Day 31: Stoughton to Manor (Thar she blows)

So on case there was any doubt - the weather gods are against us here in Saskatchewan. When we woke up this morning things seemed fine, but as soon as we got back on the main road the wind hit us full force. Don't get us wrong - it could be worse (and people say it often is) but relentless wind even on your side really takes a toll. However, all the extra work does help build out the muscles, as Evan so kindly demonstrated.


Wait - I thought we were building leg muscles...

After some hood solid riding, we finally reached Carlyle. First stop - the local motel. Not for accommodation, not for food, but in the never ending quest for Internet. Evan's got the routine down, sitting in the parking lot typing madly on the phone while occasionally creeping closer on attempts to get stronger signal. One good thing about rural prairie motels - unsecured Wifi. It looks a little suspicious, hanging out in the parking lot, but if it gets us the weather forecast, it's all worth it. Today with the answer was wind not letting up and an inch of rain in the forecast for the next day, we decided to give up on Redvers and instead stop at the "nice" campground at Manor. By the time we got there, we were past ready to stop and so quickly settled in.

But before we could get into our tents (and then again even after) the longterm residents returned from their shift at the drill rig - via the bar - and came to chat and wish us well. Very friendly and generous, numerous were the offers of a "warm bed in my trailer" or "take you out to my acres and feed you steak and burgers", but they couldn't understand how we could refuse. Different worlds, but we all slept very well in our cozy tents. Tomorrow is another day - Redvers and then let's see what the weather has in store fir us next.

Distance: 73.87 km
Time on bikes: 5:21:31
Average speed: 13.7 km/h
Distance from Vancouver: 2418 km
Start time: 9:30 am
End time: 6:00 pm
Wind: south-east (head-strong)


Cheers
- The Warpotay Team

Location:Manor, Saskatchewan