Shoal Lake to Brandon

Highway 21 South was a good choice. There was very little traffic and even a hard shoulder for a good part of it. With a tailwind, the cycling was easy and the skies were blue. At Hamiota,  we stopped and made espressos beside the cemetery. We passed through the Sioux Valley Dakota community and crossed the Assiniboine River, before turning on to Highway 1.

The last 40 kms were less pleasant. The traffic on #1 was heavy and an assault on the senses after the peace of the 21. While there was a hard shoulder all the way to Brandon, it was not in a condition one might expect from the national highway. But, it was the wind that got to us again. The north wind that had helped us speed along earlier, was now battering us from the side and, when the highway turned north-east, it was partially a headwind.

To end the day we discovered a great restaurant, Lady on the Lake, where we had Manitoba pickerel, Saskatoon berry pie and Saskatoon berry cheesecake, and listened to a live Rhythm & Blues band. Oh yes, and it was margarita night!  When we got back, we received a video from Jade and Rhys, sending kisses.  Who cares about wind?

Wildlife Notes: Pocket Gophers

We are now in the traditional territory of the Treaty 2 First Nations. The Dakota Nations of South Western Manitoba are not signatory to any of the numbered Treaties.