We have had some spectacular days since we started this epic journey. This was not one of them.
It took 38km before we had no refineries or major industrial sites in close view. It was cold and windy and the heavy clouds stayed with us until the last few kilometres. We added 15km to our planned 91km route thanks to construction detours and a washed out bridge. At about 45km on thick sandy gravel we were thinking it could be worse – it could be raining. Then it rained.
Two highlights – we passed the junction in the Trans Canada Trail that heads up to the Yukon, and the drivers. Much of the time on gravel roads we travelled in single file on the only firm track we could find – whatever side it was on. Drivers patiently sat behind us until we realized they were there, or slowly passed us on the wrong side of the road. They all had a smile and a wave.
The famed dramatic prairie skies finally opened up with about 10km to go – around the same time we had a bit of a tail wind. The combination will make us come back for more tomorrow.
Dinner in Smoky Lake (the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta) was a tasty burger served on a paper plate with plastic knives and forks. And wine from a box. We were too tired and hungry to care.
Today’s distance: 105km
Total distance: 2,531km
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Fort Sask’s funky water tower 
Left to Head up to the Yukon, right to continue to east coast 
Lots of farmers have oil wells on their properties 
Bron fell a little bit in love with this mare 
Sheltering from wind and rain behind a tractor for a quick lunch stop 
Washed out bridge. Detour. Sums up our day 
Taking on a harvester 
Prairie skies came to life late in the ride 
Truck water filling station 
Iron horse trail under heavy skies 
Finally – sunshine and a green field 
Sunset Smoky Lake 
105km
Trans Canada Epic 
Awesome!!
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