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Prairie wind burn

31/7/2017

11 Comments

 
Picture
Eastend to Weyburn

The late night in Eastend catching up with internet, caught up big time next day. A measly 32 kilometres into head wind into Shaunavon, a quiet little country town with a nice shady camp right in the middle of town. A quick lunch turned into an overnight stop. Next day provided further howling headwinds and a gradual climb. Who told me it is all flat/downhill across the prairies? The hills are long rolling swells like the imperceptible big Pacific swells hitting the Solomons.

A lunch stop at the almost-ghost town of Cadillac found a peaceful little park beside the Post Office (the only remaining active building). The impossibly uncomfortable steel park bench still allowed an hours sleep. Onward to Pontiex, shady campground beside the swimming pool and golf course. Swim was welcome after the burning winds.

Next day's aim was Assiniboia, I was on a promise of BBQ with Treena and Bobby. The day produced some other generous offers. Lunch at Lafleche and an invitation for a bed and a beer with a local farmer. The beer almost swayed it, but with only 75km on the clock, had to keep rolling. Assiniboia arrived to find Bobby and Treena were unavailable. I looked at the void in the map past Assiniboia and decided to wing it for a few more hours. A big day of 156km, wind changed again and I pulled into the tiny dot that marked Verwood. Population 20 all heading to the same party across the road from my campsite. Music hitting the tent with the velocity of wind gusts.

Verwood also had Al Birchard cleaning up land around the church. He suggested a campsite in the municipal land across the road. His classic Mercedes arrived back an hour or so later with a large container of cool water, oranges and best wishes from his wife. Good people positioned at every stop on my journey.

The only stop next day was Ogema, another classic small prairie town. Lunch followed by a 3 hour sleep on the grass behind the grandstand of the local sports ground. Heat and moisture sucking wind taking it's toll. Weyburn was the aim for today's rest day, the only town with necessary supply. Four pm and still 80kms, it was ride or bust. Darkness arrived before Weyburn, first motel was within budget after the $5 discount from the owner. Glad to turn the light out at midnight. 140 hard fought kilometres.

No doubt the heat and fickle wind is taking it's toll across these vast plains. Never been so constantly tired. Mental focus becomes a struggle as I try to plan the new route. 5059 kilometres on the clock.

Picture
Verwood camp
Picture
Classic ranch relics
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Ponteix
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Towns appear like Islands in the distance
11 Comments
Barb
31/7/2017 06:20:32 pm

Hang on in there - you're going so well! You have plenty of time up your sleeve so take up the offers when you can - I'm sure a cold beer would go down well from time to time! More great photos. XXX

Reply
Cleaver Clan
31/7/2017 06:32:36 pm

You can do it! Lots of hydration and take it easy, mum says you're ahead of schedule, be kind to yourself. Let your mantra include some cheers for what you have already achieved. We love you. Wishing you a windless few days to recover your strength.

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Peter Felvus link
31/7/2017 07:20:28 pm

Enjoying reading your adventures. I seem to remember someone told me NZ was flat 😀

Reply
gavin cornford
31/7/2017 07:32:18 pm

Head winds probably go all the way across a Prairie, not just for a few kms! Big day at 156 km all right! Tour-of France next year?Great writing Lindsay, still got those blue skies too!

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Loek Strik
31/7/2017 09:19:57 pm

Great progress LG ! You have done almost 2 Tour de France's
Formidable mon ami ! AS

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Trish Gaudet
1/8/2017 12:47:14 am

Oh, those prairies are definitely NOT flat! They are full of sneaky hills that can be imperceptible to the eye but absolutely noticeable to the legs and spirit. But you are moving along and will soon be in your fourth province - Manitoba. Wishing you some tailwinds for a change along with continued blue skies! Ride safely, Lindsay - you are accomplishing an amazing feat!

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Grayson Mceldowney
1/8/2017 07:45:12 am

You are doing extremely well Linds enjoying your writing

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Ang
1/8/2017 05:50:14 pm

Hey Linds, you are amazing, going so well. Taketime to think of yourself, have a treat day , ice cream and a soft bed will make you sing again.you blow us away xxxxxxAng Des

Reply
Lindsay
3/8/2017 01:44:49 pm

Thanks for all the comments and excouragement. Crossed into Manitoba and will probably be in the US in a couple of days (New Trump rules permitting). Did notice the road deteriorate immediately across the border (5cm drop to unrideable gravel on the shoulder)

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Gavin Gault
5/8/2017 04:47:44 pm

You can probably be in Northome for the festivities there next weekend

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Catherine mcbamara
17/8/2017 08:48:17 pm

Hi Lindsay have just read through all this .... amazing, interesting, challenging and as always of you.... generous. Keep up the great work.... think of you often and trust the times coincide with when you need to dig a little deeper to keep going ..... mind the dogs xxx

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