Calgary - sights and scenes

A bit of free time downtown

Lou is getting into the spirit!

Music and dancing in the streets

We heard that the town is "Cowboy" for the 2 weeks of Stampede-

then everyone returns to normal.

Wonderland Sculpture

It is about 39 ft. tall, meant to represent young people's dreams 

in the province (Alberta). It's a unique sculpture that can be viewed 

from the inside. 

The BOW Building is a  world acclaimed crescent shaped skyscraper in Calgary.

Back at the fairgrounds we are able to view some of the other events.

The Motocross exhibition is pretty crazy!

Stunt dogs are a popular show.

These dogs are all rescue dogs and have been trained to do all sorts of tricks-

weaving thru the poles in the view, jumping into a pool, juggling with frisbees.

We loved the Canadian Minature Horse Show

These beautiful animals are easier to train, feed, keep, 

and they are a delight to watch!

These are the real 'work horses'.

Lovey animals used for centuries to settle the lands.

Unique sculptures everywhere.

The Chuckwagon Races

This was probably one of our favorites.

3 of these chuckwagons (with 4 horses each) did a simultaneous barrel race 

around the 3 barrels, 

then around the race track.

Very exciting to watch!

They are just starting, and trying not to touch the barrels.

The final home stretch - purple wagon clearly in front!

A great day,  (long) and a night view of the Calgary Tower

where we had breakfast this morning 

on the floor that rotates 360 degrees while you eat.

 

Calgary Stampede - The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

And "The Greatest Crowd " 

just to get in.

Last year there were 1.4 million visitors for the festivities.

One of the more interesting outfits.

Our tour provides reserved seats - in the middle, right up high.

(Pictures are hard to take!)

Junior Bull Ride

Bull Riding

Saddle Bronc Riding

Barrel Racing

Kids and the wild ponies.

(The ponies won)

Steer Wrestling

Display of the horses they keep and breed on the Alberta ranches 

for working in the Stampede.

Quite a day - watching all the spills. tumbles, and victories.

Our tour package includes all the train tickets we need to go from the 

"campground" to the Fair Grounds.

It generally takes 30  to 40 minutes for the train to Stampede grounds, after a 10 minute walk from our camper.

All in all it is A LOT of walking for the 4 days we were at the fair.

We should be in better shape after all this!

Our 'campground' looks like an RV lot!

They provide electric, wi'fi',water refill (if needed) and a 

"honey bucket" sewer service half way thru the time.

A great time was had by all!