Saturday, May 8, 2021

North Saskatchewan, Emily Murphy to Hawrelak

I had a chance to get down on the North Saskatchewan this week, putting in at Emily Murphy Park. This is the most convenient access point for me ad has been closed the past two years to to bridge rehabilitation. 

They are still working on cleaning up the site. The have poured the mooring for the dock that is supposed to go in here but the rest of the site is still under construction (switch back trail down the slope). It was a mild scramble to get down but otherwise great access.


The river was at late summer levels and clearer than usual at the time of year (no run off from fields).


I paddled up to the Hawrelak park boat launch (also clear) and then floated back.

Lots of interesting ice left over in the shady shore spots.





Overall, a great paddle and thrilled this access point is open again.

2 comments:

Caralee said...

Hey!
I was hoping to head on this little jaunt tomorrow. So directionally...from the put in at Emily Murphy which way to do you go to make it to Hawrelak Park? (I'm directionally challenged at the best of times so Left or right when facing the river from put in would be fantastic)
How long did the voyage take you? Suitable for inflatable?
Thanks for any advise. you can provide.
Caralee

Bob Barnetson said...

So Hawrelak is upstream from Emily Murphy. So out in and paddle against the current (go left). Time depends on river flow. Usually 45 minutes of paddling up then 15 minutes floating back down. I’m not sure about an inflatable against the current—I’ve never tried that.