that had been blown from Silver Islet to become beached at Porphyry. The Island situated some 15 km east of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is filled with amazing sights including unicorns!

This week we’ve been busy welcoming kayakers, boaters, and the crew from SUNORA regatta. The keepers’ dwellings has been filled with volunteers and guests enjoying the beautiful views of the lake and soaking up the sun on the beaches. 

Such a Nice Day (SAND) adventures group enjoyed a tenting experience for their first stop on their way to Rossport, across the north shore.

Artist in Residence Jeanne Marler, and her arts student Olivia, enjoyed a creative week doing oil on canvas, capturing the beauty landscapes of the area. With thanks from the McGregor Recreation Centre for providing visiting children with some art supplies for on-island art lesson provided by Marler. Art is effective in showcasing the area and the many attractions. School aged children having visited the island had the opportunity to learn more about art. You never know how a child’s journey will be impacted by such an activity.

Host Keeper Chloé Leduc-Bélanger & Bennett Malcolmson of Ottawa took advantage after some chores and projects to enjoy the sauna and hiking trails. They both enjoyed the climate away from the humidity of southern Ontario.

The island is looking good with lots of wildlife sightings and many birds flying towards the point. Birdwatchers enjoy being on the island as it is like a long finger into the lake that birds follow on their flight to other destinations.

We have not seen the moose nor calf for a month now and are expecting the bear to be swimming to the island soon. Bears finish off the blueberry crop on the mainland that ripens earlier and then comes later to island to finish the blueberry season.

The 7 day SUNOR regatta on the North Shore finished at Porphyry to celebrate a friendly race over several days and to enjoy the attractions that are offered on Lake Superior.

Sailors participated with some new boaters in tow, learning the ropes from older hands. This year celebrated 30 years of this regatta in the region, connecting sailors to Lake Superior with assistance from the Thunder Bay Yacht Club, supporters and sponsors. The Lighthouse Dispatches column now in its 11^th season published by the Chronicle Journal continues to celebrate the newly published book by the same title that debuted in December. Visitors to the island have been picking up their copy of “Lighthouse Dispatches – Ramblings of a Modern-Day Light Keeper” in a colourful 350-page book. For mainlanders, you are welcome to drop by Entershine Bookshop or the Thunder Bay Museum for your copy. Tours continue to Porphyry on Thursdays and Sundays. Time to run along as the chores continue to pile up and teatime will have to wait, this week.