Posted: 8/4/04

Old Paths

If you have maintained a path through the north woods, you know how quickly nature reclaims any clearing you create. On the island we have a modest set of paths, traveling the perimeter, and one that delves into the interior. In all they stretch about a mile in length, and there is plenty of work involved in keeping them clear.

The paths reflect the terrain, and go where we need them to go. They climb steep rocks, cut through heavy brush, or offer exposed views over miles of river and forest. In places the canopy closes down overhead, and you feel you are walking through a long green tunnel. The most difficult problem for people new to the trail is a section that traverses bare rockñthere are too many possible ways to go.

The work of maintaining these trails makes me wonder, in comparison, about the thin lines of communication and commerce that served the north for centuriesñthe portage trails. The big factor in keeping up a trail is usageña portage is easily lost if too much time elapses between visitors. Following big windstorms, the trunks of trees lie across portage trails like matchsticks, creating impassable barriers for people hauling canoes and heavy freight. Having experienced this scenario, I can attest to the difficulty of travel, far worse than the more common complaint of hip-deep muck. Then, too, there are times when the trail is flooded, or so thick with insects that you are a raving lunatic when you reach the cool water at the far end.

Imagine native people keeping up these critical passagewaysñwithout saws!

An old trail is a pleasure to walk, even under the weight of an inverted canoe. Such a walk brings respect for the people who have come this way before us.

Top of Page