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.
