The North Saskatchewan

It was with great relief and renewed spirits that we were carried through the Rocky Mountain foothills by the waters of the North Saskatchewan. Our spirits were not dampened by the cool temperatures and persistent rainfall that haunted us as we left the mountains behind. Our hearts were sent racing by the swift headwaters of the North Saskatchewan and we covered at least 100 km each day. Our speed averaged 14km/hr and surged in places to over 18 km/hr. Like Lake Kinbasket, Lake Abraham, located just upstream from the Bighorn Dam, was depressed approximately 15 m below its normal operating level. The lower water level worked much to our advantage as the waters of the North Saskatchewan travelled an additional 10km in search of a retreated Lake Abraham. Oncoming waves, capping with 5 foot crests, quickly drained this advantage as we paddled the remainder of the lake. Portaging around the Bighorn Dam we were again back with the current to our stern. Low lying clouds and fog made it difficult to see the last of the foothills as we made the transition to the plains. The valley slopes opened up with lush green grass, the river changed to a turbid brown, and the skies became animated with living pastels. For me, we were home.

The North Saskatchewan East of Edmonton moves at a similar plodding pace until reaching its confluence with the South Saskatchewan. We had decent weather although headwinds stalled the benefit provided by the current on more than one occasion. On one day we had a persistent tail wind which channeled down the river valley. We seized the opportunity for a much needed rest and harnessed the winds with a sail. We lashed the three boats together as a trimaran and rigged a two masted square sail spanning the bows. While two of us steered from the stern we traveled over 80km in an afteroon to arrive just upstream of North Battleford. Without the assistance of the wind, we averaged 11 km/hr until we reached the Main Stem of the Saskatchewan River. At the confluence, the river swelled with the flood waters from southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. Abnormally high rains for this time of year have compounded wet conditions carried through from the spring to yield very high water levels in the South Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan systems. This was evident as we moved downstream. The hydropower dams at Nipawin and Tobin Lake were running high and the water level through the Saskatchewan Delta had broken its banks in many places and flooded up into thick forest around. Although impressive, it made landing and finding quality campsites much more challenging. The shore was also made significantly less appealing by the explosion of mosquitos that served as a greeting party upon landing. We have now made it to The Pas, MB and will be off of the Saskatchewan River shortly. Manitoba's Lakes await as we will make our way south to the Assinaboine. <Ross>

North Saskatchewan River

We have taken to eating our meals in the boat. The warm weather and fast currents allows us to cover much distance before we even dip a paddle in the water. Also breakfast on the water means we don’t do dishes till supper which saves even more time in the morning. Although spending the long hours in the boats can become uncomfortable the almost daily floating naps after lunch are a crew favorite. Sometimes we wake up and up to 12 km has magically past.

Wild life sightings have also increased since the mountains: black bears, dear and even a bobcat have graced us with their presence along the river shore. One bit of wild life that unfortunately have eluded us thus far are the fish. A combination of wet nights, exhausting days, and just plain bad luck has decreased my fishing time. I’m sure this will improve as I have taken to fishing during our lunch time floats and the forecast looks good. Although the scenery along the North Saskatchewan is not as varied as that in BC, this river has a special beauty of its own, especially the spectacular sun sets.

After many days of padding the group was happy to have a break in the form of sailing. A steady tail wind provided the push to make 80 km during an afternoon with almost no work. A few trees were laid across the canoes to lash the boats together and a couple more were tied into the canoes upright so that a scout tarp could be hung between them. Ross and I steered and tacked a few times while the girls got a long and well deserved rest. A morning paddle of about 25km raised our total that day to over 100 km. <Shane>