From the gunnels of a dingy emanated a tune sounding like Silent Night. Strummed from a bungee cord strapped across the beam I wondered, “What is this all about?

As part of an eight-day excursion on Lake Superior, celebrations were well under way for thirty travellors who started in Thunder Bay, went to Rossport and now were stopping in at Porphyry for their last night.

The annual SUNORA regatta (for power and sail boats) had made use of the Porphyry Island Lighthouse grounds to host a final wrap up potluck dinner and closing ceremonies with some rather interesting after dinner musical entertainment.

When I greeted the group, who were ferried by motor launch as most had their boats moored near by, a sailor was seen carrying a wind chime made of spoons.

The mystery unraveled quickly when other nautically produced instruments appeared, made of driftwood and boat parts. Later they held a music contest.

After supper many went up to the lighthouse to view a film about the former lighthouse keeper, Gordon Graham, whose name also appears on the gallery door.

Settling in with deck chairs and sawhorses, all enjoyed a retrospective of lighthouse living and survival in the early 1980’s.

Many commented on how the film gave them a better understanding of lighthouse life and the experiences the keeper and his family had to endure.

After the film, guests toured the mini-museum to see what artifacts had turned up and learn more about the stories behind them.

Senator Bob McKay, Honorary Member of the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior Inc. (CLLS), provided an original ladder from the 1873 lighthouse.

An original potbelly stove from the lighthouse, recovered in Dryden, sits majestically in the corner of the room, reminding us of times gone by. Blackened by soot, I can only imagine the numbers of cups tea, the conversations and meals cooked over the stove while in use at the lighthouse.

It was with the kind donations and money from Sirkka Creagh memorial fund, (former TBYC member) that paint and fittings were purchased to provide free admission for everyone.

With daily visitors now we are constantly considering the visitor experience and adapted when necessary. Our summer staff are now meeting and greeting most guests and showcase work accomplished by the efforts of many volunteer.

As the summer rolls along, and with great weather, many visitors are arriving by kayak. An area cleared specifically for kayakers has received much attention this season with new tents popping up every night.

A kayak group of seven retirees from the US visited the site and were impressed because when they as a group had visited five years previous the place was a mess. In fact, one visitor remembers spending the night in the keepers screened in porch.

Due to the work done during the spring clean up by many volunteers, many guests are commenting on the ease at which they can walk the trails or explore the buildings and beaches. With time the experience gets better.

Next week we will hear about a cinematographer and our next Artist in Residence, Lois Nuttal on their adventures at the Porphyry Island Lighthouse.