NIRIVIA
(Nur-riv-ee-ya)
Surf on Newash Bay
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Your Host in Nirivia. James R. Stevens (Jim) |
| Jim is a graduate (B.Sc.; MA) of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y where he played hockey for the Big Red. He is the author of several books done with Aboriginal elders in northern Ontario. He is the great-great grandson of a roving McLean sea captain out of Aberdeen in the 19th century. Jim has many years of boating experience on Lake Superior. You can reach him at Email:Jim Stevens or telephone 807-983-2671. |
Questions & Answers about Nirivia
1. What is supplied at the cabin and domes in Armour Harbour?
All the necessities for cooking and eating are supplied. Pots, pans, dishes, bowls, culinary are supplied. Cooking is done on propane burners. The cabins and dome also have sturdy wood stoves. The dome location has a wood fired sauna and wood is supplied. The sauna is used for washing, shampooing and relaxing during your stay. Persons staying at the cabins also use the sauna. Candles are provided for night lighting. The beds have foam mattress’s.The toilets are outhouses and decent for this style of facility
2. What
do we need to bring?
Sleeping bags, pillow, your food for the duration-bring a balance of dried food and perishables if you wish. A cooler on the edge of Superior will usually keep food fresh for a number of days. (Tip. To enhance the cooler put sheets of newspaper acrossthetop just under the lid). Bringall your personals, soap, wash clothes, towels and t-towels.
3. What kind of clothing do you suggest?
Bring good walking or hiking boots, those that cover the ankle are better. Runners are fine around camp and in the boats. Raingear, good socks, heavy sweater and an extra blanket to put over your sleeping bag if it is not a -20 rating. (It gets cool at night in late May and early June and in September.)
Two hundred foot cliffs of Armour Harbour
4. What kind of equipment do we need?
It depends on your primary activity. Fishing gear, binoculars, telescope, video camera, night light or lamp, tent for overnight excursions, and life jackets.
5. Will we be able to boat around to the islands in the area?
Yes but you must be cautious. A boat and motor can be rented for $20US per day. A river kayak and canoe are available free of charge.
6. What kind of a launch do you take people in out Armour Harbour?
We transport in a 20ft, 7ft beam inboard boat called the Raptor. The boat was designed for Lake Superior and the hull is pressed aluminum with an air chamber. The trip takes 11/2 to 2 hours depending on water conditions.
The Raptor ashore at an agate beach
7. I imagine Lake Superior can be rough
at times.
What happens then?
Our motto is: "If it is not fun we don’t do it." Waves over a metre are not fun so it is possible a trip may delayed either going or coming. It is unlikely this delay would be longer than 24 hours. The Raptor is equipped with a marine radio for weather updates and a GPS, so we do travel in rain and fog.
8. Is it possible to stay in Nirivia less than a week?
Most people only have a week and some groups stay 3-5 nights which allows then travel time home.
9. Can I bring my faithful pet (dog or cat) to Nirivia?
No. It is wilderness and lost animals are a real possibility. It is also not fair to other guests who have no desire to see domestic animal casting on the trail or at base camp.
10. I am concerned about safety in such
an isolated area.
What precautions can we
take?
You can bring a hand held VHF radio but we also have a marine radio at base camp that one can radio the coast guard with for emergency assistance. Cell phones do not work in this remote area.
11. What about hiking trails can you send me maps?
Pathways on St. Ignace Island were put in at our expense. We give trail maps and briefings to our guests when they arrive.
12. Is it possible to have a day guide for Nirivia?
Yes, this is possible if it is booked ahead of your visit.
Moose off Bowman Island
13. Is there an easy way to get to St. Ignace Island and Nirivia?
If there is, we haven’t found it yet. There is no road access from anywhere close on the mainland so a minimum of a fourteen mile boat trip on open water is a must. This difficulty accounts for the pristine nature of the area.
14. Is it safe to bring children out to St. Ignace Island?
We have many families who bring children to our base camps. Young folks must be carefully and constantly supervised in the wilderness.
NIRIVIAN ISLAND EXPEDITIONS
Box 23 McKenzie Heights Rd
R.R. 13
THUNDER BAY, ON CANADA
P7B 5E41-807-983-2671
Email:
nirivia@superiornet.net
