Historic Trail Walk 2021:
Fort Ellice To Fort Qu’Appelle (August 10–20)
"People sometimes ask why I walk, having done the Camino in Spain twice and undertaken local walks and hikes regularly. I love walking because I can see the environment at a slower pace. I can watch, hear, taste, feel, and smell the wind. I can appreciate my surroundings more deeply. I rely on only my own power (mostly, some other transportation usually involved) and carry only what I need." – Aditi Garg, 2021 trail walker
In 2021, we walked from the site of Fort Ellice, MB, to Fort Qu’Appelle, from August 10 to 20. This was the fourth trail walk that the SHFS has organized.
Route Map
This map shows the walking route, which follows the approximate location of the trail between Fort Ellice and Fort Qu'Appelle. The trail ruts themselves are largely not visible since the majority of the land has been cultivated. Under no circumstances should private property be accessed without the permission of landowners.
Margaret Bear Chapel on Ochapowace. Photo by Aditi Garg.
Article from the Fort Qu'Appelle Times, August 20, 2021.
Rest stop for lunch, August 13th. Photo by Laurent Dudragne
Fort Ellice Trail sign and walkers.
Limericks
An ongoing walk tradition is writing limericks about the experience! Below are limericks from the 2021 walkers:
Amanda Currie
A walk on the prairie is nice,
though somewhat like rolling the dice.
You walk the terrain
through wind, sun, or rain,
but the view on the way will suffice.
Joyce Tremmel
I know an old lady who loves to hike
It gives her a chance to get off her bike
Many places to see she likes to roam
But always happy to get back home
No more washrooms she doesn’t like!
Lefa Sproxton
I met a man whose name was Hugh
“You can do it” he told the chosen few.
He watched us howl
and curse so foul,
he cheered as I finished right behind you.
Lea Pennock
If I were to write an epistle,
It would start with the train’s midnight whistle.
And a red coral snake,
And the moon on Round Lake,
And with Connie’s “go sit on a thistle”.
Mary Angus Yanke
The trek to Qu’Appelle from Fort Ellice,
Was walked by both ladies and fellas.
Over valley and plain,
Through sun, wind and rain,
With Hugh leading our group, we were zealous.
Sylvia Raginski
As I walk over pebbles and stones
I feel pain in my little toe bones
But as I continue to walk
We continue to talk
And I have fewer moans and groans
Tara Million & Larry Dudragne
The wheat was short and the land was dry
The road was long and we wanted to cry
But Hugh said c’mon mon
We gotta get gone
So on we went under the big, blue sky
Aditi Garg
We’ve had some lovely walks,
and now my shoes are full of rocks.
You’ve shared your joy and sacrifice,
so simply no words will suffice,
to say thank you for all the nice talks.
ReAnne Letourneau
(to the tune of Folsom Prison Blues)
I hear the footsteps coming,
Creation all a humming
Prairie walkers,
Friendship talkers,
Every heart a-drumming!
I set out on a journey,
Just so I could see.
That the path to right relations,
Begins with you and me.
Hugh Henry
(Use your best Irish brogue)
T’were a cordial troupe o’ pilgrimeers,
nay shy o’ blood, nor sweat – ne’er beers;
loved song, guitar and fiddle,
and-a-bush-or-two for a wee piddle.
So let’s fill our ears wi’ three rousing cheers –
Hip hip hurray . . . hip hip hurray . . . hip hip hurray!