Hi Wizard!
Yes, the channel leads from the grassy area to the pool, and appears to have been cut to make access from that direction easier.
There are two poles left and the tarp material from the teepee tent. The poles aren't really all that heavy if you just take one at a time. We found that balancing the pole across the shoulder makes it fairly easy to carry, and the weight is not that noticable.
Peace.........Sycamore