canoe709 wrote:
I would be very wary of that situation. Has anyone looked up to see if there is a damaged insulator? I've heard horror stories of people shooting them and the ground becoming conductive. Someone earlier mentioned improper grounding and yes that could be it. Where I live in Newfoundland you are not allowed to go on power line runs on atv's, people do it anyway and it can be dangerous. I have heard stories of people dropping dead while walking near transmission lines. I would call the authorities and tell them what happened so that they can check it out to prevent someone from dying. Maybe I'am a bit overboard, but I do electrical work industrial/commercial and have been to a million training courses on this stuff. Be safe.
I don't think this has anything to do with faulty insulators. If there were faulty insulators, you would likely only notice the issue within a certain proximity to the towers. The phenomenon being described seems to be present for the entire portage.
The potential difference between the ground and the EMF of the wires is obviously enough that it can induce discomfort in people carrying canoes. I don't really think it's anything to be too concerned about and I'd be reluctant to report it because it might result in the pathways being closed off to leisure travel.