We were looking for an interesting place to visit on our annual family canoe trip, and a lake in Algonquin Park caught our interest. Its spectacular cliffs support a relict flora which includes the Algonquin Wood Fern, known from only one other place in the world. True, the map showed a six kilometer portage, but we wanted a challenge and an isolated destination. Portages are interesting experiences, and this one especially so. Unless it is very short, you cannot see the end of the portage until you reach it, and you quickly lose any sense of how far you have travelled along the path.
Some portages run along roads, and they are wide and easy to walk.
Others scramble along thread-like paths through tumbled rock and tree roots. They require good balance and strong ankles. Everyone travels at a different speed, so often you walk alone, with only your thoughts and the weight of your load as company. The only way to get over a portage is to put one foot in front of another. Rest stops are necessary, but you must never forget that the longer you rest, the longer it will take to reach the end and final release from the load.