These two portages were made by Joe and Don Meaney from Atikoken, Ont. They were made to try and shorten the annual canoe race between Atikoken & Ely Minn. I have talked to Don about them and he just smiles, so I knew they were going to be tough. We decided to take this route about five years ago to make our way down into Kawnipi, stayed the night on Fern Lake and headed out early in the morning. The start of the trail is a bit overgrown with a few marshy spots. A stretch of good walking until about the half way mark (total distance 1 mi.) then a lot of wading through bog, marsh & muck. If you take your time and get through this section the rest of the way is not too bad. The second portage is much the same but a bit shorter. Probably won't hurt to take a dip in the refreshing waters of Alice Lake when you are done.

Rod Mackenzie e mail Rodmcken@cancom.net

Posted by macker on April 09, 2000 at 18:08