PREFACE

In the summer of 1985, we rented cabins on opposite sides of Lac la Ronge's Nut Point peninsula.By overland trail, we were only two kilometres apart, so we sometimes met on weekends to drink tea and discuss topics of interest.One August evening, the talk turned to canoeing and the possibility of a fall canoe trip.After sorting out the mechanics of the J stroke (our paddling skills were limited) and who had what gear, we determined we were in fact ready for a modest excursion.We then went on to discuss possible trip routes.A section of the Churchill River, just an hour's drive north of La Ronge, was our unanimous choice.We were captured by the Churchill's rich history as part of the old trans-Canada voyageur highway.We looked forward to camping on the same rocks and portaging the same trails as the early traders and their voyageurs.At the same time, it occurred to us that we might benefit from a guide or handbook describing our intended route's history.As far as we knew, though, no such guide existed.We were familiar with the canoe trip booklets-originally written by canoeist Peter Gregg-that the provincial government offered free of charge to canoeists.However, while these booklets were (and still are) excellent navigational aids, their slim format left little room for history.Sitting at the kitchen table under a kerosene lamp, we continued our trip planning into the night.But even as we concentrated on maps, food, and gear, we kept coming back to how handy a history guide would be.And gradually, as the lamp wick burned shorter, the idea for this book was born.We decided-without yet knowing a low brace from a knee brace-that we ourselves could canoe the length of Saskatchewan's voyageur highway and write up a paddler's guide to its history.The idea seemed so sensible, we wanted to get on the water right away.However, as it was clearly too late in the year to begin an extended canoe trip, we reluctantly agreed to postpone our adventure until the following spring.Although disappointing, the delay would give us a chance to read more about the fur trade, learn the rudiments of photography, and find the equipment needed for a summer-long trip.In late May, 1986, we finally set out on our enlarged expedition.We hauled an aluminum Grumman Eagle to the Clearwater River and, from there, headed south and east on a seventy-day voyage to Cumberland House.We could not have wished for a better summer.We paddled and portaged, fished and swam, and talked to people we met along our way.We were always dead tired by nightfall, but each day taught us something new.While our 1986 canoe trip was long, the actual writing of this book has been a far longer journey.The original plan was to have our research written up into a usable guide soon after our canoe trip.We started our writing fast enough, but within weeks, we seemed to have more questions than answers about our route.The next summer, despite our best efforts, we were still a long way from completion.

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