Instead of starting at the previously established permanent trailhead for this route due to the bridge closure and 1/4 mile trail detour up Store Rd to the Fire Hall, we chose to start at the Grand Portage National Monument sign near Lake Superior.
Due to recent storms with strong wind and heavy rain the trail was muddy and eroded in spots with plentiful leaf and pine needle dams. We saw evidence of one other human who had recently traversed the trail as well as one, or more, moose who consistently traveled on the trail. We flushed 4 grouse along the way. We marveled at the Voyaguers and Indigenous residents who traveled this trail over the centuries all while carrying heavy loads and in minimal footwear.
There were many large trees down, mostly on the lower half of the trail, that required going over or detouring through the woods around them. The bridge over the Popular Creek is currently washed out which necessitated crossing via the adjacent beaver dam (too deep in main channel, at least for me - Lisa - who is 5'1" tall).
Reached the Pigeon River in 2:12:21, took a short break, and then headed back down. Goal was for a significant negative split, the reality was different. The trail was not as runnable as we had hoped. This is a classic northern Minnesota Trail: rooty and rocky!
Grateful for Tyler's companionship and photography.