Churchill River Saskatchewan canoe trip: August 21, 2011
Day 1, Sunday, August 21
As in 2007, we started our trip with
the 6 hour drive from Saskatoon to Missinipe. We sighted a young
black bear in the parking lot at the diner in Prince Albert
National Park; then a large flock of snow geese flew over.
Again, we checked in with Ric Driediger, Churchill River Canoe
Outfitters. This time we rented a canoe from Ric, a familiar
Trailhead Prospector 17 red Royalex canoe and set out on
our trip directly south-east on the Churchill River from
Missinipe. Within a few minutes, near the air base, we spotted a
colourful Red-necked Grebe and two Canvas-backed ducks. A loon
landed and called. A promising start to our outdoor adventure.
As we wanted to settle in at a campsite and have dinner before
dark, we scouted several islands for a spot. We found a site on a
small island. The sun shone through the tall evergreens, lighting
up the moss and wild cranberries. As were setting up our tent,
two juvenile Bald Eagles flew closely overhead. A large American
White Pelican followed.