YEE-HAW!

Our arrival in Calgary, Canada, co-incided with the Annual Stampede, a world-famous festival of all things cowboy - rodeo riding, chuck wagon racing, and bronco busting to name a few of the activities. Everyone at the Stampede ground seemed to want to show off in a stetson and a neckerchief, and I was no exception (pictures to follow shortly). The day we spent there started off hot and sunny, and we were soon applying Factor 30 sun cream to the backs of our necks.

We walked through the Indian reservation exhibition and admired the beautifully decorated tepees on display, with intriguing names like Debra Snow Bird over the entrance. We watched in fascination as a squaw in full traditional dress solemnly prepared buffalo meat and draped it over twigs to cook on an open fire. A brave nearby, a feather in his long plaited hair, was expertly boiling water in a blackened pot. Sadly the whole effect was spoilt when he asked, "Ma, where did you put the teabags?"

As always at these events, huge storm clouds formed in the afternoon and we had to run for cover as the heavens opened. We used this time wisely, sheltering in a bar which served Canadian beer and smoke roasted beef dinners.

The final highlight of our day at the Stampede was being sworn in as deputies of a society which celebrated mules (don't ask; it's a Canadian thing).