#2: [08-Aug-04]

#3: [13-Oct-07]

28-Apr-2001 -- After reading about the project in USA Today we set out to locate a Confluence point within a reasonable distance of Calgary where we live. 51N/115W was between us and the Rocky Mountains and seemed to be reasonable goal.

My son Houston and I set out April 25 after school to make an attempt. The journey began well as we drove on main roads then gravel roads and finally found a old logging trail going in the general direction of the point. We made our way on foot through the forest and soon discovered that Spring had not yet melted the snow in the forest. We found ourselves trudging through 3 feet of wet snow. We gave up about 2 miles from the destination. On the way home we set the following Saturday, April 28, 2001 as out next attempt.

This time, armed with Molly Sykes' (our generous neighbor) snowshoes, a map, warmer boots and clothes we set out again. We found an old logging trail which was rough, muddy and had 3 feet of snow in places, but took us to within .5 mile of the degree confluence point. As we departed the trail we had a beautiful view of the Rockies. Unfortunately the forest closed in and the going was tough. We eventually ended up with our clothes soaked, climbing a steep hill to what we thought would be the spot. At the top the view was great but we had to climb down the other side over logs, deep in snow until our GPS started the countdown in feet. After traveling most of the day we were finally there.

Sadly we were now so concerned with getting back out before dark that we didn't have time to relax and enjoy the accomplishment. We did stop long enough to have a Sobe, take some pictures and mark the spot. The hike back was just as long but went much quicker since we could follow our own tracks rather than navigating.

Contributing to the project was fun, getting out in such dramatically beautiful scenery was inspiring but most of all I had a great day with my 11 year old son who slogged the entire trip in wet pants and boots and never let a complaint pass his lips. We held hands all the way back and felt compelled to let out a whoop of satisfaction and share a smile every few minutes.