July 18, 2013 Calgary, Alberta, Canada

We spent 3 wonderful days in Calgary, visiting with old friends Gwynn and Fero, and touring around the area.  We were surprised to find that Calgary is huge, with a population over 1 million.  It was recently flooded by the Bow River, which runs right thru the city center, just before the Calgary Stampede, which is a huge event.  Amazingly, in just 2 short weeks, the volunteers went into 24-7 mode and got it all cleaned up and ready in time.  The downtown is clean and sparkling again, with a street that is now a pedestrian walk.  Lots of art, lots of businesses. We enjoyed the city tour, and we enjoyed the tour guides!  (thank you, Gwynn and Fero...)

Although we have no pictures of it worth posting, our campground is on the site of the 1988 Olympic winter games, and is situated on the side of a tall hill so that we had a view of the city below.  These were the olympics when Eddie the Eagle made his appearance, for those who remember him.  The winter sports venue is still active as a training centre.  (oh yes, center is centre here...  and napkins are serviettes...  french and british heritage)

The one thing that remains firmly fixed in my brain is the endless fields of brilliant yellow rapeseed flowers, acres and acres of them.  In full sunshine, they practically glow, they are so bright.  No matter how many pictures we took, none of them do justice.  Now I know where canola oil comes from...

Gwynn and I chatting on her swing in her back yard.

Gwynn & Fero's back yard.  Delightful spot!

Bubba and two foxy ladies down in Bragg Creek visiting friends.

This is just incredible, the acres and acres of brilliant yellow blooms.
It is rapeseed, from whence comes canola oil.

Downtown Calgary.  Nannie and Gwynn.

Two studly guys hanging around with the horsies.

Calgary Tower.

Front yard of Gwynn & Fero's house.

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