Cow Town, Cow Town

We were ready to depart The Hat, as is our practice, at the crack of dawn. Still on Ontario time so it's really a hairline fracture that isn't actually all that early for the likes of us.

Before leaving The Hat, though, we checked out the pooch-swimming place recommended by aforementioned wonderful Comfort Inn people. I can now, with utmost confidence, state that The Hat has the best off-leash dog park in the galaxy. I offer as evidence the series of photos below. 

Wide open spaces, badlands style - perfect backdrop for the most photogenic girl in the world (just sayin')

Excellent creek with enough current to be crystal clean and give H a good work out.

Loving the splashing and bubbles and stuff

Situated in a valley beneath the Saamis Tepee - world's largest apparently. Photos below don't do it justice.

Largest Tepee ever - in The Hat

H's Littlest Hobo impression

  

And, just to prove that we are in Calgary, herewith a  shot of Olympic Park ski jump venue and a wild rose, both taken from hotel parking lot. I've seen it many times and still can't believe that humans hurtle themselves down that thing. 

Olympic park - ski jump as seen from Sandman Hotel. Much, much scarier up close.

Hard to see in the pic that I took, so here's a professional one, cadged from the web:

Yikes!

Wild Rose Country

While in Calgary, we are very lucky to have a chance to dine with the ever erudite Pierre and Anthony. AND, looking forward to coffee with Professor Sarah before heading off to Banff tomorrow morning. 

Finally, since it's Stampede season in YYC...

Hailey and I make a special appearance in the Stampede -
We're at the back on the left... see us?