Churchill River Saskatchewan canoe trip: August 25, 2011

Day 5, Thursday, August 25

A beautiful sunrise, then the sky turned cloudy. On Drope Lake we had a close encounter with an American White Pelican. We also spotted another rock of pelicans, quite far away. Again we spotted Spotted Sandpipers and a Belted Kingfisher. Bill took a few casts in the swirly area in the swifts into Nistowiak Lake. A Bald Eagle flew over.

On the shore of Nistowiak Lake, we noticed some bird movement so we paddled over to a hot spot of migrating warblers. We pished and they came: Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, House Finch, Chickadee, juvenile Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, Philadelphia Vireo and other unidentified birds… A bald eagle swooped down and caught a fish near our canoe. We saw a juvenile Bald Eagle and a juvenile Cormorant.

We searched for the recommended campsite but could not find anything in the identified area. We did find another site, small and exposed (it was windy) but with a fine view of a rock island and to the strait leading down to the falls. It turned out to be a great location. Some pelicans welcomed us.

After lunch, we struck out for Jim’s Fishing Camp and Nistowiak Falls.

The Rapid River gushed into Nistowiak Lake at Jim’s Fishing Camp. We hiked beside the river for about a kilometre, with striking views of rushing water.

The 80’ drop at the falls was turbulent. We were covered with spray. Rainbows over the water made the view spectacular. Barbara concluded these are the most impressive falls in Canada. Other than by canoe, one can reach them via Stanley Mission in a motorboat with a native guide. We felt privileged to experience this magnificent wild water.

Our paddle back to our camp was challenging as we faced whitecaps and headwinds. A lemon vodka cocktail was welcome… and a short fish for Bill before nightfall.

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