...and as you near the one mile mark on that 2.5 mile portage into Cache Lake, you'll cross a stream which is really the northern Cache River.  It meanders its way and flows south into the lake.

If, right at that point, you're getting tired of that mucky-old portage sucking you in up to your knees, why don't you simply  set your canoe & heavy loads down for a spell & take a break?  Enjoy a cool sip from your water bottle.  Let the sweat dry off your back.  Cringe a little when you consider picking those heavy packs back up.  Daydream a bit about how nice it would be to simply drop your load right into the canoe and lazily drift your way down that stream all the way to Cache Lake.  Let the temptation fill your mind.  Imagine the adventure, the wildlife, & the simplicity of this solution!   Why kill yourself with another mile & a half of portaging (3 miles more if you're double-portaging!)?

All you have to do is drop the loads back in the canoe where they belong and float effortlessly downstream.  The stream is going the same way you are, isn't it?  Why not hitch a ride?

Quite the daydream, huh?

When you reach that juncture - if the water is flowing - you'll have quite the daydream... I promise you.  

Yep, and when you wake up, be damned sure you pick up your packs & your canoe, march your ass across the sorry stream, and keep shuffling your way along that mucked up portage.  Don't look back!  Don't dare give that stream another thought!!

Jimbo   8-)