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The Mysteries of the Metric System
We have adopted a standard of describing trip lengths in
kilometres and shorter distances such as portage lengths in
metres.
However, we do understand that some of our site visitors
(particularly those from the United States) are not accustomed to
dealing with distances in these units. Here's a guideline
for the "metrically challenged."
A kilometre is equivalent to approximately 0.62 miles. Let's
not split hairs - it's probably close enough to call it 60% of a
mile. If a trip is described as 100 km long, you're pretty
safe in calling it 60 miles long.
A metre is slightly longer than a yard (about 39½ inches rather
than 36 inches). For the purpose of portaging, it's probably
enough to know that the difference is about 10%. This means
that a portage of 100 metres is around 110 yards.
Other
Conversions
These aren't the only unfamiliar units we may be faced with
dealing with. When we research canoe routes, we sometimes
find portage lengths described in Rods.
A rod is equivalent to about 16½ feet. Coincidentally, this
is about the approximate length of an average tripping canoe.
When you see a length of 20 rods, knowing that this is about 20
"canoe lengths" may help you visualize it.
If you really want to convert, a rod is equivalent to about:
Simply multiply the number of
rods by this factor, and you'll get the result in the unit of your
choice. For example, a 20 rod portage is about 100 m or 110
yards.
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To convert:
- km to
miles ...
multiply by 0.6
- m to
yards ...
multiply by 1.1
- rods to
metres
multiply by 5
- rods to
yards
multiply by 5.5
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