When Forest Meets Farmland
54.5 km ran today; 909.5 km total
Day 19: Friday, June 12, 2026
Distance: 54.5 km
Route: Waskesiu to Sturgeon Lake Regional Park
Weather: High 24°C, Low 12°C
Road Conditions: Pavement, trail, and gravel roads
Wildlife: Elk and bears
Physical State: Strong
Mood: Grateful and reflective
Memorable Moment: Realizing I had left northern Saskatchewan behind.
Before getting into today's run, I wanted to share a photo that should have made yesterday's update.
This photo is actually from yesterday. Darryn and I chose the scenic route into Prince Albert National Park-over logs, under branches, and through enough brush that you couldn’t even tell it used to be a trail. I was over it with running on pavement and huffing it through the forest felt like the better and more fun option.
We had been warned the trail was badly overgrown and probably not worth attempting.
Naturally, we decided to see for ourselves.
It wasn't the easiest route, but it certainly ended up being one of the most memorable.
Friday morning started with a birthday surprise. Darryn presented me with birthday sunglasses and a birthday hat before we headed out for another day on the road.
Darryn has spent nearly many days crew-chiefing this adventure. Apparently birthday fashion consultant was also part of the job description. He mentioned that I have to pass this hat and sunglasses on to the runner in Joggers and Lagers who has a birthday closest to mine.
Before I even started walking, I received a gift sent to me from my dear friend, Heather! This card made me smile!
The morning started just outside of Waskesiu, a place that has been part of my life for years.
We spotted a bunch of elk as we drove through Waskesieu to get to where we left the gnome and froggie yesterday. We were warned the elk have been quite aggresive this year. These guys sure look like ‘chillers’ but we weren’t about to get too close to find out.
When Chad and I lived in Prince Albert for six years, Prince Albert National Park became one of our favourite places. Whenever I had a free weekend, there was a good chance I was heading to Waskesiu to run, paddle, camp, hike, or simply spend time outdoors.
It's also where I made some really good friends - friends who were always looking for the next adventure.
One of those friends is Carmen. I met Carmet through the Prince Albert Triatholon club. (I think of them much more like an all around adventure club with a bunch of awesome people who are always down for an adventure).
Carmen ditched her bike in the bush, drove to meet me, ran to her bike, and then cycled back to her vehicle after joining me for 20 km on the pavement.
As if that wasn't enough company for the day, Theresa and Becky left Saskatoon before 4:30 a.m. just so they could spend part of my birthday running with me.
Theresa and Becky left Saskatoon at 4:30am just to pace me on my birthday. I love my friends!
The kilometres on the pavement felt a little less painful with friends and the beatiful trees of Prince Albert National Park right there with me.
The morning miles carried us through Prince Albert National Park.
We stopped for lunch at the Spruce River Highlands Trailhead.
One last picnic stop in the park before continuing south.
As soon as we left the Park, the scenery rapidly changed.
For nearly three weeks our route has been dominated by forests, lakes, rocky terrain, and the landscapes of northern Saskatchewan. Then, almost all at once, the transition began.
The first real signs that the northern chapter is ending. Forest still dominates the horizon, but farmland is quick to take its place.
I didn't realize how emotional I would feel leaving Prince Albert National Park behind. Running out of the park and into the farmland felt a little like closing a chapter before I was quite ready. It actually caught me off guard and I had another cry.
The landscape changed so fast. One minute I was in the forest - the next I was in farmland. Good thing Darryn was ready to snap a photo of me of having a good old cry.
The surprises kept coming throughout the day.
Back in Saskatoon, members of the Joggers & Lagers Running Club sent me a birthday video.
The Joggers & Lagers crew sent birthday wishes from home. Seeing familiar faces singing me happy birthday from home meant a lot. Thanks friends!
By the end of the day, when it was time to hide froggie and gnome, the scenery had fully changed.
Placing gnome and froggie to mark the end of today’s footsteps and the start of tomorrow’s
Wildlife sightings have become part of the daily routine. Today's highlight included a couple more bears and this enormous osprey nest overlooking the changing landscape.
The day ended at Sturgeon Lake Regional Park.
Andrew, Rachel, Zephorah, William, Benny, and Zavier Machnee continued adventuring with me today. They blasted ahead and spoke to the owners of the Sturgeon Lake Campground.
The owners generously donated a large campsite after hearing about the fundraiser, and before long the site started filling up with friends.
Home for the night. Birthday balloons included. Thank you so much for providing such a beaufiful space for us to stay, Sturgeon Lake Campground!
And then came the food.
Sveida arrived with my favourite meal from Odd Couple in Saskatoon: Ginger Shiitake Mushroom with jasmine rice, along with one of their incredible salads.
As if that wasn't enough, she also brought desserts from The Shoppe.
Sveida brought up some of my favourite desserts from The Shoppe in Saskatoon.
My brother Matthew arranged cupcakes in Prince Albert, and Sandy picked them up on her way to camp.
So many birthday treats and surprises!
Sandy arrived just in time for dessert. We actually started the meal with ice cream cake that Cam and Barb had brought up.
The evening turned into a birthday celebration surrounded by friends.
One of those evenings that reminds you how fortunate you are to have good people in your life.
There was one more major transition happening behind the scenes.
For nearly three weeks, Darryn has been crew chief, problem solver, logistics manager, mechanic, navigator, and all-around miracle worker.
Tonight he officially began handing responsibilities over to my parents. He still continues to work miracles from afar. Thanks again, Darryn!
One chapter closes and another begins.
As I sat around the campground tonight, surrounded by friends, family, cyclists, runners, birthday treats, and stories from the road, I found myself thinking about how many people have helped make this run possible.
Tomorrow, even more of my Prince Albert adventure friends will join the route.
The northern chapter of this run may be ending, but the journey is far from over.
Tomorrow, we keep heading south.
Today's post reflects the events of June 12, 2026.
