Sunday, June 21, 2026 18.8 Miles: Alice Lake 1164 to EP 36 Hog Creek (via EP 37) 8 hours
0600: Depart 1164. 1400: Arrive EP 36 Hog Creek (mission complete).
Key Points: Familiar territory, steady traffic, wonderful conversations, 2.5 mile portage from EP 37 to EP 36.
0450 Reveille followed by hasty breakfast and pack-up due to ruthless mosquitos. Departed 1164 and made quick work of the two portages to K. River/Fishdance. I pointed NE up the river along familiar territory from a trip 2 years prior. It was nice to just focus on my surroundings without concern for navigation during this final stretch. I chatted with a wonderful couple who was enjoying breakfast along the shoreline of the island site 1969. Then, I chatted with a solo fisherman just north of the island before turning into the river portage to Malberg. He informed me that the previously flooded portage (562) was now drained and dry. I was thankful for that news as it was quite a muddy mess the last time I was through there. After enjoying that 60 rods on dry land this time, I entered Malberg and enjoyed a calm paddle through the many arms towards the Koma portage. I paused to take a picture of site 1053 where I stayed two years ago and had some fond memories of assisting some Girl Scouts who experienced some challenges. Malberg and Koma were empty. I arrived at Polly around 10 am and started seeing several groups enjoying this popular destination. I pushed through to Townline and K. Chong and met 4-5 groups heading in. Of note, the Forest service has done a nice job extending and enhancing the boardwalk on the Townline portage. I enjoyed the final paddle in and met a wildlife photographer at the portage to Square. We chatted for a few minutes, and I learned he was out searching for bull moose in velvet. He was unsuccessful in his search, but he was an interesting gentleman to chat with and share some stories as we each completed our journeys. Finally, I pushed through the creek to Kawishiwi. The lake was empty and I arrived at EP 37 around 1215. After taking a few pics, I paused at an open campsite and had a quick lunch. After that recharge, I geared up and started the 2.5 mile portage back to my truck at EP 36. This was a good test of endurance for sure. I had several people stop and offer to assist, but I gracefully declined because I wanted to complete the loop 100% on my shoulders (literally!). After a few rest stops, I arrived at my truck around 1400 fully satisfied with my efforts and successful completion. The exhaustion began to hit as I loaded my gear, but it was a wonderful feeling!
Final thoughts.....
-It's important to push yourself beyond what you think you can do in order to prove what you are capable of doing.
-I need to train more prior to taking on the Border Route Challenge
-Mental toughness outweighs the physical
-Solo navigation requires complete focus
Gear Loadout:
-NW Solo canoe w/double blade Werner paddle and Bending Branches Paddle ~30 lbs
-Base weight: Granite gear pack 47.6 lbs. Worn weight (Clothes, PFD, Shoes) 2.4 lbs. Total 50 lbs.
-Total starting weight: ~80 lbs
InReach Trip Stats:
-84.9 miles
-46 portages
-3.75 days
-Ascended ~3848 feet of elevation
-Descended ~3720 feet declination
-Top Speed 9.5 mph
Many thanks to Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, MN for renting me another awesome canoe! ~Fishdance Lake, River Lake, Malberg Lake, Koma Lake, Polly, Lake, Townline Lake, Kawasachong Lake, Square Lake, Kawishiwi Lake

Lakes Traveled:   Fishdance Lake, River Lake, Malberg Lake, Koma Lake, Polly, Lake, Townline Lake, Kawasachong Lake, Square Lake, Kawishiwi Lake,