Update

Aug 29 2007

Today 40 Total 4369.2

Today was a short day as I have an appointment tomorrow in Thunder Bay to have a rattle in Phebea checked out. So I'm at Kekabeka Falls. Dad said it was the nicest campsite he had stayed at. Unfortunately the whole campsite is designed around RVers so I wasn't as enamoured as he was.

Aug 30 2007

Today 50 Total 4419.2

I had my second flat today. When I purchaced the new rear tire in Kenora they installed it for me. With a huge kink in the tube. I'm more suprised it took this long to give out unfortunately it destroyed the tube by almost pulling the valve stem right out.

Phebea had her chiropractic adjustment, complete physical, manicure and pedicure. I spent the day catching up somewhat on my blogging. I was only suppose to have 1 hour at the libray but they were kind enough to give me an extra hour, Then when I went to the UPS store so I could download photos he only charged me for half the time I used. I didn't really have time to bike anywhere so I got to the other end of town and am at the KOA very pricey but at least I'm getting all my laundry done. Everything I own is the the wash and I'm hiding out in the ladies shower wrapped in a piece of fabric I picked up for laying on the beach. It is amazing some of the crazy clothing combinations I don in Laundromats. I think my personal favorite was sitting there in a bikini top, woolen long undies, reading National Geographic pointedly ignoring everyone. Just pretend that it is the most normal thing in the world and no one bats an eye... to your face.

Unwanted Guests

Today 135.4 Total 4329.2
During all the nights I've spent stealth camping I've had quite a few nocturnal visitors. The soft foot fall of deer, the odourous scent of skunks, the scratching and sniffing of coyotes and the scrambling and gnawing of a weasel. Last night was the worst sound in the world to wake up to. BzzzzZZZZzzzzz.....zzzzzZZZZZZZZ. I was now wide awake. Eyes wide open. A futile gesture in the near pitch black of the hammock.

After the disastrous supper of the evening before I had thought I would pedal just out of town to Sandbar Lake. Both maps I have showed Sandbar as being right off of Hwy 17. It wasn't. I came to this conclusion after pedalling for twenty km in a light drizzle with the light failing. The shoulders of the road had reach near Manitoba proportions, so with all the semi traffic I was bailing off the road every 15 min or so. I gamely put my head down and worked as hard as I could to get... well anywhere. I finally happened upon one of those day use picnic sites and decided that was a great place for me to spend the night. The mosquitoes concurred. Rarely have I been so eagerly welcomed. I have never seen mosquitoes so bad. When I first got to camp I had thrown on my cycling leggings and my black cycling jacket with the intentions of changing afterwards.
Now I was under the assumption that I had to deal with rain or mosquitoes. These guys didn't get the memo. Not only was the rain drenching everything I owned but the mosquitoes had me dancing around like I was being electrocuted. I usually change, wash, brush my teeth, etc. By the time the hammock was set it was forget about it. I dove in fully clothed and fully dressed for cycling. After killing (mutilating) the four mosquito that had made it in with me I passed out.

It was 1:30 in the morning when that horrid sound awoke me. One of the problem with my hammock is when I roll over in my sleep the entryway gaps wide open. By the time I woke up about ten of the vicious little vampires had got in. After another brutal killing spree I had eliminated all the little beasties.
Now cycle clothing is designed for cycling alone. The elastic is very tight which is fine when you're in constant motion but when your laying still it become very painful. I tried to talk myself into going back to sleep but the four pressure points on my legs made me finally realize I was going to have to get changed. So with military precision and a small whimper I threw myself out of my hammock. I raced to my bike, grabbed my sleeping stuff, adjusted the tarp, (I was up and it was still pouring rain) and dove back into the hammock. So now I was back in the hammock trying to change because I was not offering up my body as the midnight buffet to that angry swarm outside. Pealing off wet spandex while laying down, swing three feet in the air, in total darkness is a feat the Houdini himself would have been proud off.

And the Title Goes To...

Aug 27 2007
Today 159.3 Total 4193.8
Well its official I've had my worst meal yet. Nothing else (not even lunch yesterday), has even come close. The day's riding had been fairly average the traffic was heavy, the shoulders were small and it drizzled all day. I think you've heard that song before. I pulled into Ignace around 4:00 and thought I would have an early dinner. Now one thing that I have been trying to do on my trip is to NOT eat at any major chains. I have been desperately trying to support the little Mom and Pop diners. So I pull in to town on one side of the street is a Subway on the other is soon to be the bane of my existence. I sit down at a booth and after about five or so minutes I get up and go rouse some one from the kitchen. She lets me now just how busy she is, (I'm the only person in the restaurant) and plops a menu in front of me. I have been craving vegetables. Salads, carrots, crispy things. So the meal I ordered I chose because it came with "seasonal vegetables" and coleslaw.
I'm not quite sure what season my veggies were from but I'm thinking circa 1979. it was one of those canned vegetable medleys, small diced carrots, grey-green peas, chewy corn nibblets, and small stringy pieces of beans. All cooked beyond flavour or hope. The chicken was deep fried with equal 70's fervor to the point that some of the smaller bones had turned to dust. we won't talk about the fries. The coleslaw never showed up. I didn't ask for it. I didn't want it.
As I gnawed my way through some of the chicken I could help but look longingly out the window at the Subway.

It has been three days since that meal and my stomach still hasn't settled. The view for three days.

Just Like Mom Used to Make

Aug 26 2007
Today 128.5 Total 4034.5
So far Ontario has been the roller coaster province. Up and down, UPPPP and dooowwwn. Short steep hills. Wheee. The wind was blowing strong south to north so I made the decision to go across to Ignace instead of south to Fort Francis. I don't think I made the right decision. It felt like a long day when really it wasn't that bad.
I had been riding for several hours when signs started showing up every five km or so. "Home cooked meals." "Just like mom used to make." So when I rounded the corner and saw no less than four semi's sitting outside the restaurant my taste buds and my stomach became very excited.
I went in and ordered and grill cheese sandwich and fries. My order arrived I looked and thought they weren't kidding.
Now no disrespect to my mother but anybody that knows my mom knows she is not the finest cook. I was raised on A&W chicken, and TV dinners. My mom is the first to recognize this and makes no apologies about it. You what a good meal cook it yourself. So when my meal arrived at the table I groaned. Two pieces of wonder bread with two processed cheese slices, heated just enough to barely melt the cheese. With a side of McCain crinkle cut super fries still white and greasy. Just like mom used to make. I really though they were talking about somebody else's mom.
I still haven't figured out why all the truckers were there.

There were miles and lies of this pink granite. I would not wanted to be the one to have to carve a road through this.

Rest day

Aug 25 2007
Well I picked a great day for a rest day. Beautiful and warm. The Laundromat was Right off the beach so I was able to get some tanning while my clothes were in the washer and dryer. Kenora is a very pretty city. It was a nice relaxing day.

This guys cheeks were so fat I couldn't believe he could climb the tree.

You just see his right cheek poking out over the branch he's sitting on.

Sunset something I rarely see I'm usually in bed or desperately setting up camp.

The near full moon with a willow tree in the foreground.

Ontario Here I Come

Aug 24 2007
Today 96.4 Total 3906.0
I was up and out early today. I wanted to make Kenora early for my rest day there. I decided to change my rest day away from Sunday. In Manitoba the roads had me scared for my life no shoulder and some of the drivers would go flying by me a foot from my arm god forbid if I wobbled. Half the time there wasn't even any on coming traffic. So I'm in Ontario heavy traffic but huge shoulders. Very nice. I got to camp early puttering around, had a shower and meandered down to the library. They closed at five on Fridays and didn't open again until Monday morning. Razza Frazza. Grrrr. So I was able to do about half an hour of blogging. I can't wait to find some where I can update my blogs with photos. I might have to start going door to door.

now you see it

now you don't

The view from the campground in Kenora

Apple cake

Aug 23 2007
Today 109.7 Total 3809.6
I left Tyndall early but ended up spending 3+ hours in Beaudejour. I had hoped to make it to West Hawk Lake but ended up stopped at B----- Lake just out of Rennie instead. I'm glad I did it gave me time to repair my tarp as one of the stake out loops got ripped off. It was an easy fix. I also met a Croatian couple who were spending most week-ends at the lake. They invited me to their campfire and while I was fed the most incredible apple cake I have ever tasted. It was more like a pie but the pastry tasted more cake like. It was fabulous.MotherAnd child

Yee Haw!!!!!!!

Today 247. 8 Total 3699.9
Yes you read that right 247.8 big ones. Sing with me, OHHHHHHH what a feeeellling, what a rush. Yesterday I was ready to quit and today you couldn't stop me. I had a massive tail wind, a slight down hill and the urge to GO. I rode down hwy 16 to Westbourne. From there I made a judgement call the wind was blowing strong with stronger gusts. As I started heading south the gusts would bounce me into traffic. With little or no shoulder I felt it was crazy to continue that way sooo.... I took #227. 60 Km of gravel but low traffic and the wind was straight behind me. Not a road I would suggest to any one with a delicate bike but Phebea's a mule (like me) so we did great. From there I took Hwy 67 until it ran out then I took Hwy 9 south to Hwy 44 by that time the winds and I were both dying but I couldn't find a campsite anywhere. I stopped in Garson to get a hotel room. He was booked up but if I wanted to wanted one the 28th I could have one then. (I almost got the feeling that he wanted me to wait on the back step until then.) He told we there was a hotel in Tyndell a few KM down the road. By this time the sun had set and even with all my flashing lights and reflective gear I was feeling very vulnerable. I pulled into Tyndell and asked a couple of the local gentlemen where the hotel was. They told me but were quite emphatic that I not stay there. So I asked if I could pitch my tent their backyard. They obliged. As I set up Gary was happy to see I had bear spray. He reminded that I was getting back into bear country which was good because after crossing the prairies I had become a little relaxed about them. An hour later I was set up, my clothes were in the dryer and I was happily visiting with the Ross family, Gary and Kim, their kids Justin, Tyler and Aaron, their neighbour and Kim's mom. My faith in humanity restored.

A barn in Beaudejour

The Jerk

Aug 21 2007
Today 142.1 Total 3452.1
Today I awoke to the sky a strange blue colour instead of the rolling grey I am used to. Even stranger was having (gasp) a tail wind. Not just any tail wind but a strong tail wind. I was hoping for a record day when in a flash that idea was gone.
I don't know how many of the details I should share, but I was angry not injured but the police did get involved and two charges have been laid against the jerk. (Public nudity and reckless endangerment.) They didn't catch the guy so for the first couple of hours of riding; after police reports and debriefing with Flip; I was very nervous that this jerk would come up behind me again and try something. I actually spent 45 minutes sitting off the side of the road contemplating if I wanted to to continue.

Where I sat at the 100th Meridian.

I do.
I have waited so long to do this trip it would be shame to give it up because of one jerk. I have met some great people on this trip. It was a tough afternoon. Soul searching and jittery. So I'm drowning my sorrows with an apple strudel.

Cats and Dogs

Aug 20 2007 Today 105.8 Total 3310.0
Well it rained, and then it rained some more. Then for a change it rain a little bit harder. The hot bath I had yesterday seems like a very dim memory. I stopped for second breakfast at Helena's Schnitel Haus in Saltcoates SK. I felt kind of guilty as I sloshed my way in and sat and created a puddle under my chair. When I went to the washroom to wash my hand it looked like the creature from the black lagoon had just wandered through. Huge wet foot prints back and forth. (It took me three days to dry my shoes properly.) If you are ever in the area stop in the food was fabulous. I had coffee, a great cup of hot chocolate, three huge texas toast style pieces of french toast cooked to perfection, and three side cut pieces of bacon. Divine. And the bill a whopping $8.10. Of course the library is closed on Mondays. Helena tried to get me to stay but I'm a glutton for punishment so off I went. I beautiful red fox today. It went and hid behind some bushes and eyed me suspiciously. I followed Hwy 16 all the way from Yorkton to Rusell where I am staying at the community sponsored free campground. I was talking on the local ladies she was very excited they hadn't had rain in over a month. I was so glad for her. I even tried not to sound sarcastic. I might have to rent my services to some poor drought ridden country.

The town of Russel used to manufature these beams for arenas and rinks. When one the towns was tearing down their rink Russel brought the beams back and set them up on main street. A honey I found in Russell. (His last name was Honey.)

Loyalties

Aug 19 2007
A rest day in Yorkton.
Of course the library in closed and what's an Internet cafe? Some day I'll start updating. Just a note because I'm trying to travel rural, towns are few and far between. The libraries also seem to keep the oddest hours. It seems like every time I would check the library would be closed that day. So don't worry I'm in touch with Phil every day...Dad. Feel free to call me on my cell phone Phil has my number.
One thing I've sure noticed about the people of Saskatchewan is that they are a proud people with strong loyalties. God, family, country, the Roughriders, and John Deere. The last three change order depending on who you are talking to. I rode into Yorkton on a game day and I wasn't wearing green and felt very out of place. (Yer not from around these parts are ya.) Also the amount of provincial flags flying put the other provinces I've seen so far to shame. Have a look at the Saskatchewan provincial flag and then look at the John Deere colours...coincidence I think not. I wonder which came first.

A Month of Riding

Aug 18 2007
Today 92.2 Total 3204.2
I had a good though interrupted sleep in Kelliher. The campground is just off the railroad tracks and the main highway. Every time a train went through town it sounded at every crossing . About five times. Then I had a couple coyotes sniffing around which I scared off by turning on my flashlight. Finally a huge lingering thunderstorm blew through. It was about a mile to the north of me but a few of the strikes were retina burning through the tarp and my eyelids. Adding to the thrill factor is the fact that I'm tied to two trees. I don't normally but last night I brought Phebea under the tarp with me. I'm really glad I did. It rained buckets during the storm and everything would have been soaked. I am writing this snug in my hammock delaying getting out of bed. The winds are howling and I just don't feel like tackling them yet. At least the rain has stopped.

Local farm near sunrise

More headwinds coming into Yorkton it was very discouraging and exhausting. At least I only had ninety km to do.
The creatures of the day were frogs and salamanders. The were hundreds of frogs on the road after the storm all about the size of a quarter. They had an alarming habit of jumping just as I was riding by. It was kind of nasty when I couldn't avoid them. The salamanders were chowing down on the plentiful feast.

Headwinds

Aug 17 2007
Today 115.3 Total 3112.0

Last night stealth spot

Sunrise on the prairie

I had a brutal day of headwinds with more predicted for tomorrow. I had hoped to get a lot more Kms in so I could have a short day tomorrow. So I'll try to do about eighty Km tomorrow and make my rest day in Yorkton on Sunday.

More dirt roads

Harvest time.

I hope I can find somewhere I can post all this. I spent the night in Kelliher. Again very nice people. Today's critter of the day was dragonflies I don't think I've seen so many different varieties in such a short time. I thought Ledonna would love it. I can't post pictures at this time will update later.

More gravel

Aug 16 2007

51 30.257 N

105 07.652 W

Today 127.4 Total 2996.7

I had a terible sleep last night as my knees were killing me. I took it fairly easy today while trying to get my miles in. Hwy 15 east of Kenaton is NOT a biking road the map showed it as paved but there had to be at least 20 Km of dirt road on the plus side there was very little traffic.

This little guy was trying to cross the road with his mom and three siblings when a semi came by and sent everyone scurring in different directions luckly no one got run over.

A world of wheat.

I tried to make it to Nokomis but I ran out of time and energy so I'm stealth camping in the middle of nowhere. My light is almost gone so I'll sign off.

More critters on the raod today I spent the day try not to run over grasshoppers and black crickets.

Me and the road

I started the day with hot coffee and great conversation with Doreen. it was a lot nicer than having to scurry around trying to break camp.

Doreen Bacon

I had a good tailwind for most of the day. More south than east but I was able to benefit from both. I made an alarming discovery it turns out my back fender has been rubbing slightly on my back tire and it has caused it to become wore almost though. I call Phil and the closest bike shop is on the way is in Yorkton. Of course they aren't open on Sundays so I'm going to have to push hard to get there for Saturday.

Hwy 31 continues to be rough and narrow but there is little traffic so I have the road to myself. The exception was the farm vehicles. These are huge machines taking up both lanes usually pushing something that looked like it was designed during the middle ages as a confessional devise. When I saw one one of these beasties coming I would dive off the road.

Yield to the spiky thing.

The driver would always give me a friendly wave. The whole province has given me a friendly wave. Almost every vehicle I pass waves at me. I am totally automated now I wave at everyone. Its kind of nice. I saw my first living badger today but he flattened himself out and scurried into the tall grass before I could get the camera out.

The view most animals give me.

I was riding just outside of Outlook towards Broderick when two young girls in a older white sedan drove by grinning and waving furiously. They went ahead turned around came back grinning and waving then pulled another u-turn still grinning and waving they headed down the road in the same direction I was heading. They made me laugh. About twenty minutes later as I got to the first turn into Broderick there was a young guy sitting on the side of the road on his bike. I thought this was kind of odd but I said hi and carried on. He started talking to me his name was Bryan. It turns out he did the cross Canada trip in two stages in 2002 and 2003. The sun was setting and he offered to let me stay in his yard. I was a little suspicious until I got to his house the two girls that had been waving where parked in the driveway. They probably came and told him about me and that's why he was just sitting on the side of the road. I relaxed after that. So I am camped in his backyard after enjoying another hot shower. I love Saskatchewan.

The Bacons

Aug 14 2007

51 47.876 N

108 49.677 W

Today 141.2 Total 2701.0 Km

The day started nasty with strong headwinds blowing south to north. It took me 2 and a half hours to go 24 Km to Macklin. Well I'm in Saskatchewan there was no sign so I didn't get a picture. Oh well after losing my BC pictures I'm less worried about it. I stopped and lunch just south of Salvador. It was a very pretty spot tons of butterflies. I had trouble getting photos of them they were camera shy.

I used the time to dry everything I own out. Everything was sopping wet from the continuous misting from the day before. The condensation had even worked its way into my telephoto lens and I've been very careful with it. My good luck with roads ran out when I hit Hwy 31. The road to Dodsland has been a mess of potholes, roughness and gravel. I pulled into Dodsland exhausted.

Sage antelope on the side of the road.

When I got to the campsite I was underwhelmed. No showers, no picnic tables, no trees not even an outhouse. Oh well beggars can't be choosers. One of the local gentlemen came by and talked to me a bit and said if I needed to use the washroom I could come to his house. I thanked him and he left. five minutes later he was back. "Why don't you come camp in my backyard?" By the time I had followed him to his house he had me set in his travel van. His name is Weldon Bacon his wife's name is Doreen. So I have had a shower, I have a roof over my head and I feel great.

On a side note I thought of Frank today as I dodged fuzzy caterpillars all day. There were hundreds of them crossing the road.

Last Alberta Day

Aug 13 2007
52 35.083N
110 00.564W
Today 129.9 Km total 2559.8
Not much to comment on today. I took hwy 14 from just outside Kinsella after wainwright I turned off on hwy 621 a very quiet picturesque road. Then I turned onto hwy 17 until I reached Dillberry Lake Prov. Park. Everything and I mean everything is terrified of me. I started two stampedes today. One cow started running and then the whole herd took off.

The same thing happens when I pass a duck pond. They half drown each other in their haste to get away. I don't think the animals around here see many cyclists. On the up side after riding under overcast drizzly skies the clouds have cleared of so I should be able to see the Percieds tonight. I brought the star map the kids gave me for my birthday last year so I'm going to pull that out as well.

Flat

Aug 12 2007
52 57.582 N
111 25.953 W
Today 151.3 Km total 2429.9 Km
I took a side road from Mom's straight down to hwy 14 form there I just followed Hwy 14 east. It is a great road. Lower traffic volume with nice wide smooth shoulders. It was a great day for biking high overcast skies. The only draw back was the headwind. it wasn't strong but it was relentless. its amazing how just that bit of wind can make such a difference in a day. I had my first flat today which was instrumental in picking my campsite. I ended up just east of Kinsella. I just rode off the road down a grassy lane, set up camp then dealt with the flat. I can't thank Merrilea enough for the camp chair. It was some thing I never would have purchased for myself but little stealth spot is almost homey with it.

Just the Facts

I don't have time for a full update. I'm well and in Rosetown Sask. I will blog more later in the week.

Mom's

53 30'52.33" N 113 16'52.57" W Today 165 Km Total 2278.6 It was a long day for only being my second day back. My hind end feels like I was using 35 grit sandpaper as undies. Other than that I feel a little sore but not too bad. I am slowly learning that you can't judge a restaurant by the number of cars outside. I stopped at a little roadside cafe for a quick burger. Quick being the operative word. An hour later I was just receiving my meal and I still hadn't had a single refill of coffee. I realized the cars were all there because everyone was being held hostage hoping their meals were on there way. The two women who had arrive 5 min after I had still didn't have their meal by the time I finished mine. I was trying to pay so I could escape after waiting by the till for a while I finally went into the kitchen to hunt someone down. I stuck my head in, the sole person in there, our waitress/cashier/cook was washing a pot at the sink. There was nothing...NOTHING cooking on the grill. Four tables of people waiting for food and she's doing the dishes. So feeling very grateful that I got served at all I paid and got the heck out of there.I took Hwy 43 until it split and then I took Hwy 37 East and then I turned south at Fort Saskatchewan onto Hwy 21 to Sherwood Park.I'm taking a couple days to visit mom as this is my last family stop on my trip.Back on the road again on Sunday.

Back in the Saddle

53 53.428N 114 54.882W Today 65.7 Km Total 2113.6 It was a very emotional day today as it was my first day back on the road. We had company all weekend so Phil and I wanted to spend as much time to together as possible before I left. The first leg of the journey I was very excited. This time I was depressed and didn’t want to go. Petty things that I wouldn’t have batted an eyelash at before were very annoying. Phil drove me to Whitecourt and we said our good-byes there. The first couple of Km were very tough, with a big lump sitting in the back of my throat. Then suddenly I was right back where I was six weeks ago, excited again and raring to go. I left Whitecourt at 4:45 pm. I had planned on staying in Mayerthorpe but I felt strong and pushed on to Sangudo. The Lion’s campsite was only $6.00 and that included a hot shower. It was very picturesque but very loud. I couldn't rotate this image on Mom's computer it anyone knows how to do it once its on Blogger could you let me know. My camp hosts were half pickled by the time I got there and fully in the jar by the time I had finished setting up camp, showering, and having a meal. I went up to their site to find out what kind of critters were in the area. Bear bagging for a raccoon is a whole different degree of difficulty than it is for rodents. (Feel free to start imagining the banjo music from Deliverance about now.) I asked the camp host who was seated outside of his trailer, “Do you have any critters around here?” Out came a torrent of sounds that I could not decipher as his lips were moving at a completely different tempo than the rest of his mouth. “Pardon?” I said. “We sure do." he said very slowly and loudly. "Why?” he asked. “I just want to know how to hang my food.” Out came another torrent of indecipherable words. “Pardon?” “Just put it in your car.” Yes he was there when I pulled in and not only did his site over looked mine, he had been watching me for most of the last hour. “I’m on a bike.” He's now looking at me like I'm a little thick. (I'm sure it mirrored the expression on my face.) Again speaking very slowly and loudly he said, “Well take it in the tent with you.” ‘Great,’ I’m thinking to myself, ‘you got a ham hock I can snuggle with too?’ What I actually said was, “I’m in a hammock.” At this point he broke into a great half toothed grin and beamed up at me, “You’re cute.” He was drunker than I thought. His wife at this statement came out of the travel trailer to rescue me. “He’s drunk.” No kidding. “There’s a fox and four kittens that have been getting into people’s stuff you can put your food in our beer fridge.” I thanked her. I made sure when I went to bed that I took my bear spray in case I became a radiant (although slightly slow) goddess before Jethro passed out. So as I was saying it was a noisy site. Jethro had a friend show up and they slurred very loudly at each other until 1 am. I wasn’t about to go shush them for fear my woolen long undies would excite them. The campsite was geographically close to the highway in a river valley. So the trucks added to the noise jake breaking down the hill and gearing down to go up. I was just fading off when the first of two trains pulled through, rocking and knocking their way across the creaky trestle bridge. Yea it was very picturesque but very loud.