| by: | Linda |
| date: | 11 October 2009, 12:18 AM |
| preliminary remark: | I started writing email updates about my Trans-Canada journey in Sault St Mary, ON. This is my third update written in Medicine Hat, AB. |
Dear all,
Sorry it takes so long to notice you that I finally conquered the long stretch of countless hills in Northern Ontario and entered the wide-open expanses of Prairies where a naturally grown tree is said to be as rare a treasure as water in the desert. My progress varies day by day depending on the weather condition: in the absence of strong wind, I can keep an average speed of 25-30 km/h, whereas in the presence of head wind, I would be content with 15 km/h—but 10 km/h is not unusual.
The weather has not been very cooperative for me after I quitted Winnipeg on 28 September: notorious Prairies wind gusting at times in excess of 70km/h, pouring rain, scattered flurries, snowstorm in early October… My situation was quite miserable sometime that eventually I had to accept two rides: the first brought me to Moose Jaw, SK, the second to Medicine Hat, AB.
Friday 8 October was perhaps my most miserable day: heading towards Swift Current in cold weather (minus 13 with wind chill), I could barely ride 10 km in 90 minutes, then perhaps due a considerable loss of body heat, I began to fall asleep on my bike, had difficulty to keep balance with my frozen hands and feet. The nice fellow who gave me a ride to Medicine Hat was ready to bring me all the way to Calgary if need be, but stubborn as I am, I decided to stop by Medicine Hat for I do not want to miss the chance to visit at least one small town in Alberta.
At first I was quite disappointed about myself, only after hearing about a number of car accidents and rollovers because of icy slippy roads, had I began to consider myself lucky to be able to sit in all comfort here, writing emails, monitoring the unsettled weather of the wild rose country.
The weather is supposed to improve later next week, I may even have tail wind for a few days. Once I know there is no more danger to bike on the highway, I will part for Calgary. I plan on staying in Calgary for at least two nights to make necessary purchases at MEC—windproof gloves/mittens and perhaps winter boots to conquer glacial conditions.
More update to come.
Linda
p.s. I was told in Regina that a Swedish female cyclist was about
leaving the city and heading west on #1 highway as well: I was hoping to
meet up with her somewhere but the bad weather makes it impossible to
keep track of our itinerary.