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".
