A Stroll Along The North Saskatchewan River

It is a day off work and since fall colours are at their peak I decided to take a drive to capture a few impressions of the fall season. Taking the Yellowhead Highway (TC16) west I turn south onto Hwy 60 which runs down to the town of Devon. Years ago I took a stroll a long the North Saskatchewan River and I want to do that again. Hwy 60 takes a long dip as it descends into the river ravine. A steel bridge resting on mighty concrete supports leads across the wide river. The town of Devon is just south across the river and I turn into town to find my way along the steep small river road which leads down to the boat launch and the newly created Voyageur Park.   And to make it very clear for dog-owners: There is no poop fairy along the river. After parking the van I find a path through the dense bush but leave it soon for finding better views along the river. During the fall the water level is low and I walk right along the hard shore line. The sun makes the opposite side glow in the most beautiful fall colours.  A single angler is sitting on a rock reading the newspaper, while waiting for the fish to bite. We have a brief talk before I turn back. A couple is doing their stroll with 2 beautiful retrievers in tow. Out here people seem so relaxed wishing each other a Good Morning. Just 1 kilometer in town they wouldn’t do that. Nature is bringing out the better of us – no doubt. Just a pity that so much nature has been destroyed. Ironically, the town of Devon owes its existence to one of the largest oil discoveries in the world. On 1947 February 13, the Imperial Leduc #1 well struck oil, and the new town of Devon was constructed shortly thereafter by Imperial Oil to accommodate its workers. The company was determined that the town would be well-planned, and Devon holds the distinction of being the first Canadian community to be approved by a regional planning commission. Thanks for the stroll!