There used to be a lovely place you could go to see the geese in their natural habitat located between North Battleford and Battleford. I have been going for many years and enjoy seeing the geese as well as other small birds and gophers.
About five years ago I had a frightening experience when I went with my mother and sister. We were parked by the side of the north road when a large gravel truck came flying by and stopped adjacent to us. The driver got out in a rage and approached us yelling that we shouldn't be on this road, that it was for the gravel trucks only.
That incident scared us pretty good. Fine, so I never went on that road again, but instead would go on the east road to the lookout. Recently, I happened to be driving by from Battleford and had my camera in the car. I noticed there were lots of geese on the water, so I decided to stop and get some pictures. I parked on the east road. I pulled right over by the lookout and got out.
I was just up at the top of the lookout when I noticed a big truck going along this road at high speed. Then another and another. There were also trucks going along the north road at high speeds, too. Soon I couldn't even see the goose project because of all the dust.
I figured I had better get out of there quickly, so tried to get turned around and out before getting run over. I noticed there is not much area to park there anymore or to turn around.
I am amazed the geese even land on the water there, or nest for that matter, with all the dust and noise from these trucks. This used to be their sanctuary and a wonderful place for people to go and watch the wildlife. I was lucky to at least get a couple of photos, as I certainly won't be going back again. I felt I was lucky to get out unscathed.
There should be signs warning the public not to enter this area as these trucks travelling at high speeds along gravel road could be lethal.
Janet Maunsell
North Battleford
