After a very early start, 3am. We, (Ben and monkey the moose) caught the greyhound bus and went to the Calgary Stampede. We arrived just before 6am. We had a good breakfast near to the market and then headed towards the Calgary tower. It was rather strange walking through the city and seeing people going to work in cowboy hats, boots and shirts. The Stampede was fantastic. Im so glad that I went. I was impressed by the cowdoys in the rodeo, because it's so incrediably physically enduring. I watched cowboys ride their bucking horses, bare-back horses, bulls, lassoe calfs and then to make things more difficult, wrestle bulls by jumping off their horses onto the bull and then turn it on its back at speed. I loved watching the hoop dancer. I enjoyed listening to him whilst he spoke because he just seemed to radiate happiness. Sounds corny I know. I could not help but smile when I watched and listened to him and his group singing and dancing. The stock dog trails were exciting. There were many collies there and every single one of them were entertaining to watch. I would have taken pictures but the lighting in the arena was not good. I hope you like the pictures of the sheep, pigs, byson and horses. I met every single one of them and became friends. Dr Dolittle was at her best.....Gran would have been proud of me. We only saw the begining of the closing show because we had to catch the bus. We didn't get back to Banff until 1.30am so it was a very long day but it was worth every single second. Take care as always. I am going to Jasper tomorrow. Lots of Love Annie