Calgary. And just to think I've raced with "Eddie the Eagle" Edwards!

Down town Cowtown!
I have always had a bit of a fascination with Calgary, ever since I heard about the 'Calgary Stampede'. I have a bit of a fascination with cowboys, so 'Cowtown ' was definitely one on the list.

As a very generous birthday present, Laura had paid for the flights, leaving after work on Friday night and returning early before work on Tuesday morning (that was to be a long day). After work on Friday I had a few hours to kill and so, I with a few carefully selected work colleagues went for a drink or 4 in a local boozery, and after a good oiling, I met up with the lovely Laura who refused to talk to me because I had shaved my beard off. (Don't worry, it's back already).

We had an easy flight into Calgary and took a cab to the hotel.

Next morning I awoke to silent treatment from Laura as my beard had not recovered overnight. It was not until that evening that a thick enough shadow had developed that she recognised me as the man she wished to spend all eternity with. (isn't that right Laura?)

Anyhow I persevered, and Laura and I went to the Calgary skytower. Again we ascended 100's of feet just to look back at the ground again. The views were very good and it gave us a good perspective of where everything in the city was.

The one thing it didn't do was give us any idea of was, where any one was? Cowtown was deserted all weekend!

Some of this may be due to the major repair works that were being undertaken in the C-train, which meant that we had catch replacement bus services all weekend. Hey ho. Apart from that, we had no problems getting around all weekend.

On Saturday afternoon we went to a Calgary Stampeeders vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders game. I sort of understand the game. Calgary won! There was a streaker and a fight in the male toilets. More like English football than any other North American sport I have seen.

Look closely, and you can see the Streaker. Not even my zoom lens could have saved this one

After the game we went to this very cool pub for dinner. Laura watched this couple on a first date in the corner. She expertly described the psychology behind the moves and gestures. "Why then" I asked, "was our first date such a disaster?

Next morning we got up (Just) and headed to Calgary Zoo. Not only is it a zoo, but is also a prehistoric park and Gardens. Therefore, for our first hour we just saw models of dead animals. It was a relief when we realised that there were also live animals at the zoo.

I'm not usually a big fan of zoo's, but this one really impressed. I have a soft spot for bears after Living in Canada for so long. I also love the lion hat!

The Monday was, Heritage day in Alberta. (BC day in BC) and so we trotted off to Heritage park. Heritage Park is a wild west version of the Beamish museum in Northumberland. It's bigger too.

The Canadian Calvary were out in full dress to entertain us with a great show of horseman ship, in very hot weather.

A whole pioneer village had been rebuilt, with original buildings being taken down from all over Alberta and reassembled at the park. Each building had a Historian who could tell you all about all the stuff inside and about the history of the house in general. Laura actually gave a lesson to one of the staff by, describing how a turn of the century (1900, not 2000) ice ream maker worked. Laura's Mum still uses one!!! Thinks haven't really moved on all that much in the south!

The really cool bit, is it has a huge old steam train, carriages with three working train stations.

The train took us to the carnival area, where turn of the century rides, made me feel sick after my corn dog.

There was also an old paddle steamer that took ferry cruises, but we just didn't have time to do it all.

I flew back the next morning. I was up at 3.30 am. I made it until 4pm. Then I had to go home and sleep. I head a really great time. By the end of the trip, I couldn't get Laura to be quiet!

It's a funny old world!