Day 74- August 26, 2010

Today: 9.79 mi
Trip: 996.19 mi

At 4 AM we woke up to listen to the radio. Our little window of opportunity was closing. The south winds were now predicted to arrive by noon...not good. Mom and I got up and started to evaluatee our options. We narrowed them down to two. The first would be to run for Rossport in the dark and hope to not get caught in the subsiding north wind or building south winds while crossing one of three channels. Our second was to head back toward Bowman Island where there is a fishing camp and hope to catch a ride to the mainland for supplies.

After much debating we agreed better to play it safe then risk being wind bound on another island with no food. We headed back.

Just as soon as we rounded the corner back behind Armour Island we were stopped by a small motor boat. Russ and Sharon greeted us kindly and asked where we were heading. We told them and they invited us to their camp to have coffee. We could even have a ride back to the mainland if we needed. We went in to see their camp. Apparently we had landed in the Embassy of Nirivia. We were presented with articles describing Nirivia and this little piece of paradise. Russ even radioed down to the fish camp to see if they could give us a ride into Nipigon. Gary Lange operator of the camp said he could and after a wonderful breakfast we said farewell to our new friends Russ, Sharon, and William.

Feeling better about our decision to go back we paddled on. We were serenaded by loons and even saw a bear walking the shore. The south winds started to pick up before noon and we were very certain we had made the right decision.

Soon we were at Bowman Island Charters and we breathed a long sigh of relief. Gary Lange welcomed us to his camp. There was a great sand beach for the kayak, a beautiful lodge, cabins, and of course a sauna. We had read about Bowman Island Carters in Bonnie Dahls marina book and knew he ran fishing charters. Apparently he also shuttles kayaks from the Nipigon to Bowman Island and back. How fortunate for us. So we spent the night in the lodge, had a wonderful full dinner of burgers and salad. Tomorrow we shall head to Nipigon, the only freshwater port north of the 49th parallel. Even since the start of this trip, I have wanted to see the northermost point of Lake Superior. I guess I never expected to see it under these circumstances but then again, things just tend to work themselves out.