May 31 – Steinbach Manitoba & it’s getting chilly….

The longish ride through Saskatchewan farm lands was pleasant and it saddened me to leave. It must be a very wealthy Province as many of the ranches and farms boast meticulous yards and entrances to their properties.
Along the way I saw lots of hawks plus a big coyote with the bushiest tail I’ve ever seen. I've seen some interesting road signs too, including today's winner "Forget". I waited for a follow-up but there was none, however the graffiti on a roadside brick building declaring Joe Erickson is a wife beater gave it a run. Shortly after those finds I encountered a construction zone not unlike some of the ones in Alaska, complete with watered down mud and rocks. I was glad for my experience in riding through them but the bike now looks like crap and really needs to be washed.

The final few miles through Saskatchewan's eastern end began to lessen in appearance and when I crossed over into Manitoba the change was dramatic, especially the condition of the roads. The closer I got to Winnipeg the nastier they became; to the point I was tempted to stop just to give my innards a rest from all the jarring and bumping. I decided against that as it was getting late in the day and I needed to find a place for the night. Have I mentioned I carry a can of Anti-Monkey-Butt Powder? No? Well I do, I use it and I highly recommend it. Those who are interested can find it on Aerostich's website: http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html
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Anyway I’m in Steinbach for the evening, sequestered in the newer Days Inn, better of the two choices in accommodations available. It’s pricier than what I’d like but the other place looked scary and I didn’t feel like slumming it tonight. There’s a Pizza Hut conveniently located next door so I’ve topped off my acid indigestion tank and will await the predictable outcome.

On the downside the weatherman continues to deliver grim forecasts, particularly regarding the eastern seaboard area. Last night snow fell just above Ontario and cold rain was the norm beyond that all the way to the coast. Ugh. I’ll be watching it closely for the next day or so and may decide to take a more southerly route if it doesn’t let up.

Overall today's ride was comfortable for the most part, less frantic winds but late afternoon temps dropped and I stopped to add a light pullover to the mixed bag I’ve been wearing. I also traded the summer gloves for the winter ones and switched on the heated grips. Nice and toasty stuff.

The good news is my tiny little notebook PC is working just fine and I had no trouble getting on line. Last night it was impossible and I was afraid I’d pushed the wrong button and really screwed things up. This room I'm in comes with a fine refrigerator and the ice machine is conveniently located. I think I like this place.