Ride on, Highway Cat !!: So long Hwy 1. So long...sob.

Day 19, White City - Melville, Sask.
Dist. 145 km, Avg Spd 21.1 km, Saddle Time, 6:52
06 05 2011

I woke up to supercold temperatures again. It Poured heavy over the night. I stayed pretty much dry, but my site was muddy. After a hot shower, I went through my typical painstakingly slow pack up.
I went to the Schoolhouse for one final Google time. I wanted to confirm that my route was flood free. I was worried about today's ride as there is much flooding around. I was unsure on the route to take. I got some info, but not enough to stop me, so, I headed out.
Not far up the road I met another 2 wheeled traveller. I think his name is Ken . (He'll be mad as hell if I'm wrong) His set-up was diferrent. a low end mountain bike with waterproof Axiom panniers with a huge dry bag on the back rack. He told me that this was all he owned. He is hauling a laptop and does some writing, not sure what kind of writing. Maybe he writes about his touring with a little Science Fiction mixed in. He also told me that he toured Australia and flew to Regina to ride to Halifax. He's basically been living on his bike for 15 years. I was very happy to meet this cool'ol scruffy looking Hobbit guy. I gave him my blog card and we took some pics shaked hands and moved on.
A bit of a change up is at hand. I am leaving the comfort of Hwy 1. I took the 35 to the Hwy 10 to Melville. (I heard that it's not safe on #1 to Ontario.) The 35 was a rough old farm road. I stopped to talk to 2 guys at the side of the road (it was pretty barren otherwise) They were very interested in my ride and offered me some water, but I was topped up just fine.
Highway 10 was a huge improvement. The last 40 km had a headwind. I guess the wind and rougher road got to me because I was feeling sluggish and restless.
I checked out the Regional Campground in Melville and was dissapointed. It was an unsecure facility. Anyone can walk in and take stuff. It was quite large and had maybe 2 campers. It felt wrong. Also, the Mosquitos are Evil as Hell !! I bailed and went to the local pathetic motel.
And holy crap, it's pathetic.. Today's word is "Pathetic" boys and girls.

Crazy Ken ? Very Cool Guy, Lifetime traveller...Ride On Sir !!

Hey, I get my pic taken, thanks Ken !! A rare pleasure. Highwaycat was sleeping in the handlebar bag

Grain Silo. Lots of these

Roadside cleanup crews around

Off the Trans Canada. Bizzarre welcome diversion indeed.

That's one ugly something-or-other !

No doubt a rocking place at one time

The engine is fine. The computer chip is corrupt though

yup

Lunch break ! I was HUNGRY and drew some attention from the locals. An old timer in the back just sat and stared straight ahead. It was strange. (Stephen King Novel) An older woman kept her eyes fixed on me as I shovelled the vittles into my furnace hole. Ha Ha, I enjoyed the spectacle.