Unlike other nearby lakes, there are few cottagers and there is easy access to the water. We will search for some new Living Skies caches which will be published a few days before this event. Please do not search for them before we launch the watercraft on July 17! To wet your appetite for canoe-kayak caching, the first cache was published in June. Six more will be published c July 10 to ease downloading and 10 by girlsndad on July 15. Watch the bookmarked list for details. Six others will be published after we start on July 17 (c. noon) . Paper copies will be available for hand held downloading upon your arrival. A mass start will begin after a safety review at 10am! Then the race is on for the more interesting FTF prizes.
We will meet at the coordinates at 10 am for some padding instructions and reminders. There is plenty of parking in the area of this boat launch. Thanks Navyguider for providing a safety review. Please arrange to have your own kayak or canoe along with the required paddles and PFDs. A whistle and a throw line are also recommended. If you are willing to sit in the bottom of a canoe (with a PFD) and enjoy the scenery, there may be a few spaces available. Please let the COs know well in advance. As of July 14, all available spaces are spoken for.
Our group will leave from near the South end of the lake. Due to the size of the group we will divide up since caches now cover all sides of the lake and some of the "islands". In the spring the area was active with bird life. We spotted thousands of snow geese in the area along with many ducks, geese and a few herons.
After padding for 4 Km each way, exploring/caching bays and islands, as well as the local fauna we will return to the privately owned campground for a hot dog BBQ lunch about 1 p.m. The owner, Marcel, will drop by and share a bit about the local history of the area. His family is one of 2 original homesteaders who immigrated from France in the 1890s. You can then decide what in you might do next. There are many options, such as exploring the geocaches in the area, returning to Hepburn for GC50RV9 which ends at 4 p.m., continue padding here or at other nearby lakes or try and catch supper. Shannon Lake is renowned for its walleye. All fishers need a Sask. Fishing license. You can purchase these through retail outlets and on line at http://saskatchewanlicences.active.com/ You might find the remnants of abandoned towns interesting at Bonne Madonne, Lepine and Reynaud! Yes - - - they all have caches linked to them.
If you do not have a canoe or kayak, they are available to rent in nearby Saskatoon or Prince Albert.
In Saskatoon, the recommended store is EB’s Source for Adventure (306 652-0385) and in Prince Albert, it is Fresh Air Experience ( 306 922-1500). All have staff able to help and offer assistance with tie downs. Both stores have websites.
http://www.ebsadventure.com/
and or
http://www.freshairexperience.com/
In your ”will attend “log, please note how many will be attending, if you will join us for lunch and whether you will be needed a free seat in a boat. Thanks to those who have have already signed up to help prepare the fire for the cookout!
This event is weather dependent so in the case of showers, thunder and lightning, it will be cancelled. If we must cancel, we will reschedule to Sunday afternoon at 1p.m. but without lunch. FYI the lake has cell phone coverage.
Join us on July 19, 2014 and experience Saskatchewan like you’ve never known. It’s not just the flat, boring prairie we’re famous for. Enjoy a warm welcome, incredible caching trails, rich history and beautiful scenery. We’ll bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised! |