Site Report: 1st Portage – Shoepack Bay

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Location: North Shore of Shoepack Bay, Spanish, Ontario

• GPS Coordinates: Not specified in the image.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

• Historical Use:

• A portage route was established in the late 1800s to connect Boomcamp Bay to the Spanish Mills area.

• The remnants of docks constructed during that time are visible today as cribs, highlighting the efforts to traverse the rugged terrain and connect key points of commerce.

SITE DESCRIPTION

• Cribbing Details:

• Visible remnants of dock cribbing in shallow water, which abruptly drops to a depth of 90 feet or more.

• Surrounding debris includes old bottles and other rubble, reflecting the historical activities in the area.

• The engineering feat of constructing docks over such deep water is notable.

• Conditions:

• Intermediate Experience Rating:

• Suitable for divers or explorers with moderate experience.

• Requires caution due to varying depths and potential weather exposure.

ACCESSIBILITY

• Directions to Site:

• From Spanish, navigate by boat through the Little Detroit Passage.

• Proceed north to the entrance of Shoepack Bay.

• Look for the first cribs in the shallows.

• Evidence of the old portage route may also be visible in the forest, where paths worn down by historical use can still be seen.

• Anchoring Considerations:

• The site is exposed to south winds and westerlies, making anchoring challenging during rough weather.

CONCLUSION

The 1st Portage – Shoepack Bay offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, highlighting the ingenuity of 19th-century dock and portage construction. The visible cribbing and surrounding artifacts serve as a window into the economic activities of the time, particularly the Spanish Mills era. Divers and history enthusiasts will find this site intriguing, but they should prepare for variable conditions and approach with care.