Gene and his wife Lennie walk up to my door right on schedule early Monday morning. Gene drives me to Roy's Point where we meet Dick Palm, who reminds me a bit of a 70ish John Wayne. He and Gene trade insults, in the way of men who respect each other. Susan, the ranger in charge of the artist in residence program helps as we load my baggage and 10 gallons of water into a wobbly cart and head down the dock to the boat. I’m given tips on islands living over the roar of the motor as we head to East Bay on Sand Island. There we are met by Dick’s wife LaDonna, who immediately invites me to dinner later that night at the little ranger station by the dock.
Susan and I head up the old road pulling the cart. It's not heavy for two, but the mud and narrow planks spanning the wettest parts cause it to swerve awkwardly. Dick catches up with us and takes the handle, refusing help. After a half mile, the trail abruptly turns left. Dick’s observation that it used to continue on to the south end intrigues me, but it looks completely overgrown.
We continue a short way down a narrow and mossy trail. A patch of white through the trees marks the cabin and soon we step onto a small lawn. My companions note that it needs mowing. I'm somewhat disconcerted by the presence of a maintained lawn, but the cottage is pleasantly ramshackle. A low step of weathered grey boards, a patched screened door and 5 windows rimmed with chipping black paint are on the inland side. It’s a simple building, except for a sharply peaked roof. Tacked on to one end is a screened porch. On the lake side a large 36-paned window gives a view of Superior through the trees. A picnic table, outhouse and two outbuildings are tucked into the trees nearby.

Joining the Palms and I for dinner is Liz, from the lighthouse, and her husband Carl. Liz and Carl travel from park to park in their trailer most of the year, volunteering in return for RV hookups. We make easy conversation. Dick Palm's family has a long history on Sand Island which will come to an end in 2000, when the park takes over their home. They are leaving for the season tomorrow so we make a good attempt to eat up all the food. They walk me home in the dark by flashlight.