Boundary Dam Reservoir
Exploring the beach at Boundary Dam Reservoir in the early weeks of March.
Boundary Dam Reservoir; It’s just a man-made body off water, right?
So, the day after we visited Roche Percee, we decided to see what all the talk about Boundary was about. It was about 10 minutes from Estevan, in a slightly different direction, so, we grabbed some drinks and my camera and set out.
We could see the power station from far away, but as we followed our GPS to a right turn, there was still no sign of a reservoir anywhere. Were we lost? We headed down the dusty gravel road, admiring the always amazing Saskatchewan sky. As the small ridge of trees gave way to an opening, we saw our first glimpse of the water. We kept on our way, the gravel popping and crunching under our winter tires, until the entrance to a campground stood in the distance. As this was early March, the gates were open and we drove on in. The playground had some kids out enjoying the sun and their parents offered a friendly wave, not unlike everyone else around these parts. We parked and headed down to the beach.
It’s early March and the air still holds a crisp winter kiss. Snow comes and goes in random storms and the birds are still reluctant to come home from their southern vacation. Yet, here we are standing on the shores of the never-frozen Boundary Reservoir. The water, while cold, is not unbearable. A duo of fishermen cast from their boat across the water and the wind seems neglect us as our skin feels the sun trying to show its heat.
As a photographer I’m always looking around trying to find the beauty. I didn’t have to look far at Boundary. Sure, the sky reflecting on the ripples of the calm water created a blue blanket and the sand was worked from a winter of highs and lows. The thing that really caught my attention were the banks. There were signs aplenty warning that they were prone to crumbling which explains their unique visual prowess. The way they drop from the top and awkwardly slope down to the beach is nothing short of mesmerizing. You’re transported, if only for a brief moment, from the plains of southern Saskatchewan to an exotic spot halfway around the world. As you gaze up and off into the distance at these banks, you can easily get lost in the type of daydreams a kid has as he stares up at the clouds.
If being in Saskatchewan has taught me anything, it’s that beauty comes in so many forms. Having grown up in the mountains I was worried I’d feel lost or empty in a part of Canada that you can see your neighbor from 100km away. It has been exactly the opposite. Boundary Dam Reservoir was only under my feet for an hour and it left a lasting impact and moment of reflection to this whole move to the Prairies. Saskatchewan makes you feel free in a way I never knew. It makes you feel at home, even when you’re among strangers. Saskatchewan has got this charm that doesn’t sneak up on you, it wraps you in it’s grandma hug and offers to make you some soup on a cold day. I think I’m falling in love.
-Canadian James
