What – A 2 night 3 day canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan River for beginner or intermediate paddlers with an interest in writing or creating.
When – July 8 to 10, 2011.
Who – There is room for 7 paddlers and myself. Experience canoeing is beneficial but not mandatory. This portion of the river is rated from beginner to intermediate paddlers. I have guided canoe trips all over Canada for 10 years. I have paddled extensively in Ontario, Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan. I have logged over 200 trips. To sum up: I got your back.
Where – Setting off from near the Genesee Lake area and continuing through into the city of Edmonton.
How much – $225 per paddler with a non-refundable $50 down-payment . Price includes canoes, paddles, life-jackets (PFDs) and meals/snacks. If any other gear is needed, let me know and I can figure something out. Transportation to Genesee is up to you, but if you need a hand let me know.
Trip Overview – Writing focuses will be: Contrast in urban/wilderness settings; Natural description; Wilderness as a writing tool; Modern stories in the outdoors.
There will be one three hour ‘solo’. What does that mean? Well, that means that on the middle day, the group will be set apart from each other (with me patrolling for safety) in a ‘quiet time’ scenario. These three hours will instill a sense of quiet and solitude that is rarely found in any suburban/urban areas. Take a snack. Sleep. Write. Contemplate…whatever interests you. Use it the way you want.
The trip will end with us paddling into the heart of the city to an area most fitting for the group to be picked up. (There are several places. This will be decided by the group).
Trip gear list inquiries, possible menu and any other questions can be directed to trentwilkie@gmail.com or 780-935-6562.
The Trent Wilkie 
The only reason I hate this idea is because it is during my festival—so I cannot go. Boo! Perhaps I should find a way to make a clone of myself…