The Westman Wilderness Club organized a canoe trip on the Souris River, Southeast of Brandon, Manitoba, on June 26 and 27, 2010.
After meeting at the marshalling point in the city, participants and their canoes and kayaks headed to the embarkation point, on the Souris River near the small town of Margaret, Manitoba. There were a total of 16 participants, as follows: Bill, Carol, Aaron, Donna, Arthur, Shirley, Eldon, Shannon, Grace, Michelle,Clarence, Jackie, Fred, Elaine, Che, and Virginia. There were 7 canoes and 2 kayaks.
Following departure from the Margaret bridge area, a pleasant ride was had, with minimal rough rapids due to the very high water levels.
Following a lunch stop, the flotilla continued downstream. A sudden thunderstorm with heavy rain was encountered giving some interesting moments, particularly for those in metal canoes! Fortunately the rain had stopped by the time we arrived at our overnight campsite. This group was later joined by Brian in kayak, Lynne and a local farmer Don in a canoe.
The campsite was provided by Club members Brian and Lynne and was very well mowed, stocked with firewood, fire-pits and a toilet facility. What more could wilderness people ask for?
The rains did return but most of us were able to bed down fairly dry after keeping close to the campfires! Some of our throats were kept moist with a wee drop o’.
Following a breakfast feast the next morning ,we again hit the river. This group consisted of 13 paddlers as six departed due to previous commitments.Within a couple hours of pleasant water conditions, we arrived at our destination in the town of Wawanesa. Canoes and supplies were loaded up and everyone proceeded to their homes.
All in all it was a very pleasurable Wilderness outing. The beauty of the Souris River and its lush green banks is a memory that will last.
Thanks to Brian and Lynne for setting the outing up and Eldon for his organizational skills which ensured the trip was a success.
Also a big thanks to Don Heinrichs for efforts in setting up campsite and ferrying people and equipment up a very muddy hill.
Submitted by Bill