Trip Coordinator Name(s): Laura Rider
Date of Trip: July 29, 2021, July 30, 2021, July 31, 2021, August 1, 2021, August 2, 2021
River Reach: Red Deer River
River Difficulty Level: Novice
Water Level: Low
# of Adults: 8
# of Minors: 2
# of Guests:
Rescues(aka Swims)?:
Events,Observations,Comments:
TL Ranch still provides outstanding shuttle service along the Red Deer River. Plus welcomes BWCC members to camp on their property and rent canoes.
4 paddlers launched from TL Ranch on the 30, river camped river right at the very last tip of green land, a short distance after Bleriot Ferry provincial campground. Due to low water, we paddled a glossy lake-like body of water. A little excitement when a current was found. Anticipating the end of the first day of paddling, we saw Bleriot Ferry ahead!! As we approached it was determined by all that it was not the ferry but a tent on a raft crossing the river.....wait,,,..not that either, Close now, we all saw shaded sculpting of curves on the large white and grey rock....we called this experience, The Mirage. This was a long day - 32 klms, 8 hours (incl lunch).
Having paddlers join the river trip at multiple locations worked well, as on day 2 on the water, the original 4 met 6 more at Newcastle Park in Drumheller. They had hired TL Ranch to assist with the car shuttle, leaving their vehicles in Dorothy.
Launched by 2:30, we completed this day on river left facing highway 10, between Rosedale and highway 10 bridge. Stayed here 2 nights. By the way, temperatures were 30 to 32 Celsius.
Exploring the hoodoos, fishing, body surfing, swimming, reading, guitar by Kaven plus a group game of Dutch Blitz in the screen house, nice protection from the many mosquitos.
Final day of paddling we launched by 8:45 am - (we received heavy wind the day before at camp, so left early just in case). We noticed the water level had increased a bit and with that we had a few more sections with current - Yay!!! We arrived at the Dorothy bridge on river left at 3:40 pm. This was a good, family, fun trip.
Sightings included: Heron, Dove birds calls, Eagles, Pelican, Merganser ducks, black Vulture, Swallows, Hawks, Beaver, Snake swimming across the river, Female moose.
Due to low water, the usual branches of the river were dry or muddy - not passable, main section was passable with a few islands and many low level areas. Paddling the Clipper Cascade managed very well.
Tammy, the owner to Cottonwood Corner Campground welcomes BWCC members to park at her home, no cost, good security.
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