The Big Muddy, Castle Butte Saskatchewan

Phew what a day. I am dusty, dirty and road weary after an epic day of climbing a butte and driving 900 km. But it was a very good day. Started the day early and headed for the Big Muddy Valley in southern Saskatchewan.

Also known as the Saskatchewan badlands. I was heading back to conquer and old nemesis Castle Butte. As some of you may recall the Butte got the last laugh on Chloe and I by eating our truck keys.  I never, got to finish my climb. Well today was the day. I got to the Butte by memory as all the signs had disappeared. But I did it on the first try lol. Not bad given my memory. After driving down 6 kms on a dirty dusty side road avoiding the Texas gates and the loose cattle I arrived at the Butte.

Odd there was a no trespassing sign and a private property sign. Hmmm I don't recall seeing those last time. Oh well in for a penny in for a pound a trespassing I will go.... The Butte is 70 metres high and mostly limestone and clay. The trail to the top was badly eroded but I climbed, slowly but surely. 

Made it past the hole that ate our truck keys and up to the first level.

 Thats my truck way down there!


This is the view of the Big Muddy Valley and the road in to the Butte.

Then it was upwards and onwards towards the top. I made it to with 6 ft of the top but the final portion was too badly worn out and steep. I had to turn around. It was then that I realized that it was easier going up than it was going to be going down. I slowly made my way down-the crumbling surface moving under my feet. I did not do the arse slide of shame down but thought about it a few times. There was no one around to witness it.... Lol but I kept my pride and climbed down. It is a beautiful spot and I encourage everyone to come see it. But don't trespass because that's....illegal.

The rest of Saskatchewan was so colourful with the fields of canola, skip jacks everywhere and fields of purple?