Day 38: (June 11) Saltcoats to Russell, MB 78.2km

We woke up camped on the beach of the campground, only to discover that there were campsites right beside us. There was a fundraising walk organized at the campground area, so we got some funny looks. Since there was no potable water at the campground, and we had become a spectacle, we packed up camp and ate a quick breakfast at the gas station. The winds were once again working against us. We stopped for lunch in a very nice little town called Langenburg. Not far after that we were in Manitoba! We pushed forward with the dream of sleeping in a hotel. There was one large valley (descent preceding a big climb), and we battled some winds (and Claire's music speaker died), but we eventually made it to the Russell Inn. Wood ticks had been a concern, so once we arrived at the hotel we did a tick check. Sure enough, Julie had a tick on her arm! She was brave and pulled it out herself. We had dinner at the pizza hut and passed out in our hotel room, happy to be in a bed!

Day 37: (June 10) Wynyard to Saltcoats 183.2km

Today we took very few pictures, as this was our furthest day of riding to date! The winds were pulling us so we took advantage and covered some ground. We got up and had an early breakfast at A&W (our favourite). We cycled until close to sunset, stopping in the small town of Saltcoats. We ate dinner at the pub in town. After dinner it was dark, and we still had to find out way to the campground. The municipal campground was less than 2km from the pub but the road was not lit and neither was the campground. We ended up camping on the beach as we could not find the campsites. 

Only picture from the day!

Day 36: (June 9) Viscount to Wynyard 117.6km

Our start was delayed by a sharp piece of metal that punctured Claire's tire. With Mr. Koller's help we were able to change the tire in no time flat!!! Today proved to be an excellent day for riding and we took advantage. The wind was at our backs pushing us forward. We stopped for lunch in Usborn at a purple hotel where we saw 2 friendly dog one of which had a tick on his nose! We continued to cycle and cycle beating the dark to our destination for the night; The Wynyard municipal campground which was not yet in full swing for the summer offering no shower nor toilets but plenty of bugs including ticks!!!!

Spot the Tick! 

Day 35: (June 8) Clavet to Viscount 58.1km

Following the 16 we battled headwinds all day, it was quite draining. Exhausted, we stopped in Viscount. This little village was pretty much closed for the night when we arrived. The bar was open at the time and so we asked where we could stay for night. A very kind older gentleman named Mr. Koller offered we stay on his lawn. We had a peaceful evening in his yard cooking fajitas with our camp stove which were so delicious!!! Mr Koller was very kind, he allowed us to shower which was much needed at this time to wash off all the dirt and sweat and sunscreen.

Day 34: (June 7) Saskatoon to Clavet 32.1km

Today we had a very slow start. We were tired from our night on the town in Saskatoon, and wanted to get some coffee and crepes at our new favourite spot, Drift. When we got to the coffee shop, we ran into Jonas and Steph, two cyclists who had been a day behind us since the beginning! We were very happy to meet them and swap stories.

loaded and ready to go after a great day off! 

meeting Jonas and Steph 

Bike rack in the prairies?

Ramona and Tim!

After a very leisurely breakfast, we headed to the grocery store on the edge of town to stock up for some more time in the prairies. By the time we headed out, it was late afternoon! We headed along 8th street East until connecting with the Highway 16. The headwinds were brutal, so we did not go far. We stopped for the night in Clavet, where we met Tim and Ramona. Tim and Ramona were two lovely people who offered their lawn for us to camp in, protected from the wind! We had fun meeting them! In the morning Ramona chatted with us and made us some delicious breakfast. We were very grateful!

Day 33: (June 6) Saskatoon Rest Day

We battled against our internal clocks and slept in a couple hours before heading to a most amazing cafe called Drift with creative crepes and good coffee. With recommendations from locals we explored the city. Our first stop was at Hard Pressed, a clothing company selling Saskatoon and Saskatchewan clothing. Next we walked to the garden in the art gallery, which had beautiful flowers. Walking along the water and across the bridge have us a nice view of the city. Saskmade, a shop selling locally made products was our last stop before dinner. Morgan, warm showers host, joined us at The Odd Couple for a delicious dinner. This was also our last evening with our cycling companion, Tristan. Later we enjoyed some live music at the Amigos Cantina by some folk bands.  

Gardens at the art gallery in Saskatoon

Beautiful old railway bridge

Our wonderful host Morgan

Our last night together with our cycling buddy, Tristan

Day 32: (June 5) Harris to Saskatoon 83.3km

When we woke up in the morning, the lady who owns the bar came out to chat wth us. She offered for us to use their facilities to wash up. She also happened to have a pet skunk that she had rescued named Zoe! Zoe was very cute, as skunks tend to be. We had a quick breakfast of wraps with PB and Nutella and got going. We battled the wind all day, but were determined to make it to Saskatoon! We enjoyed a quick lunch of our new favourite go-to: Alphaghetti.

Once we made it to Saskatoon we were very excited to meet our 3rd Wamshowers host, Morgan. Morgan was incredibly welcoming and fun. We exchanged cycling tour stories and ate pizza.

Day 31: (June 4) Kindersley to Harris 126.7km

We woke up in the Kindersley campground and made a nice breakfast. The weather and winds were in our favour, so we took advantage and rode until sunset. We stopped for ice cream in Rosetown in the late afternoon. Rosetown is a moderately sized town that can be a good place to stop if you need to recharge. We continued to the small town of Harris and were offered to camp in the backyard of the bar. We were lucky since it was getting dark and we were very tired. We refuelled with some spaghetti and beer, and met some locals! At the end of the night we just walked outside and went home to our tents. We had a great night!

Pretty consistent views in the prairies