I'm planning on going in and out of Irvine from the south this year. The portages on the north end are burnt over. And I'd have to think real long and hard to try the way you (Jimbo) came in from the east. The northern portages on the Murdock to Royd route are closed too. So that eastern side of Irvine might be marginal if not burnt. I hope to take a paddle to the north end and maybe get a picture of what once was a cool portage... or so I've been told.  :)