It was one of those rare moments when you can finally exhale after a potentially dangerous situations that was 100% without question, your own damn fault.
In the end, you pat yourself on the back, not just because you made it to safety, but you stumbled away with a somewhat embarrassing but a good story.
I spotted Fort Walsh on a map of Saskatchewan. I had read there were two ways to reach the site – from Maple Creek and another route through the community of Elkwood. I vaguely remember something about the preferred out when I drove from Medicine Hat in the morning.
It was only when I passed the “impassable when wet” sign did I realize my mistake.
But I wasn’t too concerned because the skies were blue and there was no sign of rain. I didn’t expect my drive to Fort Walsh to turn into a full-blown misadventure, but here we are.
A few minutes later ….
The road seemed fine until it wasn’t anymore. After a few kilometres of driving, I reached pockets of slick, muddy road. My wheels spun and spun, not liking the mucky muck so I slowed down to about 10 km/hour.
I gripped the steering wheel tightly like it was a lifeline avoiding several near misses of sliding down into the valley. I kept thinking no one knows I am here except for the cows who kept shooting me curious stares. Thankfully there was some cell reception so I could have called for help.
After much sheer terror and a few hail Marys, I reached the campground (Ranger station) where I was greeted by two rangers who congratulated me with a chuckle for successfully navigating the dry road that “nobody goes down.”
They assured me that I drove the worst of it, and I would soon hit pavement. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I simply drove on, Qashqai dust and mud covered, grateful, and toward Fort Walsh.
Have you ever found yourself on a road you probably shouldn’t have taken… and been glad you did? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.