DRUMMOND ISLAND

2006 looks like another, laid-back and happy summer on Drummond Island.

EVENTS AND TOURS
Probably the coolest thing to do this summer is take one of the Detour Reef Lighthouse tours. The old lighthouse which marks the beginning of the St. Mary's River was first built on shore in 1847 and then moved out into the waterway in 1931. Islanders have worked hard to refurbish it.
Tours are on Saturdays from June 17 through August 19 and on the Sundays of July 9 and August 13.
Also over the summer, you might want to jump aboard the lighthouse benefit tour on June 18 that runs up the St. Mary's River and through the Soo locks into Lake Superior. It comes with lunch, a narration, a cash bar and a bus ridge back to Detour. Price: $90.
Interested in arts? Crafts? The island will have a show and sale on July 2 and August 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the airport hangar.
Sinewy-thighed cyclists might be interested in the 12-hour and 24-hour endurance mountain bike race on Sept. 24.

For guided hiking, kayaking and ecotours for both Drummond Island and the Les Cheneaux region, check with Woods & Water Ecotours.

TO AND FRO
The ferry from Detour to Drummond Island -- a one-mile, 10-minute crossing -- runs every hour. The price typically runs $10 for one car with two people.

For details on lodging, ferry schedules, events and so on, check with the Drummond Island Chamber of Commerce, where the staff is not only pleasant but hugely helpful.

Note: One web site for the island mentioned in the book no longer seems to be operating. So just cross out www.drummond-island.com. Stick with the chamber web site.