BWCA Meadows portage twice? Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
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Voyageur67
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05/15/2018 10:20AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
We will be heading up to Kawnipi via Agnes starting at Prairie Portage. I was planning on returning the same way using the Meadows portages however, I am considering following the S-Chain as I once did in 1969. The S-chain would be preferred if the winds are not in our favor on Agnes. I can't remember if we saved any time by going through the S-chain alas my memory is fading a bit. Any thoughts on choosing the S-chain route vs taking the Meadows portages twice.
 
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carmike
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05/15/2018 11:42AM  
Completely up to you. I suppose I'd prefer the S-Chain just for a change of scenery -- and maybe for a little nostalgia in your case. :)
05/15/2018 01:22PM  
I've been on that route: Prairie Portage to Kawnipi through Agnes and back down the S-chain through North Bay. As you know, the S-chain would mean a slightly longer route and many more portages. Like Carmike, I'd choose that route just for variety. However, if I wanted to stay longer on Kawnipi, I might choose the route out through Meadows. If the wind is really blowing, Silence, Shade, and North Bay can be tough paddling, too.
05/15/2018 01:31PM  
We did that last year just to change up the scenery. It won't save any time. I didn't think the Meadows portages were anything difficult.
cburton103
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05/15/2018 08:25PM  
The Meadows portages are decently long and rocky, but really nothing out of the usual for Quetico. Maybe a little harder than average based on their length, but not worth the reputation they have in some parts. It could be that most people hit them halfway through their first day of travel when they're starting to get tired, yet the food packs are still full and the legs haven't become accustomed to portaging yet in the trip.

I personally really enjoyed the S-Chain for the variety and the scenery, especially the last bit before North Bay. I also prefer my paddling to be periodically interrupted by portaging to stretch my legs for some variety. That's preferable to the loooong Agnes paddle in my opinion.
 
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