20 APRIL 26, 2018 | WWW.PRODUCER.COM | THE WESTERN PRODUCER FARM LIVING Lake Diefenbaker offers a tremendous variety of

TALES FROM THE ROAD

ARLENE & ROBIN KARPAN

assive Lake Diefenbaker dominates summer rec- Mreation in southern Sas- katchewan. Its 800 kilometres of shoreline boasts three provincial parks, three regional parks, plus various recreation sites. Most visi- tors have favourite spots that they keep returning to, but we wanted to look at the big picture by circling the entire lake. What impressed us most about the trip was the tremendous variety of photogenic landscapes, including one-of-a-kind and little-known gems. If you like scenic drives, this is one not to miss. The lake was formed when the Gardiner Dam was built on the South River. Most of the land surrounding it on the north end is part of Danielson Pro- vincial Park. Fishing is the big draw here, along with water sports and hiking, including parts of the Trans-Canada Trail through wood- ed coulees and lakeshore. A bit south, a lesser-known attraction is Jack Hitchcock’s cabin, built in 1904 by the larger-than-life character who wore buckskins and carried a six-shooter. The simple log cabin remains exactly as the early pioneer left it, including home-made clothes, basic tools, and a hole in the door so his many cats could come and go as they pleased. To get there, head to Hitchcock’s Hideaway resort east of Birsay. is the jumping-off point for two of the lake’s north shore high- lights: Prairie Lake Regional Park and the remote Sandcastles forma- tion. If we had to a pick our favourite spot on the lake, the Sandcastles would win by a long shot. The minor road in (dry weather only) crosses fairly level land, then suddenly the landscape opens into a breathtaking view over the hills, valley and shoreline. Half- way down the banks, a steeply sloped hogsback ridge stands alone, its side bare of vegetation and deeply ridged by erosion into castle-like spires. Saskatchewan Landing Provin- cial Park, at the lake’s western end, is famous for its iconic landmark, the restored Goodwin House, a 1905 stone building that is now the park information centre. Hiking trails lead into the hills with out- standing views over the lake. The park even has an equestrian campground for those exploring the park by horseback. To travel the south shore, head south of Saskatchewan Landing on Highway 4 to Stewart Valley, then take the grid road heading east. Before long, you’re taken by sur- prise as the road drops into a beau- tiful broad valley carved by Creek. At remote Herbert Ferry Regional Park, they have decided to keep things simple, with no electricity rolling hills with dramatic vistas. Park is the exact opposite of Her- Provincial Park on the eastern arm Just to the north, Elbow Harbor and only basic facilities. It appeals Continuing east, the main road bert Ferry, bigger and busier, with of the lake. After a short hike, you Recreation Site is home to a golf to those wanting a quiet getaway, runs through the scenic Vermillion all the bells and whistles of a popu- enter another world of vast active club and marina for sail boats. You with lakeside camping at bargain Hills as it curves north to River- lar lakeside park and resort. dunes with rippled ridges, bowl- don’t have to be a golfer or sailor to prices. The drive in alone is worth hurst, site of the lake’s only ferry For another must-see highlight shaped blowouts and trees under- enjoy the postcard setting of the the trip, as the road winds through crossing. Nearby Palliser Regional head to the sand dunes of Douglas mined by blowing sand. protected cove filled with yachts. In FARM LIVING THE WESTERN PRODUCER | WWW.PRODUCER.COM | APRIL 26, 2018 21 scenery, activities It’s not easy to stop a pathological liar SPEAKING OF LIFE

JACKLIN ANDREWS, BA, MSW

I grew up in rural Canada Q:where integrity was the norm and dishonest people were uncom- mon. I have struggled to come to grips with the diminution of this es- sential quality in today’s world and GETTY ILLUSTRATION have recently encountered a disturb- ing example of this phenomena. I am going to treat each problem and empathy than you are if you A few years ago, we got new differently. Let’s start with your jump into some kind of a narcissis- neighbours. It soon became appar- neighbour. If, in fact, he is a bona tic bandwagon. ent that the fellow next door was lazy fide pathological liar, and I have no It is important that you do not get and irresponsible but my wife and I reason to believe that he isn’t, caught up in those coffee-row alter- tried nonetheless to get along with nothing that you are going to do is cations pitting gossip versus gossip. him and his family. You have to be a likely to change him. Pathological In fact, you would do well to do good neighbour — the mantra that lying is symptomatic of any num- nothing to counteract the misrepre- was so pervasive in my world and at ber of psychiatric disorders that sentations your neighbour is spread- face value appears to be a great guid- can include anti-social personali- ing about you. The more you try to ing principle. But it did not work. ty, borderline personality, counteract his proclamations, the I have come to realize that my behaviour problems in adoles- more likely it is that he will continue neighbour is a pathological liar. It cents or young adults and attention to fabricate innumerable talks flat- amazes me how this person can lie deficit disorders. tering neither you nor your family. repeatedly in the course of a few The common thread throughout If, however, what your neighbour minutes. Does he even know that all of the various diagnoses is that is saying or doing is in some way he is lying? they are not easily treated and are physically harmful for you and This has become a matter of some almost impossible to treat without your family, your best option is to considerable concern to me since I the co-operation of the person strug- turn to the judiciary system for sup- have discovered that he has repeat- gling with it. Unless your neighbour port. I know that the judicial system edly disseminated defamatory lies explicitly asks for help, he is not prob- in our small, rural communities is about me in the community. ably going to stop lying and embrace slow and awkward but if you spend I am worried that his lies may a world of truthfulness and honesty. that extra dollar and get the sup- damage my reputation, which Your other problem is your stand- port of a competent lawyer you are would have a direct effect on my ing within your community. more likely to get the protection for income, but I am not sure what to do I suspect that you are right. Our you and your family. about it. Do you have an opinion? rural communities do not always That is certainly far better than carry the banner of integrity with trying to take justice into your own What strikes me about your the dignity they once did. Nonethe- hands. A:concerns is that you have two less, integrity remains a vital force problems. One is the behaviour of and you are more likely to be suc- Jacklin Andrews is a family counsellor your new neighbour. Th e other is your cessful if you continue along the from Saskatchewan. Contact: jandrews@ standing within your community. path driven by honesty, sensitivity producer.com.

TOP LEFT: The setting sun FAST MOWING, FAST DRYDOWN illuminates the cliffs of Lake Diefenbaker.

TOP RIGHT: Jack Hitchcock’s 1904 cabin can be found near the shore of Lake Diefenbaker. Visit your local dealer or our website for details!

ABOVE: The UP TO $2,500 OFF SELECT NEW Sandcastles can be MOWERS & MOWER CONDITIONERS found on the north Offer Ends: June 29, 2018 shore of the lake.

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