Big Day and Night at the Calgary Stampede

What a day it was in Calgary yesterday, from barns and mud to splendor and a massive stage show unparalleled in slick stage presence. Started the day checking out the barns where the horses for the chuck wagon races are kept. Chuck Wagon racing is not as it sounds, it is fast and thrilling and fraught with danger and outriders. Skill and knowledge is needed to do the course and get to the finish.

Last evening I dinned at Ranahans, the premium private venue located in the Grandstand of the Stampede. Western dress and great food in a beautiful space is heaven. Then I got up close and at the rail for the actual races to shoot hundreds of photos of the harried and hectic chuck wagon heats.

Ended the night with a show that blew me away, stage spectacles and fireworks mixed in with talent made it an extravaganza. This was one memorable day and just day three of the http://calgarystampede.com/
, seven more to go. Packing up and headed to a little road trip to Banff and then my base for the next two nights at the Rocking R Ranch. Time to saddle up!