Category: Saskatchewan

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Day 22 – Perfect timing for a trip to the rodeo

It may have been windy the night before but the morning brought about an even greater intensity. As I began to pack my things into the car I looked over to see the wind almost tear my shelter apart. Maybe it wouldn’t have been a bad idea to have just sleep in my vehicle that night, to late now, at least the tent held up.


I began my journey eastward towards the prairies. With the tremendous amount of farmland outstretched in every direction I figured I’d find a spot for Winnie to burn off some energy. I found a nice little grassy clearing a ways off the highway where Winnie went barreling after each ball toss with endless enthusiasm. When we got back in the car her face, covered in grass, was a happy sight.


Venturing toward the prairies I decided to stop in a town called Medicine Hat. While there I made a stop at one of the pet shops to restock Winnies food. The ladies at the checkout showered her in treats, such a spoiled pup. Being in the town I decided I’d explore a bit. One of the destinations had me visiting small river where Winnie enjoyed playing about in the mud, thankfully taking a dip in the water as well before getting back in the car!


The mountains were now but a distant memory as wavy hills took their place, animals grazing about on their abundant pastures. I looked out my window and saw the sign, I had entered Saskatchewan.
I continued pressing deeper into the heart of the province. On the way I noticed a visitor center and proceeded to head in where I was greeted by a friendly lady who eagerly informed me of all the various attractions. It turns out they were having a yearly rodeo event a mere 15 minutes away that was just about to start, talk about lucky timing! Hands full of maps, head full of stories and heels rushing me back to the car I was off to see what this event was all about.


The show was quite the entertaining spectacle! Natives would race horses bareback around a track, often mixing in challenges such as switching a horse every lap. The victors would celebrate in their glory while others in their haste to win found themselves acquainted with the dirt, showing great heart as they got back on their steed for another lap. After the event had ended it was time for the bull riding, an entertaining display of self-punishment. I watched as the cowboys positioned themselves on the agitated bull before the gates would swing open leaving the angry bull to go wild trying to buck them off. Most didn’t last very long but every now and then a cowboy would get his rhythm down and last 10 or so seconds, looking like a total champ while doing it. Not everyone walked away unscathed, I’m pretty sure one of the men broke his leg when he ended up underneath one of the trampling bulls.


The sun had set and the final event of the night began. The music started and I looked up at the stage where a band had perched themselves with their instruments entertaining the crowd. I enjoyed the show for a little while before heading back to the car to find a place to rest up. A short drive took me to a campsite I had passed on the way in where I quickly found a place to set up my tent and call it a day.

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Day 23 – Reflecting in the prairies

I woke up to a surprisingly nice campground. Having arrived so late the night before I took a morning trip to the office to pay what I owed. Upon arriving I was greeted by well kept gardens amalgamated with tropical displays from palm trees to straw umbrellas, it was quite the tranquil place to sit back and relax.


I decided I’d take advantage of the wifi and head over to the main lounging area where I settled myself beside a nice little fountain, the straw above shading me from the sun as a pleasant warm breeze maxed out the comfort, I was in paradise. I began working away on the blog before a kind old soul named Jo walked in with her kindle and greeted me. We soon struck up a conversation, sharing stories of our travels while Winnie found a new friend in her arms. So often you meet such kind people on the road and goodbyes never get easier.
With a restaurant being right next door I grabbed a bite to eat. Sure enough they had a tropical burger on the menu, I decided to stick with the theme of the place and order one. Finding a comfy window seat overlooking fields in the distance I began my annihilation of the burger that was before me. Having inhaled the deliciousness I was off to the car once more, admiring the last bit of the campground before saying my farewell.


Back on the road I decided to head north up to the town of Leader. On the way I came across an old school that had become a historical site anyone could venture into. Being the curious one I decided I’d walk through the doors to take a peek. Rows of old desks lined themselves up in front of the teachers seat, old books and posters strewn about as a strong wind rattled the windows that looked out over the vast fields. I wondered what it would have been like to learn in such a place so long ago. As I left the school I walked over to a neighboring graveyard where I looked over the stones, reading their names and wondering what their lives were like. It’s something I have often done in the past, wondering if those who are passed on found meaning in their lives, did they live lives with purpose? How did they cope with time as many of them watched the beauty of youth fade away as they grew older, did it make them bitter? Perhaps they had found a deeper purpose that sustained their joy throughout the years before returning to the earth. The biggest question of all, where are they now?


I found myself exploring all about, taking long drives down lengthy dirt roads as I remained lost in my thoughts. I was amazed at all the animals scattered about, cows, deer, owls, prairie dogs, moose, so much wildlife in abundance found their home in the boundless fields.


With the sun going down I decided to head to Moose Jaw, a town a good ways east. I set off on my way. It grew dark quickly and I found myself driving in the night, something I’m not a big fan of around so much wildlife. On the way I nearly smoked an owl that narrowly dodged me as I drove past him. Visibility sucks at night and things creep up on you fast, even with high beams on. I caught a deer out of the side of my eye right beside the road grazing, a reminder as to what’s out there. A good ways from the first deer and I narrowly missed hitting a different one who’s fate had already been sealed as it lay dead across the road.
At last I arrived in Moose Jaw safe and sound, I found a nice little campsite to pitch my tent and settled in for the night.

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Day 24 – When strangers bless you abundantly

I woke up with one goal in mind, head to Regina. The sun was shining brightly among blue skies as I arrived on the highway. Having covered so much ground the night before, the drive to Regina was fairly short and it wasn’t long before I found myself exploring the city.


My adventuring took me to Wascana Lake, a beautiful area adorned with carefully tendered flowers giving fourth their vibrant glory among beautiful water fountains. It was the perfect place for a walk, so I took a lengthy stroll around the lake with Winnie.


Along the way I noticed strange looking boats racing about in the distance, groups of people huddled close together as they rowed in unison. Getting closer I asked one of the participants what it was all about, she informed me that they were having the national dragon boat races, with the winner going on to the global competition. There must have been hundreds of folks all vying for the championship, a pretty popular turnout!

I took a few hours exploring all the scenery before I finally ventured back to my car and set off towards Saskatoon. I came to a gas station and figured I’d top off the tank. While I was standing there a man named Dusty struck up a friendly conversation with me. As we talked he asked if I’d heard of Jordan Peterson, sure enough I had one of his podcasts playing it the car. We hit it off immediately and decided to grab a beer together. A short drive down the road took us to a quiet bar where we continued our chatter, one of the best conversations I’d had in a while.
Having heard I was camping and travelling about, Dusty invited me back to his place to crash, a good vibe coming from him I took him up on his offer and followed his car back to the farm. Upon arriving I was greeted by a small army of puppies that Winnie excitedly leaped out of the car to greet. He was eager to see my drone and I took it for a spin showing him the lands around his house in a different perspective, a view that had him so impressed I’m convinced the next thing he’s buying is a drone.


As it grew dark we went inside the house where he cooked me a delicious meal, even making me sandwiches for tomorrow! Dusty was without a doubt one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. We continued our talks for hours, sharing in all sorts of interesting and unique stories. His folks arrived home later in the evening and greeted me with kindness. I talked with them for a short while before calling it a day. You can meet some incredibly nice people throughout the country and I feel blessed to have met Dusty, I hope we meet again one day down the road.

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Day 25 – “Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no man”

I awoke on a comfy couch this morning instead of on the ground in my tent, a welcomed change. The sun was shining brightly and I went upstairs to say my good mornings. Three members of the Logan family, Cliff, Brenda and their son Clinton greeted me and offered me breakfast, I happily took them up on their offer.
It turns out there is such a thing as a green egg, they cooked me up a few and I enjoyed the delicious meal. Generously offering me a cup of coffee as well I found myself quite spoiled this morning. As I ate I found the conversation as great as the meal set before me, we shared in many stories with one another. It was compelling hearing how life was growing up on the farm among many other things. Sharing my own collection of stories I found the family intrigued and genuinely interested.


Having just finished my meal Cliff brought out some of his funky little toys the show off. Humping gophers and pecking chickens were among the display, he even gave me a custom backscratcher which was a nice souvenir to take with me. It was now time for the star attraction, Cliff put on his special hat and grabbed a cane, he knelt down beside his patio and pulled out a rock that had the words Hi naturally etched into it, a pretty cool find!

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Cliff showed me his home in more detail, a beautiful dwelling comprised of wooden pillars standing on hardwood floors, an old fireplace and wonderfully decorated rooms. It had an old rustic feel to it, antique like. After the tour we went out on the porch where we enjoyed the refreshing morning air as we shared in a deeper conversation. A wise old farmer I found myself enthralled in our exchanges. Cliff was a man of faith with a calm demeanor, we talked much of life and meaning. He had a quote I won’t forget, “Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no man”.


With such a wonderful evening the night before with Dusty and an amazing morning with the rest of the family it came time for me to say my goodbyes, a hard thing to do. Winnie had a difficult time leaving too, as she had been running around playing with their seven dogs all morning, demonstrating her agile leaps and bounds to the other pups. I waved farewell and ventured back to the highway, feeling tremendously blessed as I went my way.


It wasn’t long until I came to the city of Saskatoon, a place a lot bigger than Regina which surprised me. I wandered about the city taking in the views as Winnie accompanied me for the numerous excursions scattered about. Despite the size of the city it still had a small town feel to it. As I explored I could feel the sun cooking me alive, slowly sapping my energy with every step.


With the heat being as hot as it was I decided to take a jaunt down to one of the beaches just south of the city where I wandered about, occasionally wetting my feet as Winnie rolled around in the sand. Having walked a good ways back and fourth I decided it was time to head back to the car and set off towards to my next destination.


I drove north past shallow valleys and lakes scattered about, mixed among small streams weaving their way across the land until they disappeared from sight. It was beginning to get late and I decided I’d set up camp in the town of Hafford. The mosquitoes at my campsite were endless, a situation that caused me to set up my tent with haste. Having zipped up the door to avoid the many insects I turned on a light and began writing. As I did so I could hear the bugs flying into the sides of my tent where the light was aimed at, trying to get closer to it’s radiance. The sound was like that of a gentle rainfall, a strange but oddly soothing chorus to relax to.

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Day 26 – Weaving my way to the twisted grove

The sweltering heat had me out of my tent pretty early this morning. With the extra time in the day laying before me I decided to start with a walk to a nearby baseball diamond, a great place to burn off Winnies energy. While she enjoyed it for a bit she soon took to lounging in the tall grass, still feeling the morning doziness it seemed.


I got back in the car and set off towards my first destination, The Crooked Bush. A lengthy dirt road took me to the strange sight I was about to behold. At last I arrived at the entrance and took a walk inside to see what it was all about. What a bizarre place, the trees were bent and twisted in all sorts of erratic contortions. There was a eerie feeling about the place, as though the land had been cursed from an evil atrocity committed upon its surface. This is where the witch would dwell, waiting for foolish mortals to stumble in, never to return.


Having taken a few strolls through the twisted grove I returned once more to the roads before me, setting off towards Prince Albert. I took a long scenic route which took me weaving all over the place heading north. Along the way I came across a sign for Crescent Beach and figured I’d venture to take a peek. The water had risen high and there was barely any beach left when I arrived, regardless I’d found a nice bench to sit on by the lake to relax. The heat was scorching, soon driving me out into the water for relief as swarms of minnows came to greet me. Some of the locals arrived on the scene, friendly and in good spirits, one of them showing off a sizable fish he’d just caught. After chasing Winnie around the beach longer than I wanted, I finally got a hold of her once more and we returned to the car to set off.


I found myself driving along lengthy gravel roads where army’s of dragonflies feasted on the mosquitoes in the fields beside me, never had I seen so many of them huddled together before and I cheered on their slaughter with glee. The weaving roads eventually took me to a small town called Spiritwood where a howling wolf statue greeted me. My stay was short, a quick topping of the gas tank and I was on my way. As I drove I couldn’t help but be amazed at all the lakes and ponds appearing in abundance. Northern Saskatchewan is quite the scenic place to visit, a true underdog.


I saw the welcome sign, I had arrived at Prince Albert. The town itself admittedly wasn’t as nice as I was hoping it would be. There seemed to be a problem with heavy drugs running rampant. I observed the many faces of addiction as I drove to my campsite. The plot seemed fine at first but I soon noticed trouble lurking in the alley behind me. Homeless folks dug through the dumpsters, some shooting up behind them as the occasional prostitute walked by. The constant drug deals didn’t serve in easing the tension either. A tall barbed fence separated me from the mess but I still found myself uncomfortable, keeping a watchful eye on my belongings. The morning can’t come quick enough!

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Day 27 – Prince Albert National Park

I awoke bright and early to pack up my things, eager to get back on the road and see something new. A quick stop at the campground office allowed me to take advantage of their wifi before the call to adventure took the reigns as it guided me into the unknown once more.
I had a destination in mind but like usual found myself taking random detours along the way, the first of these being Christopher Lake. At small area with cottages scattered about found their home along the sparkling lake, people living in their own little paradise. Winnie becoming quite the water connoisseur took a sip from the refreshing lake as I took in the scenery. The day still had plenty to offer so I smiled to myself, saying a silent goodbye as I ventured back to the car.


A short drive down the road took me to the main attraction of the day, Prince Albert National Park. Just as I had pulled over to take a picture an older man pulled up in his truck to make sure I was ok which led to us talking about the various attractions and sights worth stopped at in the area. Always the one to enjoy hearing from the locals I found myself chattering about. It came time to say our farewells and we drove our separate ways.


At last I was venturing into the park, oak trees lined up along the side of the road, their ranks occasionally broken for the streams that pushed their way through. You’d hardly know you were still in the prairies as the thick of the forest became the ruler of the land.


I decided to go for my first hike of the day and pulled over to one of the designated areas. Hiking boots all laced up I set off upon the trail that lay before me. The path took the hiker to a viewing tower that looked out over the landscape. Now I had looked over the map a little too quickly and came to an area that split into two different directions, not knowing which way to go I took a guess and set off on one of them. As I explored I realized what I had done as I found myself going deeper into the woods with no tower in sight. A bit of backtracking and I was where I needed to be, at the fork again, heading in the right direction this time. I looked up and smiled, I’d made it to the tower at long last. Ah well, I learned to read my maps a little more carefully and it’s all part of the adventure anyway!


I was off once more, back in the car and heading deeper into the park. My next jaunt took me to a pristine lake where various people were launching their boats and swimming about. The heat of the day made the waters to alluring to pass up. I tossed on my swim trunks and went for a dip. What a refreshing decision it turned out to be, the cool waters easing the burden of the sweltering heat.


Feeling refreshed I set off once more, taking the occasional hike to a lookout tower, or pausing to gaze upon a vast lake sparkling in the distance. It was such a beautiful park, a welcomed escape from the bustle of the busy cities. Meeting friendly tourists was common and I often found myself taking photos for them as they returned the favor.
Soon I arrived at the biggest lake in the park where I stopped to explore. I walked down to the shore where I found a fallen tree to perch on as I looked out upon the glistening water. It was the perfect place to calm ones mind, letting the scene assuage your thoughts to tranquility.


I realized I had spent far more time in the park than I had originally planned and set back on the road heading north to La Ronge. The setting sun left a bright array of colors that stretched out across the sky before diving into the horizon as dusk in it’s deep blue garment heralded the coming night. I arrived in town and set about finding a campsite, soon finding a spot right along the edge of the lake. Despite the pesky mosquitoes, I stood upon the rocky shores staring out over the darkened water. Who I was becoming I did not fully know but I knew I would embrace the path less traveled, I would step fourth and seek out the deeper meaning to this life, and I would find it.

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Day 28 – A storm of epic proportions

The darkened lake from the night before now shared a different view of it’s beauty as the morning light brought it’s hidden features into view. I brought out my trusty chair and set it up on a rock by the water, settling in to relax and write. Time passed by with little notice, the scene before me washing away the cares of the day.


After a good while at the lake I set off to experience the rest of the day. I started off heading north to Waden Bay. The forsaken roads before me heightened my attention as bumps and pot holes lay scattered about like snares ready to catch the complacent driver. Having weaved my way through the challenging road I arrived at the bay eager to take a look. I hopped out of the car and went directly to the beach where orange sand and pristine water greeted me. I spent some time appreciating the marvel before me, greeting the locals as I walked about on the sandy shores.


It came time to leave, with a long drive ahead of me I hopped in the vehicle and set off heading to to Manitoba. The pavement turned to dirt and gravel, enormous dust clouds tailing the vehicles that drove it’s path. Navigating the road brought its challenges. When vehicles would pass, the dust that followed them would bring visibility to an alarming level, at times shortening the view to maybe ten feet ahead. I carefully navigated my way through the occasional clouds and in time found myself returning to pavement.


The various lakes and rivers spread themselves out in abundance. With so much marshland the bugs came out in abundance as well, causing me to limit how often I set fourth outside the car to take a closer look at something. Rocks began to appear, becoming more common as I drove further east. I looked out my window and saw one of the more interesting welcome signs I’d come across, I had arrived in Manitoba.


Not only had I arrived in a new province, but I had arrived in the town of Flin Flon, a place that sits on top of the podium for the coolest town names I’ve come across. I drove around for a bit, finding some neat rocky perches that looked out over the buildings in the distance.


It was beginning to get dark so I set fourth to a campsite in town. With road construction all over, the route sent me on an odd detour where I got lost down a random road, arriving at a church in passing. I parked and got out to take a closer look when a man who had been mowing the lawn came to greet me. It turns out he was the pastor and we talked back and fourth. He soon invited me into the building as the bugs had been growing in number with the dusk. An incredibly friendly man, we found ourselves chatting for hours. He showed me a tree the church had recently put on the wall, with answers to prayer being the leaves people would place on its branches.


Time had flown by and as we walked outside to say our goodbyes I noticed a lightning storm building up in the distance. As a child growing up in Ontario, I would sneak out of bed late at night to watch the lively lightning storms in the distance, fascinated by bursts of light arcing across the sky. Even as I got older I never lost my interest, often setting up chairs in the garage to watch the storms with my friends and brothers. I guess it’s no surprise I ended up becoming an electrician! With the storms in Vancouver being utterly pathetic I’d found myself craving a good show for years. Tonight that show delivered. As the storm rapidly grew in intensity I drove out of town to a boat launch where I parked my car by the dock. I looked out over the waters with wild excitement as bolts of electricity shot across the sky, illuminating the lake every couple of seconds. Thunder signaled the heart of the storm growing closer and soon a heavy rain began to fall, turning to hail that came crashing down with such intensity I worried my windshield might not hold up. I wasn’t deterred though, I had been craving this for years and I was gonna watch the full show. I sat there for hours. The storm had finally passed and I ventured back to my tent just past 4am. A late night, but worth every second.

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Day 98 – Through the vast plains once more

While it was nice being able to stretch out in my tent I kept getting woken up by what sounded like a train throughout the night. When morning arrived I could see why, as maybe 200 feet away a train track ran parallel with the road, a sight that had hidden itself when I’d set up my tent in the dark. Ah well, that’s what coffee is for. I took advantage of the open area and played catch with Winnie as I packed my things.


It felt good returning to the road. I grabbed some much needed caffeine on my way west and soon I arrived in Saskatchewan.


A thick layer of clouds accompanied me as I made me way across the plains, I thought I might have another day of pure rain but it held off which was nice.


There is something special about the prairies, a calm feeling that I love. In a strange way it kinda feels like home, it’s just so peaceful. The vast sprawling fields with the occasional valley that dips into the earth makes for a wonderful drive.


I made a detour into Aylesbury to visit my friend Dusty who I’d met on my way east. Soon I was pulling into the farm where a friendly and familiar face greeted me. It was fun sharing my stories of adventure on the eastern side of Canada, as the previous time we’d met I’d been talking about what I might do on my way east. Being an incredible host, Dusty made me sandwiches for the road and cooked me up some dinner. He was heading to work in the evening so we didn’t have as much time to chill as I’d hoped for. I was still glad I swung on by though, even our short time together was worth the detour.


Having said my goodbyes to Dusty I took to the roads once again, continuing my venture northwest as the sun set in the distance and darkness covered the land. Being quite caffeinated I managed to cover quite a bit of ground before fatigue took over, beckoning me to find a place to rest. I heeded the call and located a quiet area where I finally called it a day as I dozed off.