Touring Cyclists....

Tuesday, June 29

Rossport Campground to Neys Provincial Park

On the road by 8:10 with raingear at the ready and a couple of layers of clothing on as the temperature started off at a cool 4 degrees. We packed our tent up wet this morning as the 'clear overnight' forecast was wrong again! The ride was quite a nice one today, at least as far as the scenery goes. This ride along Hwy 17 rivals BC in its picturesque beauty. Panoramic views of Lake Superior and its numerous islands are simply incredible. And now for the climbing...oh yeh, there were a few hills to climb today! The ride was quite challenging. Again we found out why other 'tour cyclists' tell you that Northern Ontario's hills are as difficult as the mountains in BC. I think it must be because they just keep 'coming at you'. Today's ride seemed like it was 50% climbing!

Today we saw more 'touring cyclists' than all the rest of the trip put together. In Schreiber this morning we talked to two young women recently graduated from the University of PEI. They were riding home to Victoria from Charlottetown. Yes they were going the 'wrong way'. While having lunch in Terrace Bay, we had a long chat with a cyclist on his way from his home in New York State to Alaska by way of a Canadian crossing. Yes he is also 'going the wrong way'. Last summer he did a 'cross the US tour'. And by the way, we talked to him for a way too long and lunch turned into a 2 hour adventure which we paid for as the day dragged into a long one. While riding we were overtaken by three cyclists (now this is embarrassing) who slowed to chat with us. The embarrassing part is that they were 70, 70, and 71 years old and the 71 year old had just recently been diagnosed with ALS. They were riding as a fund raiser so had a motor home for support. The last we saw of them they were pulling away from us in one of the many major climbs of the day. These guys were from Oakville and Vaughan and were going 'the right way' across Canada.

Daily Distance = 90.21 km of tough climbing. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 15 minutes. Average Speed = 14.45 km. Maximum Speed = 60. 48 km. Wildlife Sightings = Loon, Red Breasted Merganzers, Red Squirrel, Pet chipmunk at the campsite.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0

P.S. We only had a brief shower during our ride today!!!

Hills...Ontario Style....

Monday, June 28

Nipigon to Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Rossport Campground

On the road by 7:15 with and overcast sky and rain gear at the ready. Ontario showed us 'her hills' today. A steep climb out of Nipigon and then 2 more major climbs of 4 km and 2 km respectively, made today's ride challenging at times. These grades are as steep as anything that BC's mountains can throw at you just shorter. Breathtaking views of Lake Superior made this ride well worth the effort. The highway was decent with reasonable shoulders and the traffic after Hwy 17 split from Hwy 11 was much lighter, particularly the truck traffic. It was a great day for a ride as the temperature never made it above 13 or 14 and the sun shone off and on with the exception of the brief rainfall later in the day. Yes it is hard to imagine but we had some rain again today!

We are camping in Rainbow Falls Provincial Park (Rossport Campground) on the shores of Lake Superior. Our site is about 50 feet from the water and protected from the strong winds. Really 'not' very hard to take.

Today on our ride we went around the northern most point of Lake Superior, Kama Bay. As well, while having lunch/breakfast at the Gravel River Motel (in the middle of nowhere), we talked to fellow 'Cross Canada Cyclists' who were crossing 'east to west' from St Johns Newfoundland to Vancouver. One of them has been cycling for 8 months and had a Chile licence plate hanging from his bike so we assume he had been touring in South America before embarking on his cross Canada trip May 10.

Daily Distance = 80.53 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 31 minutes. Average Speed = 14.96 km. Maximum Speed = 64. 94 km. Wildlife Sightings = Chipmunks, Red Breasted Merganser, Common Merganser.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

P.S. Days like today with the 'beautiful' ride, 'friendly' people, and an 'amazing' campsite are what this trip is all about!!!

Thank Goodness For Small Miracles....

Sunday, June 27

Dorion to Nipigon

Three things took place today to justify the title. Firstly, we were able to have our breakfast, pack our tent, and pack our gear before the skies opened up and turned today into a very wet adventure. Secondly, today was a scheduled short day. Thirdly, the town of Nipigon has an 'over abundance' of Motel rooms so we are drying out...again!!!

To describe today's ride as 'soggy' would be an understatement. About 10 minutes into our ride the predicted rain caught up to us and was relentless. And to make it more unpleasant, it hit a high of only 10 degrees today! For the most part the shoulder was rideable and then one of the things we are beginning to fear took place. Eleven km of road construction. Today's construction threw a new twist at us. The highway had been 'ground down' removing the top layer of asphalt, and leaving a 'grooved surface', at least that is what the sign called it, that vibrated every bone in our bodies. I have some other 'names' that I would call this road, but I will refrain from using them! Add the heavy rain to this and lots of trucks spraying us and we are 'drowned rats'.

We are staying at the Northland Motel on the Hwy 11/17 strip. A 'walk in the rain' showed us that Nipigon is a town that has had its 'better days'. It was originally a Hudson Bay Trading Post based on the Nipigon River and then thrived through the Steamboat era. When the railway came to town the community turned from the river to the rail line. Today, Nipigon is based on the highway above the town. Main street is almost empty and the 'glory days' of the railway are gone. There is still a rail line but it is just for freight and does not stop. We suspect that the economy is based on tourism as 'brook trout fishing' is advertised everywhere.

Daily Distance = 38.93 km. Time on the bikes = 2 hours 53 minutes. Average Speed = 13.19 km. Maximum Speed = 33.92 km. Wildlife Sightings = Finally a 'Moose' in Northern Ontario.

Kevin=3 Sue = 0.

P.S. A correction to another day's ramblings...Highway 11 will not be our 'constant companion' as I originally stated. After Nipigon Hwy 11 goes north. We will be continuing on Hwy 17.

A Moving Tribute To A Canadian Hero....

Saturday, June 26

Thunder Bay to Dorion

After taking advantage of our hotel's Continental Breakfast, we were on the road by 8:00. 10 km to get back to the Trans Canada and a short ride to the Terry Fox Memorial. Everyone should try to see and experience the tribute to Terry Fox outside of Thunder Bay. A statue has been erected on top of a hill overlooking Lake Superior. The view from the hill is spectacular. The statue itself, 'a likeness' of Terry Fox, is itself impressive. But when you consider what he did, half running, half hopping 26 miles a day for 141 straight days getting half way across Canada to raise money and awareness for the need to help find a cure for cancer, it is quite moving. His legacy, of course, lives on. There is an 'air' about the place that is impossible to describe. For Sue and I it had special meaning as both of our 'fathers' were taken by cancer.

While at the memorial we met 5 Americans on motorcycles who are doing the circle tour around the Great Lakes. They were fascinated by what we were up to. They go on a motorcycle ride every year. A dentist, a lawyer, a psychologist, a carpenter, and a minister all from Minnesota. We also came upon 2 separate touring cyclists today who were heading 'west', one lady and one man. We knew that we should start seeing the ones going 'the wrong way across Canada' somewhere in Northern Ontario!

The ride had its good moments today but was overshadowed once again by an 8.5 km stretch of the Trans Canada that was even in worse condition than the section West of Thunder Bay. This highway needed to be rebuilt 20 years ago. We had nowhere to ride except on the highway because the shoulder had loose gravel. The traffic was also heavy and for the most part were good about trying to accommodate us. However, we were forced to take evasive action when 3 cattle trucks who were not meeting anything, chose I guess to try to scare us. Way too close for comfort and I was really hoping that they would have been stopped at the truckstop up the highway so I could have had a 'chat' with the 'MORONS'!!! It was totally uncalled for what they did. They probably thought it was funny but it 'un-nerved' us to say the least.

We are camping in The Wolf River Campground somewhere around Dorion. I am not sure that Dorion actually exists other than as a sign.

Daily Distance = 81.25 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 4 minutes. Average Speed = 15.96 km. Maximum Speed = 46.24 km. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Blue Winged Teal, Sapsucker.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

A Day To Rest....

Friday June 25

We took today to rest. It was kind of nice to again take the time to enjoy our leisurely coffee with no deadline to meet. We took the time to do laundry, visit 'The Rollin' Thunder Bicycle Shop' for a great chat with the employees about cycling Canada and of course to buy another tube for our bikes and had a long leisurely lunch in a nice Italian Restaurant in the 'Old Prince Arthur Downtown'. We did this 'on foot' truly taking the day off of the bikes. We spent a good part of the afternoon in a 'planning session' getting ready for our 15 year old nephew, Eric, and Sue's brother Neil to join us. Eric is going to ride for his summer holidays with us and Neil will ride for 4 or 5 days with us. The planning is complicated by the fact that they will be arriving over the July 1st weekend and we are planning on camping in Provincial Parks so reservations have just been made. Now Sue and I have to get ourselves to the rendezvous on the proper day. No small task I am sure!!!

Daily Distance = 0 km.

And the Sun Shone....

Thursday, June 24

Shabaqua to Thunder Bay

A late start this morning as the time change got us. So we were not on the road until 9:00 and at 9:05 we stopped for a second coffee and a muffin. Now that is progress! The good news today was that the sun shone all day even though we had our raingear out. (It was really soggy and needed to dry out)!

We had a leisurely ride to Kakabeka Falls where we spent some time photographing one of the most impressive falls we have ever visited. And let me tell you being married to Sue we have visited a few!!!

After leaving the Falls the ride was dominated for 15 km by a bad highway. This section of Hwy 11 + 17 (The Trans Canada) was by far the worst section of highway that we have been on. It made some of Manitoba's messes look good. Upon entering Thunder Bay we became re-acquainted with 'city drivers' and their inability to share the road. I would just like to switch places with some of them and see how they would enjoy being squeezed to the curb! Especially the gravel truck driver who tried to graze us in the edge of the city!

We are staying in the Travelodge in Thunder Bay. We are taking tomorrow as a rest day because we found our legs a little bit 'unresponsive' today when hill climbing. Gee I wonder if that had anything to do with the distance yesterday! Besides we have a lot of chores to take care of tomorrow.

Our motel backs onto a beautiful old baseball park and low and behold there happened to be a ball game going on so we went and enjoyed a Northern League (minor pro) game between the hometown Thunder Bay Border Cats and the St. Cloud Riverbats. St. Cloud is in Minnesota. These are former college players, mostly from the US, whose careers are going 'nowhere in a hurry' but they are still 'chasing their dream'!!!

Daily Distance = 74.77 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 18 minutes. Average Speed = 17.33 km. Maximum Speed = 50.97 km. Wildlife Sightings = Chipmunk, Red squirrel.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Us and The Road....

Wednesday, June 23

Atikokan to Shabaqua

On the road by 7:00 as planned. Once again we had our raingear ready due to the overcast conditions but we rode the first 50 km rain free. (More later). Atikokan is now an 'outfitters town' being the jumping off place for wilderness canoe trips in Quetico Provincial Park. I guess that is why Atikokan calls itself the 'Canoe Capital of Canada'. After Quetico Park the weather deteriorated to say the least! Heavy rains accompanied us for the next 2 hours. With absolutely no towns, or for that matter any habitation, it was just 'us and the road'.

As we passed the 100 km mark for the day we began to realize that this is a depressed area. Abandoned businesses and falling down houses became the norm. Business signs still exist to tell you what services are available but when you would get to them they were boarded up and usually for sale. It probably has a lot to do with the lack of traffic that goes through this section of Hwy 11.

Now for the rest of our ride... We were forced to push our limits today. We had more climbing today than any other day since leaving Kenora but all rideable. The lack of services forced us into a very long ride, over 140 km. That by the way is a new best for us!

We are tenting tonight in the yard of a place that rents cabins in Shabaqua. When we went to the office a note told us to call a # and the owner told us to go ahead and set up that they would not be back until tomorrow at noon. Trusting individuals! Since setting up we have experienced a heavy rainfall and a thunderstorm. Imagine that, another day of rain!!!

Daily Distance = 143.83 km. Time on the bikes = 8 hours 27 minutes. Average Speed = 16.98 km. Maximum Speed = 49.61 km. Wildlife Sightings = Loon, Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, Fox, Red Squirrel, Black Bear.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

P.S. Today we entered the Eastern Time Zone and also passed the point where all streams flow towards the Atlantic Ocean. Bet that does not mean it is all down hill from here!!!

Highway #11....

Tuesday, June 22

Mine Centre to Atikokan

After fixing a flat tire on Sue's bike this morning we were on the road by 8:15. Funny how a tire can go flat sitting against a tree. I guess we did not go entirely unscathed by our 'road construction' after all! A heavy cloud cover stayed with us for the entire ride today but thankfully only produced an early mist. The road was again narrow and winding but with even less traffic than yesterday. There were definitely more hills to climb today (3 Bayview Hills) but nothing that 'Granny' could not handle. For the entire day we never saw a town! Sightseeing consisted of the road, rock outcroppings, construction flag people, (We had a scare as we came upon a sign that said 22.7 km of road improvements...but the equipment was just being moved into the area to begin the project...good thing!) and lots of beaver ponds.

Highway 11 is the longest highway in Ontario running from Rainy River in the northwest to downtown Toronto (Younge Street). It will be our 'constant' until we turn towards Manitoulin Island at Espanola.

We are staying in the Quetico Inn in Atikokan. Our decision was based on 2 factors. Firstly, the threatening sky, which by the way opened up and dumped an unbelievable amount of rain while we were inside and dry. Secondly, we have a long ride tomorrow again through a 'serviceless area', so we hope to get an early start.

Atikokan...an old mining town. Iron Ore was discovered here in the 1930's. Two mines were developed and by 1970 more iron ore was mined than would have been used in every car built in Canada up until 1970. However, with a technological change in iron ore mining, the mines became uneconomical and both mines closed in 1980!

Daily Distance = 86.52 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 22 minutes. Average Speed = 16.08 km. Maximum Speed = 47.90 km. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Cedar Waxwings, Phoebe, Great Blue Heron, Chipping Sparrow, Grouse.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Trees, Rocks, Water and Road Construction....

Monday, June 21

Fort Frances to Mine Centre

Left Fort Frances this morning by 8:00 with rain gear on. The day started warm and overcast but the predicted rainfall overnight never materialized. Thank goodness for small miracles. The road took us over a series of bridges and causeways out of town. The first 45 km was a good ride. Up and down and around we went with just us and the 'pulp trucks'. We counted 25 for the morning transporting logs to the Abitibi Bowater plant in Fort Frances. A nasty surprise awaited us after 45 km. Construction!!! The next 21.5 km was on loose, rough, washboardy gravel. Now for those who do not understand how bad this is for 'touring cyclists' let me explain. Our bicycles carrying 60 to 70 pounds of gear are not built to withstand the bumps so every bump shakes you to the core. Our small tires do not work well in loose gravel. To make matters worse we are also 'clipped' to our pedals, another thing not good in loose gravel. So to put it mildly we struggled for the 21.5 km. But we made it without mishap!

We are staying in the Mine Centre Resort. Now before anyone jumps to any conclusions let me explain that this is 'not' a 'luxury' place. We are in a small cabin hidden in the trees hanging over the water. It is warm and more importantly it is dry. Good thing because about a 1/2 km from Mine Centre we got wet again and presently we are having a thunder storm.

Mine Centre...not much here. The guy that owns this cabin and so called resort also owns the local gas station, the general store, liquor outlet, sells hunting and fishing licenses, rents out a building to house the construction company headquarters (company doing the roadwork) and another building to the engineering company who oversees the construction company. Why Mine Centre exists is a mystery to us. But, but, but... We are dry and enjoying our little cabin.

Daily Distance = 67.22 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 41 minutes. Average Speed = 14.28 km. Maximum Speed = 43.29 km. Wildlife Sightings = Great Blue Heron, White Pelican, Loon, Goldfinch, White Throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Rabbit, Black Bear cub.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

And then there was Agriculture....

Sunday, June 20

Caliper Lake Provincial Park to Fort Frances

On the road by 8:00 to a cloud covered sky but without our rain gear for a change. It was a beautiful day for a ride. The cloud cover kept the sun from overheating us and the wind was a non-factor. Some early climbing tested the legs but soon the long and winding road became very straight and what should appear but farmland. We had entered the Rainy River District, a pocket of agricultural land located in the western portion of Ontario. We saw mostly pasture land and hay (cattle were conspicuous by their absence....is that a sign of the times in the beef industry?), but we know more is grown as witnessed by the crop research area we passed just outside of Emo. Speaking of Emo, we would like to thank Dan and Ruth for their valuable information about the Emo area. What's with celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary rather than being at your cottage to greet us? Congratulations, it is a milestone too few couples get to enjoy!

We are camping in the Pither's Point Park in Fort Frances. It is a nice beach front park but calling their camping facilities anything but lousy would be exaggerating. An open field with really poor washrooms bordered by train tracks with trains running very regularly is not my idea of ideal camping! And then 2 OPP officers stopped to let us know that there was a '500 lb black bear' through the park this morning and to just be aware! Great! They said he just wanders through and ignores humans. Good thing! However, it does not effect the taste of the rum!!

Fort Frances is a pulp and paper town. The plant owned by AbitibiBowater, is very large stretching for half the length of the town. Part of the facility is located in International Falls across the border. I suspect this town depends upon this facility for the majority of its employment and I seem to remember not that long ago that AbitibiBowater was in financial trouble and had filed for Chapter 11 in the US.

Daily Distance=97.95 km. Time on the bikes=6 hours 1 minute. Average speed=16.23 km/hr. Maximum speed=39.69 km. Wildlife sightings= chipmunk, red squirrel, deer, red fox, white pelicans, great blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, kestrel, wood thrush, loons.

Kevin=3 Sue=0

Fishing, Fishing, Fishing....

Saturday, June 19

Sioiux Narrows to Caliper Lake Provincial Park

On the road by 8:30 with the usual raingear on. Our borrowed veranda, an outdoor laundry area with a roof over it, came in handy last night so we could cook and eat dinner and again this morning to have breakfast and pack up our gear. Rain, rain, and more rain plagued us late yesterday afternoon and through the first few kilometres on our bikes this morning. A brief stop for water in Sioux Narrows (the Sioux Narrows Provincial Park had a boil water order in place and still charged us $30!) and we were on the road again.

Today's ride was much nicer than yesterday with very little wind for a change. However, to make life interesting, we were re-introduced to some hill climbing Northern Ontario style. One particular climb we were actually looking for the 'summit' sign thinking we were back in BC! These climbs were not that bad just enough to test the legs. We traveled the winding highway again through bush, rock and a series of lakes. I suspect we will get used to this type of terrain for the next few weeks!

We are camping south of Nestor Falls (we stopped for a nice little 'waterfall visit' just for Sue) in the Caliper Lake Provincial Park. Our campsite is truly incredible. It is right on Caliper Lake and the site is very large. Tough to take! The sun is not out but at least it is not raining. The park is almost empty. It is obvious that all the pickups pulling their boats that we saw yesterday and again today do not stay in Provincial Parks. They must stay in the hundreds of lodges advertised along the way. We are in the 'American Playground' here as a high percentage of license plates were not Canadian.

Daily Distance = 60.91 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 57 minutes. Average Speed = 15.44 km. Maximum Speed = 55.01 km. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Groundhog, Loons, Phoebe, Chipping Sparrows, Kingfisher, Common Yellow Throat Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, White Pelicans.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

PS. As I type this the sun has begun to shine. What a treat on a short riding day!!!

Pickup Trucks and Boats....

Friday, June 18

Kenora to Sioux Narrows

On our bicycles by 8:15 with raingear at the ready. Overcast skies were only a minor part of our problem. The 'incredibly strong' S0UTH EAST winds were our major concern. And guess what direction we were riding...of course south east!!! Hwy 71 is a narrow winding road with lots of short climbs and very limited shoulders. However, the good news is that the only traffic we encountered was pickup trucks pulling boats. This is fishing territory and it was quite obvious. With the hills and the 30 to 40 km winds every kilometre was a tough one. We had a little bit of rain thrown in to 'add insult to injury'!

This part of Northwestern Ontario is quite scenic with rock outcroppings and numerous small lakes. Some of these lakes actually appear like they are untouched by us and our need for cottage life.

We are camping in Sioux Narrows Provincial Park just north of Sioux Narrows. This is the first 'taste' we have had of Ontario Parks and their 'expensive' camping fees. $30 here and $13.65 in Manitoba for the exact same services. Add another $8 if you reserve your campsite in advance. And these rates will probably go up when we have the HST starting in a couple of weeks! Motel rooms across the west were not a whole lot more expensive! Enough about that, it is a nice little park and our site is protected from the gusting winds.

Daily Distance = 73.26 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 16 minutes. Average Speed = a tough 13.84 km. Maximum Speed = 46.69 km. Wildlife Sightings = Chipmunk, Great Blue Herons, Loons (and I do not mean another Cross Canada cyclist)!

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Say Goodbye to the West....

Thursday, June 17

Falcon Lake to Kenora

On the road by 7:45 with raingear on and another EAST wind. We entered Ontario today and boy could you tell! The flat prairies gave way to rolling hills, rock outcroppings, and a road that was constantly curving. 'Granny' had to make a re-appearance. Then the skies opened up and made us into 'drowned rats'!

As we entered Ontario we were overtaken by another Cross-Canada cyclist. This man was from the Netherlands and he had left Vancouver May 6 but had taken a different route than us to get to Ontario. He went up through Kamloops, the Kicking Horse Pass, Lake Louise, Drumheller, and across the Yellowhead Highway. He is heading for New Brunswick to tour around it and then back to Montreal. In 2003 he rode from New York to Los Angeles. He had the 'largest' calf muscles I have ever seen. Useful I am sure, for the coming climbs in Northern Ontario.

Manitoba....What to say? As we crossed Manitoba we were surprised by many things. First and foremost this province is flat, the flattest of all the provinces that we have cycled through. Manitoba has a large agricultural area as good as any we have seen on the trip. We had heard that Manitoba roads were 'unfriendly' to cyclists and they lived up to their reputation. However, it appears that the Manitoba government is beginning to improve the highways but many 'millions' will still have to be spent. And then the weather! Like Alberta, Manitoba showed us its ugly side at times and did not want to let us cross.

We are staying at the Travelodge on the east side of Kenora. The pouring rain has forced us to cut today's ride a little short of our intended destination. So again we are drying ourselves out.

Today we had two more milestones. We have entered our 5th province and we passed the 3000 km mark on our bicycles!

Daily Distance = 71.30 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 54 minutes. Average Speed = 14.46 km. Maximum Speed = 39.69 km. Wildlife Sightings = Our friendly campground deer that we got to pet, numerous other deer.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

And On the 18th day...A Day of Rest....

Wednesday, June 16

Falcon Lake

After 17 days of riding we took today off. It was nice to break with the morning routine and sleep in!

Falcon Lake...Resort Town... Falcon Lake in many ways is a typical resort town. The local grocery store is only open from May until Thanksgiving, the bakeshop is a deli, restaurant and the local bar, and the Lumber Store houses the local liquor outlet! Go figure! The town is within Whiteshell Provincial Park and both of the campgrounds are within the town. An exception to the usual pattern of small resort towns is an absence of small t-shirt and souvenir shops that clutter the main streets. Come to think of it this town has no main street! The lake itself is large and surrounded by cottages as far as you can see. Things are pretty quiet but by the number of campsites here it is obvious this will get busy in July and August.

We met another cross-Canada cyclist today who is going from Vernon to Halifax to raise awareness for The Sierra Club. He was just hitting the rode out of Falcon Lake at noon. Guess he likes to ride in the afternoon! Good luck to him.

Wildlife Sightings = Gophers, Red Squirells, Groundhog, friendly deer seen eating out of someone's hand outside the bakery, Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, Flicker, Black Capped Chickadee.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Trees, Glorious Trees....

Tuesday, June 15

Richer to Falcon Lake

On the road by 8:00 this morning to a partly sunny sky and 18 degrees. Sure is nice to be able to pack most of the clothing in our bags and not have to wear every piece of clothing we have with us!

Today's ride took us through nothing but trees, glorious trees. And as we got closer to Ontario the rock began to appear! Very little traffic made the areas that had no shoulders more tolerable. An EAST wind made us 'work' for every kilometre we rode. We also left the railway behind today.

We are camping in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba's largest provincial park. The town of Falcon Lake is in the park. We have decided to take tomorrow off as we are 'mentally tired' as well as 'leg weary'. We will recharge and start into Ontario 'fresh' on Thursday.

One of the noticeable changes today was in the animals, plants, and birdlife. Being on a bicycle allows us to 'sneak' up on things, especially the deer. They are not overly afraid of us as witnessed by me being able to ride within 10 feet of one in the campground.

Daily Distance=91.94 km. Time on the bikes=5 hours 56 minutes. Average speed=15.46 km. Maximum speed=24.80 km. Wildlife sightings=Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Green Heron, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Deer (too numerous to count) Red Squirrel. Flowers=Yellow Lady's Slipper, Blue Flag

Kevin=3 Sue=0

Our Constant Companion...The Train....

Monday, June 14

Winnipeg to Richer

Off to a late start today as we decided to take advantage of our Hotel courtesy breakfast and it was well worth it. Full bacon and egg breakfast not just the usual Continental that most places give you. So between breakfast and a grocery stop we were on the road by 9:45. The sun was shining and the shoulder was good on the 'Ring Road' around 'The Peg'. Unfortunately we were soon greeted by an EAST wind. That was a surprise as we often associate such winds with lousy weather. And now that I mention that it is beginning to cloud over! The Trans Canada today provided a really nice wide freshly paved shoulder to accompany the brand new concrete highway for the first 30 km. Again it appears that the Manitoba Government is trying. It is mysterious, though how the highway is better the closer you are to Winnipeg. Sound familiar to where the road dollars are spent in Ontario?

Our ride took us through flat, good looking crop land again today. As you got further east of Winnipeg the crops were not drowned like they were on the west side. At 50 km the flat road continued but the agricultural land ended and the swampy bushland began. Must be getting closer to Northern Ontario!

One of the things that has been a constant for us as we have taken this journey is the ever present train. The highways and the train tracks have been our constant companion. Today was no exception as it seemed like we were constantly being 'met by' or 'overtaken' by a freight train. Unlike Ontario, it is a part of the landscape and the train whistle is a constant reminder of its presence. I suspect Ontario was at one time the same way until progress taught us that 'trucks' were king!

We are camping outside of Richer tonight in the Wild Oaks Campground, a park that has a good looking outdoor hot tub just waiting for our tired muscles.

Daily Distance = 68.19 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 39 minutes. Average Speed = 14.51 km. Maximum Speed = 25.60 km. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Cat Bird, Phoebe.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

P.S. We crossed the longitudinal centre of Canada today but we sure as heck are not half way finished our adventure. Roads ignore longitude and latitude lines. One wonders if the statistics were ever updated after 1949 when Newfoundland joined Canada???

Our Own Classic Car Show...On the Road....

Sunday, June 13

Portage La Prairie to Winnipeg

An odd thing happened this morning...the sun was shining as we left Portage La Prairie. What a nice treat! Today's ride was just about as good as you could have. No wind for the first 50 km and then a slight breeze from the northwest aided our riding. Even better, we almost forgot today that we were riding in Manitoba! A nice wide shoulder and about 25 km of it 'brand spanking new'. Maybe the Manitoba Government's promise to pave the shoulders of the Trans Canada across the whole province will eventually come true. However, while having lunch we talked to about 20 local 'senior citizen ' bicyclists who said that unfortunately the stretch from Winnipeg to the Ontario border is still bad. It was fun to chat to these riders as many of them were experienced touring cyclists who have ridden in Europe. One 76 year old man was on his way to ride in Germany later this year. And let me tell you I hope I look that good when I am 76 years old. Do not like the odds!!!

Again we were treated to some of Manitoba's finest agricultural land. However, as we approached Winnipeg some of the crops appear to be 50 to 75% killed by too much water lying around. Western Agriculture is truly in trouble this year!

We are staying in the Canada Inn Express in Winnipeg. We have again changed our plans to take a day off in 'The Peg'. We wanted to stay close to downtown in a B+B but they are all booked due to the Truth and Reconciliation Hearings and a large Health Care Convention. So since the weather forecast is good for a couple more days we are going to 'plow' on and take a day off in a campground somewhere before the Ontario border.

And oh yes. About the title. We were given a 'classic car' show as we rode along the Trans Canada today. At least 100+ old cars went past, many of them 'muscle cars' from the late 60's and early 70's. Fun trying to identify them as we rode.

Daily Distance = 108.26 km. Time on the Bikes = 5 hours 49 minutes. Average Speed = 18.52 km. Maximum Speed = 33.63 km. Wildlife Sightings = None! We were blinded by all the sunshine!

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

A Day to Dry Out....

Saturday, June 12

Sidney to Portage La Prairie

Seems to be a trend with how I start this blog recently. So here it is again! On the road by 8:05 with heavy sky and rain gear on. Manitoba weather continues to show it's ugly side. And so does it's roads! At least today's ride was relatively easy from a wind perspective and our luck held out with the rain until we hit the edge of Portage La Prairie. But the roads!!! Again Manitoba is vying for the province as the most 'bicycle unfriendly'! Rough shoulders plagued our ride today and then like yesterday they disappeared completely. Obviously, the death of some cyclists in 2008 had little effect on the powers that be in Winnipeg!

Today we rode through what must be some of Manitoba's prime agricultural land. It is flat and at times you could see forever. Portage La Prairie appears to be an agricultural centre with huge farm machinery dealerships lined up side by side that could rival any we saw in Alberta or Saskatchewan.

We are drying out in the Sunset Motel in Portage La Prairie. It is a nice little motel with a kitchenette. Our original plan had been to go 10 km further along the Trans Canada to a campground but when the rain began we decided to call it a day and dry out. The weather is supposed to clear tomorrow. We want to make Winnipeg tomorrow where we hope to take a day off to rest our 'old muscles' since we have not been off the bikes since our snow day in Alberta.

Daily Distance = 60.39km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 26 minutes. Average Speed = 17.44 km. Maximum Speed = 27.13 km. Wildlife Sightings = Chipping Sparrow, Tundra Swan, Blue Winged Teal

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

In Need of the Tap Shoes....

Friday, June 11

Brandon to Sidney

On the road by 8:05 again to extreme cloud cover, therefore, raingear! Brandon, like Medicine Hat, is one 'drawn out' town. When we came in from the south yesterday we travelled 5 km to our motel and it was another 8 km to the Trans Canada with 'one honking climb' out of town. Heading off on the Trans Canada was when the real challenge began. Another very strong 'EAST' wind challenged our stamina for the first 40 km. Good thing in this area that the road was good with big wide shoulders. After kilometre 40 things got much worse. It began to rain and the highway deteriorated into a shoulderless mess. Hard to believe that this is our 'National Highway' linking the country together by road! We were forced to put our red flashing lights on and 'go play in traffic'! Not a fun situation when it is also 8 degrees and raining hard!

Today was another one of those days where it is hard to see anything as concentration on where you are riding was of the utmost importance. We passed through cropland where potatoes are grown and irrigation equipment re-appeared. We passed through lots of bushland (good thing because it partially blocked the wind) and then into some gently rolling areas of not much at all.

We are camping in the Shady Oak Campground (really do not need the shade since it is still raining) outside of Sidney. We are sitting on a veranda of a small cabin in the campground staying out of the steady rain. We intend to have dinner under the roof.

Daily Distance = 77.01 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours. Average Speed = 12.75 km. Maximum Speed = 31.12 km. Wildlife Sightings = Ruddy Ducks, Blue Winged Teal, Shovellers, Red Headed Duck, Black Tern (all before it started to rain). Phoebe.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

I 'think' we are still having fun!

Fluid Adventure....

Thursday, June 10

Souris to Brandon

Today was a 'fluid' day in more ways than one! Last night, while the sun shone, we were invited to a campfire by 'Marion, Prince, and Bellyrub'. A group of locals were camping in the park so we spent a couple of hours swapping stories about our adventures and their travels. Our plans were to continue on the Red Coat Trail. However, plans are meant to be altered. We awoke this morning to the sound of rain. Thank goodness for the kitchen shelter which allowed us to pack up with minimal dampness. But by 8:10 it was raining hard and the wind was howlling. Off we went into the gusting 'EAST' winds. By 24 kilometres and 2 1\2 hours our plans became 'fluid'. A decision was made to head north to Brandon. Goodbye Red Coat Trail...Hello Trans Canada a little earlier than planned. It allowed us to avoid the 'ridiculous' wind, but more importantly it provided the opportunity for my bike to be serviced by a 'pro'. I have been riding minus several gears for a few days now and remember my best tool is a hammer...not a wrench! We pulled into the 'Stream N Wood' Bicycle Shop and what a great choice it was. They dropped what they were doing and began working on my bike immediately. After 15 minutes they asked if we wanted the 2nd bike looked at so within an hour both bikes had a complete service and we were on our way. Most impressive there was no labour charge for 'Cross Canada Cyclists'. We purchased new bike gloves, Sue because hers were 'stinky' mine because a couple of days ago I managed to lose them! Thanks guys for the incredible service! You made a not so nice day much brighter.

We are 'slumming' it in Brandon. We are staying in the Western Motel in the 'Presidential Suite' which is as big as some people's houses consisting of a 50 inch flatscreen TV, a fireplace (needed because it never got above 7 degrees in the pouring rain today), a dining room table as big as ours at home, a full kitchen, 2 queen size beds and we have managed to make a heck of a mess of it! 2 nights ago in the overpriced Carlyle we paid more! So tomorrow we head off on the Trans Canada (finally with some Manitoba Tourist information).

Daily Distance = 59.46 tough km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 36 minutes. Average Speed = 13.33 km. Maximum Speed = 42.06 km. Wildlife Sightings = How the heck can you see anything riding into 50 km winds and pouring rain? Last night's sightings = Redstarts, Yellow Warblers, Canada Geese, Peacocks.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

"Life is Good and so is the Italian Wine".

Flat Manitoba....

Wednesday, June 9

Reston to Souris

After a 'bicyclist's dream' breakfast in the motel restaurant, we were on the road by 8:10. (Without raingear). The ride today was a little bit tough as we fought a strong cross wind. The temperature never made it above 10 degrees.

Today's ride took us through a variety of 'flat' farmland. I thought Saskatchewan was to be the flat one! We passed kilometre after kilometre of cattle grazing land, seed alfalfa and timothy, and 100's of acres of sunflowers. (Last year’s crop was initially misidentified by me as corn stalks)! More and more bush land and in fact you would have thought that you were in Southwestern Ontario at times. Lots of water but unlike Saskatchewan, far less water fowl.

Our distance today was reduced partly due to the winds but more to do with the availability of places to stay. We are camping in Victoria Park Campground in Souris, the most treed campground we have been in since BC. Souris is a vibrant and friendly agricultural community where we were greeted by many people and welcomed to town. I believe everyone by now knows there are cross-Canada cyclists in town. The main street has old buildings dating to the late 1880's. (Would love to know the size of the town but Manitoba is not big on Tourist Information, in fact we have been unable to obtain any campground or accommodation information and are being forced to rely solely on our own notes! I guess I will leave that rant for another day!). Souris has a long suspension foot bridge (despite the fact that they call it a swing bridge) that we crossed with our bicycles. No we did not ride across as walking the bikes was scary enough, especially for 'my better half'.

Daily Distance = 71.12 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 47 minutes. Average Speed = 14.70 km. Maximum Speed = 23. 34 km. Wildlife Sightings = Black Terns, Coots, Shovellers, Blue Winged Teal, Red headed ducks, Redstart (warbler).

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

'Friendly Manitoba'...We Have Arrived....

Tuesday, June 8

Carlyle to Reston

On the road by 9:00, again with raingear ready. Seems to be a theme! While leaving the Motel this morning we were stopped by a gentleman from Riviere du Loup who works as an auditor for the Federal Government. He was in the area to 'examine the books' of a small native settlement. He asked us a million questions and gave us tips on riding through Quebec, if and when we get there. He was genuinely interested in our adventure. However, that is also the reason for the late start. Imagine me talking to a stranger!

The ride today was a dream. A very strong west wind 'blew us out of Saskatchewan'. As quickly as the oil wells arrived yesterday west of Weyburn they disappeared east of Carlyle. Saskatchewan agriculture began to look a lot like Ontario with the smaller fields, the natural water holes and some bush.

Saskatchewan...What did we think? A couple of myths about this province, at least the southern part. Saskatchewan is not as flat as we are led to believe! The agriculture is based on more than just wheat, barley and oats. They grow many more varied crops and you cannot forget the thousands and thousands of acres of ranch land! We do not associate Saskatchewan with oil but it is driving the economy. The roads, though not as good as in BC and Alberta, were friendly to bicycles until you hit the oil area where the roads are a mess! Once again the people treated us very well. The winds were strong and really did 'blow us across Saskatchewan'!

We are in a motel tonight, The Rest'n Inn in Reston. There is a predicted bad storm with the possibility of hail for later. Yes I guess we are 'fair weather campers'! Goodbye to Saskatchewan...Manitoba we have arrived!!! 3 down 7 to go!

Daily Distance = 98.01 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 16 minutes. Average Speed = 24.01 km. Maximum Speed = 42. 90 km. Wildlife Sightings = Yesterday was the 1st road kill Raccoon. Today was the 1st road kill Porcupine!

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Farming for Oil...Saskatchewan Style....

Monday, June 7

Weyburn to Carlyle

On the road by 7:30 with raingear at the ready. The clouds chased us all day. And trust me they caught up to us! We rode with a cross wind all day. Long hard day!

What a difference a day makes. West of Weyburn nothing but cropland. East of Weyburn 'farming for oil'. Southeastern Saskatchewan is booming. Oil wells dominate the landscape and more and more are being drilled. The Motels and campgrounds are packed. These workers work for 30 days and then get 10 days off. Workers have come to this area from Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Alberta (imagine workers leaving Alberta to work in the oil fields). Help is hard to find.

Now that Saskatchewan is a 'have province' you would think that they might spend some money on their roads. Hwy 13 was a real mess today. The shoulder was busted up and the road was not much better. Oil tankers, drilling equipment, and 'black smoke spewing' diesel pickups made today's ride a real challenge.

We are drying out in the Skyline Motel in Carlyle. The sky that threatened us most of the day caught up to us with about 20 km to go. We seem to be a magnet to this stuff!!!

Daily Distance = 105.62 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 33 minutes. Average Speed = 16.03 km. Maximum Speed = 25.60 km. Wildlife Sightings = Moose, Snipe, Black Tern, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Shovellers, Blue Winged Teal, Ruddy Ducks, Horned Grebes, Red Headed Ducks.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

On The Road For One Month....

Sunday, June 6

Ogema to Weyburn

On the road by 7:45 to the bluest sky you would ever want to see. Today was a nice ride, one of the easiest of our trip! The road was flat and there was a partial tailwind. Liking our luck the last few days! We had ridden 85 km to our destination by 12:30 pm. The only downside to today was that the mosquitoes were out in full force and we had to use 'bug juice' for the first time. It certainly will not get any better as Winnipeg is in our 'sights' and those pesky bugs will only get bigger and bigger!

Today we stopped at a Saskatchewan 'Point of Interest'. This was the former site of the town of Forward. It was established in 1911 at the juncture of the CP and the CN rail lines. It boasted of 1200 people with all the services expected in a small town. Problem was it never had a grain elevator so the town declined to the point where the last house was removed in 1960. From 0 to 1200 to 0 in 50 years. Hard to believe!

As we got closer to Weyburn you had to feel sorry for the local farmers. We saw a sprayer stuck in the mud. The tractor that they brought to get it out was also buried. As we were riding past the 'big help' had arrived, an articulating tri-wheel tractor. Suspect they would get everything out with it! Two days ago they had received about 4 inches of rain (about 10 cm). The average annual rainfall is only 32 cm. These farmers are in trouble as less than 50% of their crops are in the ground.

We are camping in the River Park Campground in Weyburn, a very small spot right in town. Weyburn is about 10000 people and is the 'Largest Inland Grain Terminal in Canada'.

Daily Distance = 88.06 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 25 minutes. Average Speed = 19.81 km. Maximum Speed = 37.44 km. Wildlife Sightings = Red Headed Ducks, Black Terns, Pintails, Blue Winged Teals, Shovellers, Coots, Deer, Red Fox, Red Tailed Hawk, Marsh Hawk.

PS! Today marked 30 days on the road!!!

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Technical Glitch

Sue & Kevin have run into a technical glitch on their travels. The blackberry they are sending the blog updates with has for some reason stopped allowing emails to be sent or received. This should be fixed soon & when it is the blog will be updated. They are currently in Carlyle Sask.

61.65 down and 4.55 up....

Saturday, June 5

Assiniboia to Ogema

A rather slow start to the day today. Last evening while sitting at our campsite in the Assiniboia Regional Park, 2 guys stopped and told us that the town had bad water. Now for the rant!!! When we came into Assiniboia yesterday we stopped at the Information place and received directions to the park. No mention that we should not use the water! No signs in the campground to tell us not to use the water! To top things off, Assiniboia shuts down at 6:00 pm so no water! Obviously people in this town are not early risers. The grocery store did not open until 8:30 am! Not impressed!!!

Finally on the road by 9:00. By 10:00 we had gone a 'whopping' 11 km. A stop to repair Sue's bike and then a longer stop to repair my bike. Not a good start.

Today was a long gradual climb... for the whole 85 kilometres! Again so much for Saskatchewan being flat!!! When your maximum speed exceeds 60 km and the climb back out is more than 'Granny' can handle, you know you are having a tough day.

Today we were blessed with lots of roadside water holes filled with ducks. Lots of farmers planting but going around the standing water.

We have treated ourselves to a stay in the Ogema Motel. All day we were chased by storms. It sure was not our 'blistering' speed that kept us from getting wet! Since we have been in Ogema several heavy rains have rolled through. Good call to get a room.

Daily Distance = 87.60 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 13 minutes. Average Speed = 16.75 km. Maximum Speed = 61.75km. Wildlife Sightings = Black Terns, Baldpates, Pintails, Shovellers, Horned Grebes, Coots, Blue Winged Teal, Red Headed Ducks, Gadwalls.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Caddy Shack....

Friday, June 4

Ponteix to Assinaboia

On the road by 8:00 to a beautiful blue sky and a wind in our backs. Both more than welcome! Hwy 13 is a beautiful road to ride. Not much traffic and fairly decent shoulders. Once again we saw rural Saskatchewan and all it has to offer. Thousands of acres of cropland as far as you could see. Farmers planting their crops with the largest drills we have ever seen. Wheat, barley, oats, lentils, peas, canola, flax, and chick peas. This is part of Saskatchewans 'bread basket'.

It is also the land of 'The Gopher'. They are everywhere and very often 'under' car tires. In Alberta we saw a farmer shooting at them as he drove his pickup through his fields. Today we saw a guy on a Quad going from gopher hole to gopher hole dumping poison down them. Bill Murray would be proud!!!

While having lunch today in Lafleche, we were approached by 2 people. They opened with: "We were looking for you guys, we saw you ride up". (Thought for a moment that we were in an old time Western)! The lady introduced herself as the town's administrator (I suspect that is the equivalent to our mayor) and the guy was from CTV News in Regina. He was doing stories about small rural towns in Saskatchewan. She was a typical politician. Born with the 'gift of the gab' as she told us all about the town and the agriculture of the area. The crops are late going in as it has been incredibly wet the last month. This is quite abnormal for this area. Usually it experiences drought conditions.

We had a couple of milestones today! We passed '2000 km' for our adventure and we rode over 120 km today, a distance we have never come close to before.

Daily Distance = 124.69 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 4 minutes. Average Speed = 20.31 km. Maximum Speed = 49.61 km. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Pronhorns, Red Fox, Red Headed Ducks, Pintails, Coots, Shovellers, Gadwalls, Blue Winged Teal.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

The Dream Wind...For 18 km....

Thursday, June 3

Swift Current to Ponteix

Awoke to raindrops! Not what we wanted to hear! After a brief discussion about our planned route, we packed our gear and headed for a McD breakfast. Hit the road by 8:50 to a rain filled sky. Leaving Swift Current was a 20 km climb through Saskatchewan cropland. Knew that Saskatchewan was going to show us its 'bread and butter'. After 40 km things changed and I do not mean the landscape. We experienced Saskatchewan weather. A west wind that was so strong that it was difficult to keep the bicycles upright. Riding was a struggle! To the west we saw funny looking clouds with streamers hanging from them. 5 minutes later heavy wind driven rain overtook us. 5 minutes after that it was over.

Now for the dream wind. We have been waiting for the perfect west wind. Today it appeared. Problem was for 70 km today we were heading south. Wouldn't you know it! But those last 18 km from Cadillac to Ponteix were incredible!

Oh the people that we meet! After setting up camp last night we had a lady come to tell us that a storm was predicted. She lived in a trailer in the park and told us that if the weather got too bad we were to come and ring her doorbell. She also asked us if we liked chocolates. Gee what do you think? They were simply amazing! Rival anything Mill Creek can produce! Also 2 guys from the US arrived and set up camp next to us. Me being me, I went over to talk to them. 2 hours later we were still solving all the world's problems, particularly the ones 'created by the US'. They had great stories about growing up close to the Canadian border. You know I could almost change my opinion of Americans if they were more like these guys. They were on their way from Northern Minnesota to a recently built cabin in Alaska. The ability to make fun of oneself I thought was a Canadian thing. These guys were experts at it. You should be 'honourary Canadians'. Thanks guys! Great time! And lastly, the owner of Splitters Bar and Grill in Ponteix. You made us feel welcome, good old time Saskatchewan hospitality!

We are camping in the Ponteix Regional Campground, a small campground, but we are sheltered from the howling wind.

Daily Distance = 93.90 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 17 minutes. Average Speed = 14.96 km. Maximum Speed = 47.62 km. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Pronghorns, Barn Swallows, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwings, Red Headed Woodpecker, Red Headed Duck.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Where the Land Meets the Sky...Part Two....

Wednesday, June 2

Gull Lake to Swift Current

While having our oatmeal and coffee this morning we made a judgement call to alter our plans once again. A beautiful blue sky but an extremely strong wind out of the south (our planned direction for the day) made us decide to continue on the Trans Canada for another day.

Today was more of yesterday. The highway condition was better, the wind was a cross-wind, and the land met the sky all day. Again we climbed a series of 'Bayview Hills' and upon entering Swift Current 'Granny' was necessary! The scenery did not alter a whole lot as cattle country continued until about 25km before Swift Current when cropland re-appeared. I guess that is why we passed the biggest agricultural equipment dealerships that we have ever seen as we entered Swift Current. John Deere, Cat, Case IH, and New Holland all in a row with large combines front and centre. I suspect that Saskatchewan is going to show us its wheat growing area for real! Oil wells also made their appearance today dotting the fields.

We are camping in the Ponderosa Campground and RV Park in the eastern edge of Swift Current. And no I will not bore you with my 'Bonanza' humour even though I think I will soon be imitating 'Hopsing' real soon.

Daily Distance = 64.95 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 3 minutes. Average Speed = 16.07 km. Maximum Speed = 37.44 km. Wildlife Sightings = Pronghorns, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, and just for you Eric lots of road kill.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Where the Land Meets the Sky....

Thursday, June 1

Maple Creek to Gull Lake

A very cold night. The tent was white with frost when we got up. On the road by 8:10 with a beautiful blue sky. First time since Blairmore! Wind was not a factor today as it was at times a cross-wind. However, if people think that Saskatchewan is flat they should visit the southwestern part of the province. Today was a series of 'Bayview Hill' climbs. Quite a tiring day. To make matters worse the Trans Canada is an absolute mess in this area. All the infrastructure money that will be wasted sure could be used here! The shoulder is all broken up and even riding on the highway was not a lot better.

For those people who are following us on the pre-marked maps, we had a change of route today. We have stayed on the Trans Canada instead of dropping down at Maple Creek. Tomorrow we are leaving the Trans Canada to head south to join up with Hwy 13, 'The Red Coat Trail'. We saved ourselves some climbing (we think) and some kilometres!

Today we really got a feel for Saskatchewan's motto: 'Where The Land Meets The Sky'. A few clouds but mostly a big blue sky. As far as you could see the land runs into the sky. Ranch land again dominated. We saw quite a few more cattle today, certainly more than any other day.

We stopped in Tompkins today for lunch and while talking to some locals were told about a sod hut, a replica of the area's homesteaders houses. The sod hut was built in 1980 and was quite neat to see. We could even go inside of it. It was well worth the extra couple of km and the short gravel ride.

We are camping in the Gull Lake Municipal Campground and are being swarmed by mosquitoes. Yes the first day in 2 weeks above 15 degrees and those little buggers have arrived. Staying in the campground are some other cross country cyclists who are going from Vancouver to their home in Quebec. Two men are riding and the wives are driving the pickup truck pulling a big trailer.

Daily Distance = 88.06 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 24 minutes. Average Speed = 16.26 km. Maximum Speed = 33.63 km. Wildlife Sightings = Pronghorns, Pintails, Ruddy Ducks, Coots, Black Crowned Night Heron, Great Blue Heron, Rabbits, Gophers.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.