We did this very trip last June. We went south to north to eliminate as much as possible the chance of having to paddle into the wind. Even though the prevailing winds in the area are more from the west or southwest with the long narrow nature, high cliff like shores, and north/south orientation of some of the lakes (ie; Agnes and the Khashapiwi chain) it does tend to funnel the wind. We only had a couple miles of significant headwind the whole trip and that was in the area from Have a Smoke Portage west to Keats Lake.

We started at Moose Lake and exited at Nym. Logistically we dropped off 5 of the group at Moose Lake where they staked out a campsite we would use the first nite. The remaining 2 drove our 2 vehicles to Atikokan where we had made arrangements with an outfitter to pick us up at Nym Lake and drive us back to Moose Lake. It took all day and was an additional expense but due to some other considerations within our group (which I won't go into here) it was our best option. If you would like to e-mail me off list I can give you some further info regarding outfitter etc.

We had been wanting to do this for several years. I took my two sons along, ages 18 & 14. Waiting for them to mature a little was a good decision. We had a terrific trip. There was virtually no strife.

Our route was Moose, Prairie Portage, Bailey Bay, Burke, North Bay, Isabella, Side, Khashapiwi, Keefer, Sark, Cairn, Maligne Flowage, Keats, Chatterton, Russell, Sturgeon, Deuex Rivieres, Dore, Pine Portage, Pickerell Narrows, Batchewaung, and Nym.

We made the trip in seven days. not counting the first day ferrying vehicles. Camped 1st nite in North Bay, 2nd Khashapiwi, 3rd Sark, 4th Keats, 5th Dore, 6th Batchewaung. We saw other groups every day except between Khashapiwi and Split rock falls. The only time we had any trouble finding a campsite was in Khashapiwi. I think we got the last one on the south end. The route into Khash. from the south is not an easy one no matter which of the two routes you choose the other being via Yum Yum. Having done both I would recommend going via Isabella. But it's a long day either way. Went the end of June and had good fishing all the way.

Again if you have any further ?'s e-mail me off list. Good Luck Pops

Posted by Pops on January 16, 2000 at 12:45