8 minute read
Crossing Canada with Tundra Two good friends
By Scott Broecker
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On a cold snowy morning in late April of this year, with temperatures hovering in the teens and sheets of ice still clinging to the shores, two friends and their canine companion began a real-life incredible journey. The book and films by that name (The Incredible Journey), tell the story of two dogs and a cat making their way across 250 miles of Canadian wilderness to find their way home. In this real-life adventure, the trio consists of two good friends and a five-year-old Shepherd/Labrador mix by the name of Tundra.
This journey, which began on the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta, Canada, will take these three intrepid explorers on a four to five-month, summer-long adventure across Canada—or being that they are traveling by water, “alongside Canada,” which also happens to be their Instagram handle. The full trip will be over 3,000 miles in length, with their destination being Saint John, New Brunswick and the Atlantic Ocean.
Tundra can't help paddle but she is still an important part of our crew. “She definitely helps lift our spirits with her high energy when we do arrive somewhere new and want to explore.” And in the morning, “She gets us motivated to get out of our tents and get on with the day.”
Spurred on by a combination of pandemic boredom and a craving for adventure, Brett Casey phoned his friend Elias Niederkorn in late December and said: “Hey, do you want to canoe to New Brunswick?” . . . Elias was quick to reply: “Sure! Let’s do it.” Since Tundra went everywhere with Elias, it was never in doubt that she would be included in the trip’s plan.
Elias and Brett have extensive paddling and wilderness experience, both having working backgrounds as wildland firefighters and paddle guides. Elias adopted Tundra at the Peace River SPCA three years ago. “I took her for one walk and could see that we needed each other.”
Since then, they have gone on many adventures together including driving across country as well as many extensive hikes and canoe trips, all helping her grow into the companion and adventure dog that she is today.
At the time of our correspondence in mid-June, 2021, the trio are almost a third of the way into their journey, paddling along the Saskatchewan River in their 17-foot Nova Craft canoe, just past the town of Nipawin in central Canada. Tundra’s spot is located just in front of the stern man. The spray skirt there can open and close allowing her to pop up and look around and drink, or lie down and get out of the sun.
I asked Elias what Tundra does during those long stretches of paddling. “She is our guard at night and is often up listening to what comes around, so for the first section of the day she is often passed out snoring,” Elias says, adding, “We do let her out to run on the shore when the terrain seems fit but we also get out for lunch to let us all stretch our legs and to find some shade.”
Along the river, the team has spotted abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, coyotes, ground squirrels, and bears (just to name a few), all with young ones. From the boat, Tundra has been able to see and smell them without disturbing them or causing any conflicts.
The trip hasn't been without its dangers. Despite her being a great swimmer, Elias has Tundra wear a personal
floatation device when necessary. He says she gets annoyed when splashed by the occasional rapid, but quickly shakes it off. Taking advantage of a shore stop, Tundra took off on a run through a wooded area and caught her ear on an old farmer’s fence. Elias got her cuts cleaned up to stop the bleeding and said that Tundra wasn't too bothered by the incident.
At night Tundra sleeps in the tent curled up in a warm coat atop an old Therm-A-Rest® foam cot. Although she is independent at times, Elias says that she still enjoys a good cuddle and massages. However, she always remains alert and will stir whenever something wanders into camp. When she does, Elias will pop right up to go out and investigate with her. He says that Tundra has been their protector and will only chase an animal off a few hundred meters before circling around and coming back.
Elias recalls one particular evening when the coyotes were hot on her tail, but she luckily circled back to Brett before they had a chance to harm her. He adds that for a couple of hours the coyotes continued to whine and bark, trying to lure Tundra back into the woods. On two other occasions he says that she came
too close to a skunk, but on another when confronted with a porcupine, had the good sense to keep her distance.
The friends are looking forward to seeing more wildlife and just being present, surrounded by nature. “Every place has its own beauty across this country,” Niederkorn says. “To be able to take it slow and on the river is a great way to experience it.”
Depending on the weather, terrain, and the everchanging winds, the friends hope to average around 30 miles a day. “The winds are a challenge every day but our biggest would be ensuring we are all communicating our needs to ensure a happy and safe journey.” Some of their anticipated milestones will be finishing the North Saskatchewan River, crossing the provincial borders, entering the lakes, crossing dams, and others they haven't even discovered yet. Elias emphasizes that they will have more than a few portages along the way.
Tundra can't help paddle but she is still an important part of our crew. “She definitely helps lift our spirits with her high energy when we do arrive somewhere new and want to explore.” And in the morning, “She gets us motivated to get out of our tents and get on with the day.”
“This is just another adventure for her,” he says, explaining that she’s come along on past boating trips.
Elias says that Tundra is a great listener and often has a lot to say herself, and sometimes has a bit of attitude when he wants her to do certain commands. He keeps her brushed since she is a constant shedder and trims her nails when needed. He says that despite her wearing a tick bandana, they are still found on her and the guys or just crawling inside the tent.
The team has experienced every kind of weather along the way. Elias says that now that spring has sprung, it is a bit warmer and the valleys have exploded into a lush green. In the mornings and evenings, they have been dazzled by amazing sunrises and sunsets with all shades and colors, as well as seeing sights like large flocks of Sandhill Cranes migrating their way back north.
The guys spent a month dehydrating food for themselves, and Tundra is fed Acana dog food that gets restocked along the way, as well as table scraps and treats. In camp, Tundra’s newest hobby is snapping at the horseflies buzzing around and making sure the squirrels around are on guard.
A few weeks after adopting Tundra, Elias noticed that she began to whine in the evenings, and he could see
that she had a difficult time getting back up after they had gone on a few long hikes. After taking her to the vet for x-rays he was informed of her hip dysplasia on both back legs. Since then, he has mitigated the amount of strain she has on runs, kept her weight down, and has given her various forms of preventative medications to try and prevent the condition from worsening.
In the future, she may need an expensive surgery. Elias hopes the preventive measures will keep it in check, but if it worsens in the coming years then he will have it done. Canadians have a great health care system but this one would be out of pocket for Elias.
The trip will also be dual purpose since on their arrival in St. John, Brett will be going back to school at Saint Thomas University (STU) in Fredericton, N.B., to complete his teaching degree to become an elementary school teacher. The two friends met ten years ago while both attending the University of New Brunswick. As for Elias and Tundra, they have no set plans on what their next adventure will be, but Elias is leaning towards going back to the West Coast or up to the Yukon.
Wishing you all safe travels and bright futures!
Check out Eli and Brett’s Go Fund Me Page by searching for “Help Eli and Brett canoe from AB to NB”
Keep up with their adventures on Instagram @ alongsidecanada.
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