Tonight The Pas

A 66 km paddle from Carrier Camp above Manitoba border to The Pas. The brigade will assemble upstream of the arrival ceremony location, approach in the 'string of pearls' formation, fire a musket shot to request permission to come ashore, and await for the consenting return shot from shore. An offering of tabacco is usually presented to the 1st Nations Leaders along the way

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PICTURE OF 2nd WEEK

Several delightful young ladies from Fort Pitt Hettorite Community. The provided meaningful message on life to us all, many inspiring choir pieces, and a bountiful dinner that also saw us through the following day's lunch and dinner. They enjoyed their ride in the voyageur canoes. Their hospitality was outstanding! Thanks Fort Pitt!
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104 km to Cumberland House

Well rested PC1 were up at 3:30 am (it was starting to get light) for their 11 hour paddle to Cumberland House. Thank you ground crew for breakfast and getting us away on time. 1st Nations Guides will ensure we stay on track through the confusing multitude of Channels on the Saskatchewan River. Meeting with Mayor and a festive feast await the tired crew
Tomorrow a short 66 km to Carrier Camp
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LAKE TOBIN - Wed 28 May

Our first big lake challenge. The 61 km run began with a slight refreshing tail wind, and ended up with an unexpected dead calm. We were prepared for a change in the weather, and to head for shore, but no need

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A TOUGH PORTAGE

Robbie and David demonstrating the technique for portaging Paddle Canada's reknowned heavy canoe. They make it look easy. Or were they demonstrating Class 2 rapids techniques?
Either way, looks like fun
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WISE USE OF RESOURCES

Sailing east on Coddet Lake and catching what wind there was

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1st Nations Hospitality

Monday we paddled from Prince Albert past the confluence of the north and south Saskatchewan R to James Smith First Nations. A formal reception, a parade, a marvellouis native feast, and entertainment. All is well
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Next Stop James Smith

Paddlers on the water by 6:05am
First breakfast with friends at Riverside School at Prince Albert. Thanks PA
88 km today!
All's Well
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LAYOVER DAY PRINCE ALBERT

Sunday 25. Rained overnight. Cold overcast. Day for resting, laundry, sorting out provisions for next leg of trip. A new zipper in my tent, fix the stove. The photo shows the start of the second and final segment of the 80 km canoe race. Our very own Tonya Shalay is part of the Cumberland House Team
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PRINCE ALBERT

A 7am get away from Fort Carlton, paddled 11 km and 29 km of the scheduled 88 km day, and utilized the trailer for the rest. A warm reception from Prince Albert. Camped right on the river. Tonya completed the first half of the 80 km race with the Cumberland House team. Well done Tonya! A great native feast, and lively entertainment.
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BORDEN TO FORT CARLTON

Another 6 am start. First crew Len, Richard, Sara, Tonya, David and Robbie get PC1 off to a flying start completing the 1st 41 km by shortly after 11am.
The second half the team arrived Fort Carlton about 3pm in time to paddle upstream a km to participate in the formal arrival.
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BRIEF RESPITE

On the water at 6:20am; PC1 battled stiff winds all day before pulling off water a few kms short of 94 km target
Well done PC1
Tomorrow starts at 4:30 am
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WAITING FOR PC1

On the water by 6:20 am, into a brisk head wind all day, first 37 km takes about 7 hours; the remaining 48 km another 4 1/2 hours. 2-3 foot waves at times, white caps make it impossible to read river
Rain over night
Alls Well
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FORT GEORGE / HEINSBURG

Pancakes and Sausages from the good folks at Elk Point, then 11 km to Fort George. A long hike up to the Fort, a tour of the historic layout, voyageur games, then another 2 hours to Heinsburg. The government cancelled the railway here, the last train left in 1972
A weiner roast, watermellon, cold drinks, and a lively musical trio. We appreciated the warm reception
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PHOTO OF WEEK ONE

Many beautiful memories and photos of PC1 and the brigade coming together, no doubt they will last the rest of my life.
Paddling the route travelled by David Thompson in 1808, complete with a direct relative of his. And genuinely warm reception by the young and old along the way. Many recall the 1967 brigade, celebrating Canada's centennial year. We have met several of those paddlers already on this trip.
So why this picture? The ice was 5 to 6 feet thick. The flags you see are standing upright in the rear of a brigade canoe. It was like paddling in the high arctic ice, or so I imagined
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SCHOOL ART CONTEST

The bi-centennial celebration moves along down river. Elk's Point student work shown in attached photo. Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of David Thompson's Canada defining trip throught their town. The fire work displays continue to mark the event.
PC1 becoming quite the crew

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PIPED INTO ELK POINT

Paddle Canada 1's Tonya Shalay was Avante of the lead canoe as the brigade arrived Elk Point. The brigade paddled 65 km. A parade through town, and a feast at the community center. Then country music and dancing. Another surrealistic day. All's well

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DEVON to FORT SASKATCHEWAN

7am departure after Lion's Club amazing breakfast. Edmonton Historical Society reception. 78 km paddle on one 7 person crew. Tricky winds and channels were a challenge. Warm welcome, reception and dinner in Fort Saskatchewan
Tomorrow another long 81 km day
PC1 working well as a team
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THANK YOU TOWN OF DEVON

A 48 km paddle in 3 1/2 hours
Devon Voyageur Park named.
Public paddles in Voyageur canoes, races, piper and PC1 canoe lead opening procession. Akina Shirt sings O'Canada in Cree. Bison, Corn bread, salads, cobbler dinner to great music of Reeling Rounders. Even rain held off
Tomorrow Edmonton

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WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT

45 km complete, about 40 km to go in much slower water. But first lunch
Tonight St John's School students, where are camping, are making us dinner

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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

From PADDLE CANADA 1 and 2 to our Moms and Mothers of our children. Have a wonderful day! We are thinking of you and send our love, hugs, and kisses! Thanks for your understanding and support.
A 94 km paddle to Drayton Valley through cold, rain and hail, brisk winds and ice (to 6 - 7 feet thick). A warming reception by the community of Drayton Valley, including the MPP, Mayor, and two members of the 1967 Centennial Brigade
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PC2 ON THEIR WAY EAST

Next stop Baptiste River, 44 km
All's well

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PC2 TEST PADDLE

PC1 canot du nord in the water after its 4,380 km trek from Merrickville Ontario
Now for the 3,400 km paddle to Old Fort William, arriving 12 July

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HISTORY PUPPET SHOW

The life and times of David and Charlotte Thompson as re-enacted in an amazing puppet show
Tomorrow our official send off and 44 km paddle. Let us know if you see any media coverage of the event

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PADDLE CANADA 2

Test paddle complete, the open side was kept up, only one hole to report in the canoe. Alls well!
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WATCHING SNOW FALL

About 8" wet snow today. Delayed travel, made getting about interesting
Still on track to start paddle Saturday

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SNOW

Welcome to Rocky Mountain House
Brigade starts to come together today
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SAFELY AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE

We're here. We are gathering at Buster Creek Campgrounds shortly after lunch Thursday. Follow Highway 11 west from RMH to Buster Creek where we intend to make camp. It is located half way between Crimson Lake Campgrounds and Twin Lakes Campground
Please email or call me to confirm you have this message

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SAFE - SOUND SASKATOON

Paddle Canada 1 mascot Minou - Minou celebrates the canoes entry to Saskatchewan. Tomorrow night Rocky Mountain House, Walking Eagle Motel
What is this about snow later this week? Canoe - Brigade test paddle Friday afternoon
All's Well
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GREETING FROM JANICE

Janice and her daughters say hi, and look forward to welcoming you to the Winnipeg area
Cheers
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KENORA, ONT - ALLS WELL

Half way to Rocky Mountain House. Clear, sunny, cold
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Don and Eric Head To Tiverton

We're on the way
Heareux Pagayer

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