On a bright, sunny morning in early spring, Mrs. wandered the trails west of Cavalier at Icelandic State Park along the Tongue River. On her back, Mrs. carried a small satchel where a brightly colored wooden canoe named Dakota was snugly packed. Soon Mrs. came to a bridge. This would be the perfect place to launch Dakota she thought to herself. As the wind blew through the Aspen trees and Red Tailed Hawks circled overhead, Mrs. launched Dakota into the Tongue River. He landed with a splash, startling the Chubb minnows that darted back and forth in search of their breakfast. Dakota moved swiftly with the current to the west on his way to Cavalier.
While Dakota floated along, he couldnՉt help but but notice the Pussy Willow trees all along the Tongue river. The tree buds looked so white and fluffy. The calls of the Western Meadowlark kept him company until he reached the city of Cavalier. Dakota knew he was making good time. Soon after passing Cavalier he could hear the sound of tractors in the fields doing the spring planting. The rustling sounds of the Quaking Aspen leaves relaxed him so much that he almost fell asleep and missed the mother Red Fox and her kits playing along the grassy river bank just after Bathgate.
A Bald Eagle circled overhead as Dakota neared the Pembina River. Dakota shivered as the Bald Eagle swooped down to grab a nice big Bullhead for lunch. He watched the eagle carry the Bullhead back to the family nest high in a Cottonwood tree. Dakota was relieved that the Eagle didnՉt even seem to notice him. He knew that as spring turned into summer, beavers would be busy along the river near Pembina.
Soon the current changed and the river widened. Could it be? Yes, finally Dakota had reached the Red River of the North. This river would take him all the way to HudsonՉs Bay! Dakota had heard stories about the Red River and how it was famous for Catfish. Now, Dakota would finally be able to see for himself if the stories were true.
Dakota continued to travel north with the current of the Red River. He crossed the border into Canada along with schools of Channel Catfish. Dakota kept hearing the sounds of Canadian Geese overhead, but they flew so high he couldnՉt spot them. All along the Red, Dakota admired the beautiful Poplar, Aspen, and Ironwood trees.
After days on the Red, the sounds and smells changed. It was different...it was...THE CITY! Winnipeg came into sight. He could smell the exhaust of vehicles and food from different restaurants. He heard voices and traffic. Winnipeg was such a busy city. Dakota thought it would be fun to stay and explore, but he had a goal to attain.
As night came, the sounds changed again. This time Dakota heard the calls of the Eastern Screech Owl from above and the Western Chorus frog from along the banks of the Nelson River. It was too dark to see, but Dakota could smell the blooms of Purple Loosestrife and Bittersweet Chokecherry Vine. Dakota just knew he was getting closer and closer to HudsonՉs Bay. He thought about the day he had spent on Lake Winnipeg and the close call he had when he floated close to the beach and a little boy had picked him up and examined him. Dakota had held his breath as he waited for the little boy to put him back into the water.
Now, the sun was coming up over the horizon. Dakota was focused. It had a been a long journey, but he knew by the cooler temperature and smell of salt water that he had made it to HudsonՉs Bay! He thought back to Mrs. and how she had dreamed of this day. WouldnՉt she be proud? (and Reader, she definitely was!)