The evening then ended with a fantastic water fight, just to cool things off...Seb and Cassie v Warren and Kevin and Kristie.
Monday 3rd
Calaway Park today, meeting Wendy and her family there, and will go on a few rides in the theme park. Seb has us going on the log ride first up!
After a few rides I started to feel a little ill, so sat out and watched. The kids had an absolute ball.
Dinner was at Wendy that evening, where she and Mark had whipped up some very tasty burgers.
Another water fight ensued after dinner, this time with her kids involved as well.
Tuesday 4th
Drumheller today. Dinosaur time.
I had been told to try and get to Drumheller as it was supposed to be amazing, and it was.
Set in the badlands, you descend into another time as you arrive, dropping to the river bed and winding up the valley to the museum.
We spent a few hours in there, looking at everything.
On the way home we stopped in town and had mini-doughnuts in the shadow of the world's largest dinosaur.
Wednesday 5th
I took the CTrain into downtown Calgary today, partly to do a bit of shopping and also to explore the city. Jumping off in downtown, I made my way to Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) to look for some more bike gear, but they didn't have what I needed in stock.
I found another Chinese buffet for lunch and had a haircut in the afternoon. Took in the Calgary tower and its glass floor.
This evening we went to Bowness park after dinner, to make a fire and cook marshmallows for s'mores.
Delicious!
Thursday 6th
Warren was working today so I went into Kensington with Kristie and the kids, they were going swimming, I was going exploring. It was another hot day so the water must have been a relief.
This evening we headed out to Bragg Creek for a braai (BBQ) with Mary.
What a lovely setting; rivers to play in, stones to skim, rapids to watch. And mostly mosquito-free.
After dinner Warren suggested we head up to Elbow falls for a quick look. The evidence of the flood of 2013 is still there, park benches half buried in the debris.
Friday 7th
Parade and Stampede day today!
The Reaper household was suddenly full of cowboys and girls, both big and small.
We arrived downtown in time to see the procession, and after an hour or so, made our way into the Stampede grounds.
How brilliant is this show? Every food under the sun is available, some recipes possibly a bit suspect, but most tasted very good.
Livestock parades, dog shows, rodeos, an Indian village, fairground rides, cotton candy - and everyone dressed in denim with a cowboy hat. Classic!
Dinner was once again at Wendy and Mark. Mary had bought some boerewors from the South African store and we had some very tasty food that evening.
We managed to catch the Stampede fireworks from a viewpoint off Centre St.
Saturday 8th
Today was all about the Stampede breakfast. Pancakes, Spolumbo sausages, coffee and orange juice, and live music.
What a way to start a day.
I hit the Stampede again today, alone, and watched a few events: cattle penning, Cowboy Up, Sheep Dog herding trials, a stunt dog show, and then in the evening, the Grandstand Show, with Chuck Wagon racing, a brilliant musical show, ending off with the most amazing fireworks ever!
It was just the most amazing and awesome day!
Sunday 9th
I had planned to leave Calgary today, but I wasn't quite ready.
I had a quiet morning in the house while the family went shopping, then packed my bags and had an early evening.
What a variety of amazing experiences. Just stunning.
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