Calgary

On the ride from Medicine Hat to Calgary we pulled off for a break from the wind and chatted with Troy  who was riding a Harley Road King. He had come south from Rocky Mountain House in pouring rain just the day before to pick up Stephanie and they were on their way to Banff for an over nighter. Someone else is clocking up the miles this summer.

The  last  time I was in Calgary was 7 years ago and I thought it had grown too fast then! Well it's hugeness has continued to expand. The reason to come here at all was to catch up with long time friends Jim and Gerry, who we were fortunate to see briefly in NB in May and my second cousin Vonda, her husband Ernie and son Cole.

We were able to get out to Glenmore Park for a walk about and bird watching the first evening after a Chinese supper.

Jim is actually a very knowledgeable bird watcher and volunteers at the Wild Bird Store by taking those interested on weekly walks to familiarize themselves with western residing feathered friends.

The next day our hosts were gracious in driving us around town to 3, count them, 3 different quilt stores and keeping us out of the afternoon showers with a visit to the Chinook Mall. Gayle- so much gratitude for the quilt shop hop and for taking me for my second Starbucks chai latte of the trip. 

Even though the skies looked threating, Gayle was game for taking the bike across town to enjoy Vonda's offer of supper. The traffic was a challenge for us on the bike because these city types do not want to respect a bikers right to space and safety. Thank goodness for the onboard Garmin GPS. We arrived a little late just as it started to rain, but we had time to get on to the deck and inside before the thunder and lightening really gave us the weather's worse. It truely was a torrential downpour!

A most tasty supper and enjoyable conversation with Vonda, Ernie and Cole. They are not regretting    their move from Halifax to Calgary several years ago and are already proud Calgarians. (Ernie is a city employee with the water labs) interesting to see Cole growing up so fast! (We haven't seen him since he was an infant) He was most engaged with his toys and the thunder and lightening when it brought on the rain. It does my heart good to see the younger generation make choices to move forward. Thanks for having us over for a too quick visit. Be well.

Ernie, Cole and Vonda Hare

It was suggested that we stop and play tourist on the way north by checking out the Bass Pro shop at Cross Iron Mills near Airdie. The colossal store has many stuffed large game samples throughout the place, as well as a BIG aquarium stocked with western species of sought after game fish. I can't begin to tell you what they stock for the out of doors enthusiast! WOW.

Check out the biker chick with the reflective patches on her clothing.( that helps me find her when we are out and about.) :)

It has been hard saying our good byes to family and friends alike, but we are thankful for being allowed to share some time with each of them. 

Jim and Gerry St. Laurent sending us on our way to Alberta's capital city.