Calgary Stampede!

Calgary Stampede!

There is nothing dignified about 41 women rushing to be first of the bus at a quilt store. There is even less dignity in watching them waddle back to the bus with their purchases. What fun we have had today.

No fire alarms last night – thank goodness – so at our start this morning we were all slightly more alert.

Driving from Banff to Calgary, via Canmore (see yesterdays post) we were fascinated to see that the snow is nearly gone, already. The mountains were just as spectacular, but the fir trees are not quite so cute without the snow.

As were drove along this morning I read out the messages we have been sent so far. Thinking of home and hearing the Mother’s Days wishes was a bit of a tear jerker. We ALL appreciated the thoughts that were sent.

Calgary is flat and after being in the MOUNTAINS for four nights it looks very ordinary. Fred, local man/driver, tells us that it’s far from it. Quite a young city Calgary has few building older than 150 years as the municipal decision-makers have had the habit of tearing them down and building shiny glass towers. Still, it’s a go-ahead city with cranes towering everywhere. The Alberta Children’s Hospital is like a giant playground – all bright and jolly.

First stop Freckles quilt store. Janet & Terri welcomed us into their fabulous store. Lots of wonderful designs, fabulous fabrics and a really well laid out store. There were eight ladies trying to participate in a Saturday Sampler class, but I think they were very entertained. Several of us handed friendship squares lot of Kiwiana fabrics and other little token that we had bought with us.

Our lunch stop was fun. Tradition Pastimes is an interesting little shop with a big heart. Ronnie, a New Zealander, had been invited to be at the store today to meet with us. She has lived her for 15 years and returns home often. The crazy thing was that when she had been starting her District Nursing training she had worked with one of our group in Tokoroa. Small, small world. Lunch was catered by the Lazy Loaf & Kettle next-door. Great grub, probably more than we needed, but it was good.

My Sewing Room was our next stop. Listed as Canada’s largest quilt store they cover 8,000 sq feet. Wow. The advantage to this store was the other stores around it. Shoes, extra suitcases and fabric were the main purchase on this stop. So much for those that were going to be strong and not need two suitcases.

After a brief tour through Downtown we bid farewell to Fred and the coach and checked in to the International Hotel of Calgary. Very nice it is too. 35 stories high and originally built as apartments, it is well located for shopping (thank goodness they were closed by the time we got there) and the restaurants.

Early start tomorrow as we head back to Vancouver and the exciting bit that we have all been waiting for, THE cruise.

More later.

Ps, Keep those comments coming. It’s really lovely for those that are feeling a bit homesick. We don’t really want to be at home, we just miss you all.