#2: [18-Jul-09]

09-Aug-2001 -- Having completed most of the confluence points that are within reach for a day trip, we decided we would set our sights on a few points that are a bit more distant from our home here in Regina. With this in mind we set about making plans to visit six points on a two day journey. Our plans were to head west on the TransCanada Highway and visit N50° W 107° then head northwest to N52° W108°, west again to N52° W109° and end the day in Lloydminster, a small city that straddles the Alberta/Saskatchewan border. We knew we would be passing by N53° W110° on the way but didn't think time would permit us to visit it. Day two would see us visit N54° W109°, N54° W108° and N53° W107° then head home. Ambitious plans for sure. Time would tell how successful we'd be.

We headed out from home bright and early on the morning of the 9th of August. We had a good two and a half to three hour drive ahead of us to get to our first goal. Our drive took us along the TransCanada Highway to the junction of Highway 19 and south to Hodgeville, the "Coyote Capital of Canada". Using maps prepared earlier, we found ourselves directly west of the desired point just after 10:00 and our GPS indicated a walk of about 424 m would take us to the spot. Our walk through a very poor pulse crop (this part of the province has received very little rain this year) brought us to the point and we were able to zero in with little difficulty. Views in all directions were very much the same with the exception of a small lake that could be seen in the distance to the east. We took the required photos and then headed back to the van with a total time of about half an hour passing.

We took a few photos in the area as well as one of the Hodgeville town sign before heading off to our next planned visit at N52° W108°. All in all, this visit was what we have decided is a typical southern Saskatchewan confluence point ... in the middle of a farmer's field on the flat prairie. Let's see what the next one holds in store for us.