Monday, June 9, 2008

Adventurer-Challenger Canoe Trip

On June 7th 2008 six Wardens and two leaders set off for an overnight canoe trip down the Meadow River from Meadow Lake to the mill road bridge.

The Wardens had several practice and planning sessions leading up to the trip, and were well prepared under the guidance of canoe instructor Tracey Wolfe. So, well provisioned and well equipped, we set off on a cloudy morning down the river.

Although the water was still high, we had a lot of rocks to contend with for the first half of the journey. Several times it was necessary to step out of the canoes.

There was a lot of wildlife to see: Grebes, geese & goslings, ducks, willets, herons, beaver, muskrat, moose to name a few.

We learned about portaging when we came to an old bridge with a huge log jam in front of it. The only course of action was to pull up on the very muddy bank, unload everything, lug it to the other side of the bridge and get back in the water. Oh yeah, we discovered stinging nettle, too!

We found a suitable campsite in a grassy pasture area. Everyone worked together and camp was quickly in order, as was a welcome hot meal and then sleep for eight weary people.

The next day was shorter - we had breakfast, broke camp, and then paddled two hours to our destination.

Somebody saw fit to bring a huge water pistol along, and a good thing too, as it helped pass the time and keep us cool.

All in all, a good trip, and our group is ready for a more challenging river the next time out!

Have a look at some pictures of our canoe trip.