The Firesand Haven is a completely private 86-acre property set in the spectacular, rugged terrain east of Lake Superior. It lies approximately 4 mile north of Lake Superior Provincial Park and 8 miles from Lake Superior, and within walking distance of the Michipicoten River. It is entirely surrounded by thousands of acres of public land and is largely mature boreal forest. The Firesand River is a pristine trout stream with waterfalls and rapids that cuts through the property and runs beside it en route to the Michipicoten River. The property is accessed by seven miles of good, maintained gravel road from Highway 17, and is 10 miles from Wawa, Ontario.
There are no other cabins for several miles in any direction: solitude, serenity and abundant wildlife are here. We have recently seen tracks of moose, lynx and fox withing 50 feet of the cabin.
The cabin and sauna have recently been completed and virtually everything is new. The cabin is 1,028 square feet with two loft bedrooms accessed by a custom-made log spiral staircase. The exterior has a stone kneewall and log siding, a covered front entry, decking and a new roof. The interior is mostly pine with stone hearths/walls for the decorative propane heating stove and the woodstove. Being very tightly-insulated, either appliance will heat the cabin readily in cold weather. The kitchen features a new propane stove, refrigerator, small microwave, toaster, dinnerware, cookware, utensils, etc. The kitchen table seats six. All plumbing and electrical components are new, as is the easy-to-start generator. Evening lighting can be by the new propane lights, candles or electrical with the generator (we hope to add a solar/wind/battery system soon).
The bathroom is all new and features a 5-foot shower with seat and grab bars, a 50-gallon propane water heater, new commode, vanity and ceramic tile floor.
The cabin is ideal for 1-2 couples or a small family (4-5 total). Depending on demand, we may expand the cabin in the future for larger groups.
We offer perhaps the nicest sauna in the north, a 20 ft. x 12 ft. vertical log building featuring an external-feed woodstove (no smoke or wood debris inside the stove room). The 8 ft. x 10 ft. stove room is all cedar and the 10 ft. x 10 ft. changing room is finished in pine. Both rooms have a natural slate floor and there is a deck in front of the sauna. This is a very relaxing way to finish an active day outdoors.
The buildings are set on the western side of a small mountain, in a cleared area of several acres. The breeze is generally steady and bugs are seldom a problem here. Visitors can hear the Firesand River tumble, and on a clear night stars are visible to the horizon in any direction.
Fishing options in the area appear limitless. The Firesand River holds rainbow and and speckled trout and will appeal to the avid nature lover. Vacationers have virtually private access to the waterfalls and pools in the bottom mile of the stream. There are numerous lakes and ponds in the area with trout, also. The Michipicoten River holds walleye (pickerel, eh?), pike, smallmouth bass , some trout and whitefish. The Michipicoten below Scott Falls Dam runs unobstructed to Lake Superior and has salmon and steelhead in season. Charters are available on Lake Superior and guided fishing trips can be arranged in Wawa. Perhaps best of all, those with a canoe and high-clearance 4x4 vehicle will have access to many seldom-used lakes east of Lake Superior Provincial Park. Fishing pressure is also extremely light on the Michipicoten pools: it is usual to have the 3-mile and 6-mile stretches all to yourself.
Canoeing and kayaking may be the best way to enjoy the local waters. A pleasant day trip is from Scott Falls to Lake Superior on the Michipicoten River. Canoe/kayak rentals/shuttles can be arranged for this and other trips, as well as sea kayak lessons. There are also many lakes for larger, motored boats in the area. A marina for repairs/rentals is located beside Lake Superior at the mouth of the Michipicoten.
Hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and back country skiing are available just out the front door. Maintained hiking trails can be found in Lake Superior Provincial Park and several other area parks. Snow cover reveals tracks of moose, wolf, mink, otter, lynx, fox, and snowshoe hare. ( There are numerous black bear, too, but not in the snow). The Haven is adjacent to a snowmobile trail and network of forest roads. ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts are unlikely to exhaust the possibilities, and the novice can finds rentals nearby.
Less active customers will enjoy sightseeeing, photography, birdwatching or just plain 'loafing.' We are "off the grid" and plan to keep it that way! This place is for relaxing naturally: no TV, no phones (your cell phone will not work here), no internet and no intrusion of the outside world on your retreat. Thos seeking serenity, solitude, peace and quiet belong here.
Wawa can supply all basic neccessities with a supermarket, pharmacy, discount store, Canadian Tire, bait shops, small hospital, several very good restaurants, motels, liquor store, fuel, hardware store, etc. There is also a community center, golf course, bowling alley, occasional musical entertainment, a fitness center, hockey rink, churches, and helicoptor or plane sightseeing. The Visitor Center by Highway 17 can provide a wealth of information on area amenities. Wawa's people are generally friendly, helpful and casual.
Linens, bedding and towells for the cabin and sauna are provided. If you plan to clean mud from your ATV, vehicle, bicycle, etc., please bring the towells for this from home. NO SMOKING AND NO PETS...PLEASE DO NOT ASK. Our goal here is to keep the buildings very clean and fresh. 2010 is our first year of availability and we are very much open to suggestions for improvements, also.
FIRST YEAR RATES: $1,200.00 USD per week. Check-in is Saturday after 3:00 and check-out is Saturday by 9:00 AM sharp. Please leave the cabin as clean as you found it. A security deposit of $300.00 is required and will be fully fefunded except for damages and excess cleaning costs...(we hope this never happens). Payment in full is required prior to taking posession.
TROUBLESHOOTING: We have local resources who will do the welcoming, show customers how everything works, and do the weeky cleaning.
CONTACT: Bob Groman
Home (724) 898-3497
Office (724) 776-1871
Email
bgroman@consolidated.net 