Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Eyes of a wanderer capture the north

Mar 28, 2015 | 12:12 PM

Adventurers can travel the world, but they can also find the beauty in their own back yard.

That’s something shown by a social media maven who traveled to northern Saskatchewan recently.  

Ashlyn George grew up on a farm near Wadena and Foam Lake but in the past five years she’s explored the globe, keeping a travel blog and showcasing her photography along the way. 

At the end of January she got a much-coveted gig as the Saskatchewanderer – which consists of promoting and acting as an ambassador for the province. 

Since then she’s crossed dog sledding off her bucket list, cross country skied for the first time, snowmobiled, seen the oldest building in the province, and tried her hand at northern lights photography. 

These adventures took her to Hudson Bay, Stanley Mission, and La Ronge, among other areas.

“Winter happens to be my favourite season,” George shared, adding “I consider myself an outdoor adventure traveler. So anything that gets me outside gets me really excited.”

That was particularly lucky because the Saskatchewanderer program expanded to a full year starting last year. Before that, it was a summer only position.

In La Ronge George met with Sid Robinson. He lent his dogs to a couple from Belgium who are learning how to mush to take George out on a sled.

“I really love nature and I really love animals. And this seemed to be a perfect combination of both. Especially when you see how excited the dogs are to run,” she said.

 

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));

It was such a busy but wonderful weekend in La Ronge. On top of skiing and snowmobiling, I was able to go dog sledding…

Posted by The Saskatchewanderer on Tuesday, 10 March 2015

The experience was “incredible,” and paired with another first for George.

After trying her hand at cross country skiing for the first time, she joined the Don Allen Saskaloppet cross country skiing event.

After visiting skiiers who were taking an overnight trek between 50 and 80 kilometres, George joined the shorter race of eight kilometres. She ended up sticking it out for a full 13 kilometres.

 

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));

Skiing Saskatchewan’s North: The Don Allen Saskaloppet

On the website at: http://bit.ly/1b351S9This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting Saskatchewan’s Northern country in La Ronge for the 32nd Don Allen Saskaloppet. With over 300 skiers signed up in 8 different distances, the Saskaloppet truly offers something for everyone and every skill level.Check out my video of the event and my attempt to cross-country ski for the second time ever!

Posted by The Saskatchewanderer on Wednesday, 11 March 2015

“This just allowed me to see a little more of the trail, which is quite beautiful,” she said.

A snowmobiling trip took George to the “stunning Nistowiak Falls, and to Stanley Mission’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church – the oldest building in the province. 

 

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));

The stunning Nistowiak Falls (a Cree word referring to the convergence of waters)These are one of the highest and most…

Posted by The Saskatchewanderer on Sunday, 8 March 2015

She’s spent time up north before; about three years ago George took a 35-kilometre canoe trip in Pelican Narrows.

George still cherishes her time in the north, partially because of its natural beauty.

 “If I could move up there I probably would. I love the boreal forest,” she said. It’s just a really peaceful place to be in the province. And it’s so beautiful just to be surrounded by this amazing forest is really lovely.”

Another reason is the friendly people. When she stopped on a highway turnoff to take some night photos, people stopped to make sure she was OK.

George admits documenting her experiences in writing, photos, videos, and multiple social media platforms is a bit of a juggling act.

However, her travel blog, English and education degrees, and longtime interest in social media and technology have come in handy with her position as Saskatchewanderer.

 “The majority of my knowledge has come from marketing that travel blog and writing for it. And realizing what people like to see,” George said.

claskowski@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk