Milk River 2004 - Second Day

  
Coffin Bridge to Milk River Provincial Park. Almost on this part of the map.

If you paddle the Milk River, buy the Alberta Recreation Canoe Association map. They are available at most paddling and outdoor recreational stores. ARCA's website lists where one can buy them.

Map Part 2

Map Part 2

Ref: map2
From Coffin Bridge, the river gets a little faster. Lisa paddled the first bit in the single.

Lisa paddling some "rapids"

Lisa paddling some "rapids"

Ref: 2004-446

At Owl Corner, there is a hole in the cliff face that usually has a Great-horned Owl nesting in it. This year was no exception. When Peter and I paddled by, it flew off. We watched it and the owlets for awhile. We went for a short hike across the prairie. Lots of wild flowers.

If you look carefully in the hole, you can see two owlets. They are mostly covered in white down.

Owl nest

Owl nest

Ref: 2004-454

As well as wildflowers on the hike, we came across many tepee rings. It is pretty obvious from the lay of the land why this would be a great spot to put a camp.

The hoodoos that appear in the last quarter of the trip are fantastic.

Lisa and I especially liked this group of hoodoos. We labelled it "Hoo Town". It reminded us of a Dr. Suess sketch.

Hoo Town

Hoo Town

Ref: 2004-502
As we approached Milk River Provincial Park, the river slowed down, the sun came out, and the turkey vultures soared. Very peaceful. A great way to end a paddle.
River, Peter, cliffs, clouds

River, Peter, cliffs, clouds

Ref: 2004-513