Sask. May long weekend campers battle bad weather to kick off summer season

Despite strong winds, campers are slowly pulling into Buffalo Pound Provincial Park to get ready for camping. Mick Favel has more.

Winds and cool temperatures did not stop determined campers from marking the unofficial start of summer across Saskatchewan, though the conditions did keep some would-be visitors at home.

At Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, a smaller than usual number of campers began arriving Friday, braving gusty conditions and intermittent rain that have made travel difficult and outdoor setup a challenge.

Some campers reported white-knuckle drives on highways leading into the park, with strong crosswinds pushing trailers offline and forcing drivers to slow well below highway speeds.

“I didn’t realize the wind was that bad,” said camper Marc L’hoir. “From Pense to Kalium I was doing about 90 kilometres an hour, then I slowed down to 80. When I got across, my trailer was actually going sideways down the highway.”

Despite the rough start, those who made the journey say they are committed to making the most of the long weekend, widely considered the kickoff to the summer.

“Maybe the weather might not have a whole bunch of people out here,” said camper Kelly Lang. “I am sure if you come out here later it will fill up pretty good. Everyone grins and bares it – put a jacket on and stay outside I guess.”

Marc and Marlene have been coming out the Buffalo Pound for nearly a decade. They told CTV News they have noticed a decline in the number of people coming out.

“There is a little less the last couple years we have noticed,” said Marlene. “This area is really busy. It is a really family oriented area because of the playground and store. We have noticed some decline in the grounds the last couple years.”

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Businesses at Buffalo Pound, like Lakeside Foods, were also affected by the weather during May long.

Tracy Balerud, the owner of Lakeside Foods says that she has never seen rainy weather all four days of the long weekend.

“We have had weekends where we have had lots of snow still that hasn’t melted but this is the first time we have wind and rain and crazy weather for all four days,” she said.

Park management says everything is up and running at Buffalo Pound but recommend camp goers check online or calling before heading out the door.

“It should be almost a common thing anyone does throughout the year just to make sure that you are getting the most current information. Whether it be weather issues or fire restriction issues,” said park manager Dave Bjarnason.

Summer nightly camping runs until Sept. 30.