#1: [30-Jun-01]

26-Aug-2010 -- It was getting warmer as we got close to this confluence around noon. The car thermometer said it was 34°C outside. We left Highway 3 at Range Road 84, driving north to Township Road 120, following it until we could turn left towards Golden Sheaf Regional Park. As we crossed the dam that formed the lake we could see water skiers being pulled by boats while enjoying some fun on the hot day. This park with camping and picnic facilities is about 2 km from the confluence. The lake is called Rattlesnake Lake. Signs along the highways in the area gave warnings about the possibilities of rattlesnakes on the road and encouraged drivers not to run over them as they are endangered.

At the entrance to the confluence area there was an open gate with a sign, "Private Property. No Trespassing". We drove back to the nearest home to request permission to drive into the area. Alan was told that it was not their property. They explained how to get to the "property owner's" place on the other side of the dam. It turned out that this next fellow was not the landowner either but he told Alan that we should be fine hunting for a confluence on the property as everyone in the area is pretty easy going.

We drove back across the dam - they were still having fun water skiing - then drove through the gate where the trail led us past the grain bins then some beehives and a pond with ducks before heading uphill to the field where the confluence is situated. At a couple of places there were views of the nearby South Saskatchewan River Valley carved into the land. On top of the hill, beyond the confluence, there were oil pipes with a fence surrounding them and in the distance some farm equipment.

The confluence was in a grassy area no more than 30 meters from the trail. The tall grass was blowing in the wind. There were some wild flowers. Insects were buzzing and birds singing. We could hear a combine harvesting a field across the way.

Once we got our pictures of the spot and surrounding area, it was time to head back home to Saskatchewan. After all our prairie driving, the front of our vehicle was certainly ready for a car wash!