June 11 Day 16 Tompkins to Chaplin SK 172k

A long ride on a day with really pleasant weather. Even some light tail winds. Sure hoping that we get those often described tailwinds that really push cyclists long. First mosquitoes near Herbert! They could actually fly fast enough to keep up to us on hills so we got a few bites. Made Swift Current by early morning where we stopped for a coffee break at the Village Coffee Tyme on the main highway. A really nice group of three women, Jody, Janice and Sherry, who ran the restaurant, chatted with us while we ate our cinnamon roll and drank coffee. Great conversation. We took photos of them and they took photos of us. Then they paid out bill for us.! Thank you, ladies! Some really dry areas east of Swift Current with many dry ponds covered in salty deposits. In fact, Chaplin operates a salt mine. Saw lots of trains - 6 of them backed up around the Morse area. (Heaven for me, somewhat less exciting for Tug). At the campsite, we met 2 young bikers, Craig of Lethbridge and Catherine of Toronto who are also bike touring. Both are solo; he is headed to the east coast and she is going west. No showers at the camp!