While waiting for the lakes to met out, I went back to the Sturgeon (launching in Oakmont) and followed the river a few kilometres downstream. I recall reading a newspaper story years ago about the Sturgeon downstream from St. Albert being an endless series of beaver dams and oxbows.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Downstream on the Sturgeon
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Back on the Sturgeon
The Sturgeon River opened up in early April and by the 10th, I was back out for the season. The Mission launch downtown was doable but looked gross and hard. Instead, I went over to the DIY launch in Oakmont (at the intersection of Olivier Close and Otter Crescent). You got through the brick arch, follow the brick path until it turns and then down the grassy slope, and across the matted floodplain grass to the water.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
2024 wrap-up
I snuck in a few last paddles in November on the river to wrap up the 2024 season with 66 outings between March 17 and November 16. Overall, I think it was a pretty successful year.
I hit 22 new lakes this year, including some that I have been looking to knock off my to-do list for a long time.
We had some great trips (Waterton, Cypress Hills, Okanagan) that included paddling. Lake Kalamalka (by Vernon), Spruce Coulee Reservoir (by Medicine Hat), and Lower Waterfowl Lake (by Saskatchewan Crossing) were among my favourites.
I also created a more user-friendly Guide to Lakes.
Now onto 2025!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Muir Lake
Late last October, I popped out to Muir Lake for quick paddle at lunch. Temperatures had been consistently below freezing overnight and I found a fair bit of ice on arrival (the air was +3C), including about 20 feet out from the launch.