Lost in Saskatoon

So much for the sun? Today was a cloudy affair with a sprinkling of rain.  Had to dig out my toque (wool cap for you non-Canadians) and a warm sweater.  Did not bother me none .. it is all good when outside researching the trails and parks for the first time. Heck, just being outdoors with a smile on my face is a wicked time.. rain or shine! I can be my own best company at times.. ha ha.

On this day I was going to venture outside of Saskatoon. Take a gander at some of the nearby parks and conservation areas in the region. First on the game plan was Beaver Creek.  Everything went fine except I could not find the entrance. Must of drove past it by 10 kilometres.  Once there I bee lined it for the longest trail – the Orange Trail. It took me to where the South Saskatchewan River merges with Beaver creek. Did not meet a soul on the trail. There I was standing on a sandy cliff, high above the river and creek, in my own little world. It was a great morning wake up call. I took it all in.

After the Orange Trail I hiked the Yellow Trail because I wanted to follow the creek this time. So I thought based on the map I had. It was an OK trail. There were some signs along the trail with corny nature jokes. Read the first two.  That was it lost interest pretty fast. Most of the hike was in the bush so I only got to view the creek twice. And that was when I crossed over the two bridges. I guessed the jokes rubbed off on me – as by my picture above.

Next I went to Pike Lake Provincial Park. Another government controlled gated park. Except this one was at the end of a 25 kilometre road.  I politely asked if I could take a look and I graciously received a 1 hour pass. Wow.. a whole hour. What am I going to do with all this time. Not much it seems.  I did my duty and  took some pictures and left.. in 40 minutes time. Take that.

Dog's Field of Dreams

I finished my day by having a hard time finding Chief  Whitecap Park.  Not having any signs on the road nor at the trailhead made it a bit tougher. But my inner GPS system came through this time. The park was a dog park. A park where dogs can play and jump and wag their tails at lightening speeds. I like dog parks maybe because I am a big dog fan.

But once down at the shore of the South Saskatchewan River there was nobody. Not even a dog.

The steep trail leading down to the river might of been a distraction.  The flat grassland trail was easy until it turned into a steep embankment, leading onto a white colored sand trail following the banks of the river.  I wanted to take a picture of myself but I have blown tires on two tripods so far and have not made time to get a new one.  The causalities of hiking and going where no Bro has gone before taking its toll.

Off to Regina, Saskatchewan in search of a campground for a base camp so I can start exploring Regina and Moose Jaw. Where we go nobody knows.