The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1923-08-17


miles distant on the shore of Fall
Lake where we are to put our
canoes in water.
"Just few words regarding Win
ton, at one time a place of 800
inhabitants, / am told. A thriving
midtown during its boom days when
pine grew at it's door or was RATED
down the lake by tugs, but with the
| passing of that period the boarded
windows of homes and stores only
too plainly tell the tale. A large
saw mill at the waters edge and i'm
| mediately across the way two large
barn like buildings served as board
| ing houses for the men.
| Board walks still dawn the prin-
cipal streets of the town, houses
set irregular, and many painted red
and with little regard for architect
ural planning presents a strange ap-
pearance as we first view Winton.
| Leaving our canoes and equipment
| at the dock we retrace our steps as
the guide shows us where we may
secure a good dinner at small
boarding house and to which we do
full justice.
| Find large party at dock ready to
leave. Our canoes are soon loaded,
three of party including the guide
take the larger boat and two taking
the smaller one, we are in the water
soon to be out of sight and hearing
of city life.
"The first afternoon two portages
are made around as many falls be-
| tween lakes. These and other port
ages which we were to make follow
the same paths as were tread by the
moccasined feet of the Indian,
French, Jesuit or trapper Of early
days. The 100-125 lb. canoes are
carried on the portages by means of
a yoke across arm with shoulder
| pads, which placed from side to side
in the center of the boat will bal
| ance on the shoulders of a man in
walking. The equipment, blankets,
| cooking utensils, extra clothing and
| provisions are carried in pack sacks,
a means of transportation, adopted
from the Indians, but while the lat
ter only made use of a head strap
this has the shoulder straps in addi-
ton to help carry the load.
| Eat the end of the second port
age we are given a friendly tow by
Canadian Ranger behind his motor
boat. This lands us at his cabin
late in the afternoon. Located at
the head of Eastwood Lake, one of
the largest of that region, well
built roomy log cabin, spacious lawn
with flowers and a prize garden to
the rear and to one side a grove of
white birch surely affords these two
Canadian Rangers a home to be en-
We'd at this season of the year.
"Camped on Canadian soil on a
small bay short distant from the
rangers. Amid virgin pine we pitch
ed our tent, had supper prepared
by the guide over an open fire.
Making bed of balsam boughs and
spreading our blankets over these
we were soon aisle p.
''The following days are spent in
padding from one lake to another
on rivers and other portages. Bald
cliffs of various colored stone rise
sheer from the crystal waters and
with their crowns of noble pine are
mirored on the FURNISHED surface of
the lake below.
Cedar often clings to this bare
rock and with Norway and White
pine, balsam and spruce and white
birch stretches away from che shore
line as far as the eye can reach.
Virgin timber saved and set aside as
a sanctuary for man and beast to
enjoy.
"Many wooded Islands from
1
acres are scattered throughout these
lakes and add to the beauty of the
perspective. Beaver houses usually
located in some protected spot with
newly fallen poplar for food often
reminding of the ceaseless activities
of these interesting First Engin-
GERS" The loon waiting like a lost
soul is always present and its occa-
sional fits of maniacal laughter are
wird, to say the least. Floating lily
pads and roots gives evidence of
the proximity of the Monarch of
the woods, the mighty moose. and
buck, as he stands at the waters
edge may let you approach as your
canoe glides noiselessly in his direc-
ton.
Here is mecca for true sports
men. Only an occasional canoeist
ever vets his line in the many wat
ers through which we pass. Salmon,
trout, great northern walleyed pike
and black bass are here for the tax
ing and we keep only enough for
our use returning all others back to
the water unframed.
Passing from Otter Track with
its high and heavily wooded shore
into Lakes Saginaga and Kanipi
River, Lake Saginaga, a region Of
many beautiful falls and rapids.
Thence into Lake Agnes fully fif-
teen miles long which required near
ly days padding to pass from one
end to the other.
The grave of an Indian Chief
and his squaw with a Jude board
covering to protect it from the ele-
ments and animals, occupy a COM
handing position near the lake he
loved so well, and we stop t. admire
the ideal location for a last resting
place. From time to time the tepee
poles ranged along the shores at
test the fact that tho the Ojibwa
has become civilized in dress he still
ciings o tradition of his fathers in
his habitations.
'It is the last day and we are
leaving our camp at an early hour.
We rest at noontime and have din
ner; an hour later on tn, water.
Soon making our last two portages
around water falls in Lakes Neuton
and Fall. Away in the distance the
dim outlines of city begin to ap-
pear with its spires and factory
smoke. An automobile is coming
down the road. We are back to civ