September long weekend, in Moosejaw ,Saskatchewan, full moon, late in the evening, my partner and I set out with my trusty canoe into the great unknown waters of the mighty Moosejaw River. A small but winding river which makes its way through town and to the outskirts near outlying farm land.

  We encountered several beaver swimming in the near distance of our canoe. Our flash lights and the sound of the paddle in the water did nothing to spook these active little critters. But one word from our lips, such as " look a beaver just ahead" caused them to slap their tail emidiately into the water and vanish into the darkness. Usually getting my partner Amy, wet in the process. We also came across two raccoons, slowly making their way across the river. Their red eyes shown like peices of ember in a fading camp fire.

 We also found a weasle or it might have been a muskrat, along the shoreline. Feeling trapped against the high banks, it flared it's teeth and hissed it's dismay at us. We left it alone in the darkness.

Hearing some noise off in the distance, I vered the canoe towards the strange sounds. In our beam of the flashlight, we could make out the heads of two beavers, busily munching on twigs. They did not seem to mind our presence, in fact , they seemed to be mesmorized by our light, Much like deer in the head lights. As I was bringing the canoe in for a closer look, ( my hand being only inches from the water) another beaver poped it's head out of the water, mere inches from my hand. It scared the daylights out of me.

 We returned the following year and saw much of the same. A new visitor arrived at the onset of that trip. A large Pellican came swooping in overhead and landed a couple of yards from us. This was he closest that I have ever been to one of those majestic birds.

So if ever you are up for a little adventure and want to see some of the wild life that live on the rivers or in lakes. Grab a flashlight(or headlamp), your canoe and favorite paddleling partner and go exploring. Be sure to let some one know your expected time of arrival back home to be on the safe side.

                                                                  speedwire