12. The Calgary Stampede

Svan and I still have some way to go before competing with the Pros..like these guys below:

The cowboys are certainly taking their life into their hands riding these beasts...these rampaging bulls weigh in at between 1200 to 1400 lbs and would love nothing better than sending these cowboys back to the ranch in a box!

What better way to make new friends than over a couple of "quiet" drinks after the show??

Day 2 evening's entertainment consisted of "chuck wagon" racing, which by all accounts used to be pretty ferocious with many more than the current 4 wagons hurtling round the track at the same time.  The drivers were even allowed to throw missiles at the other wagons!  The resultant carnage ended with many injuries and even fatalities to both horses and drivers! As a result this "old style" of racing has now been banned in the USA and unfortunately has been watered down so much In Canada that it all now appears pretty tame, especially when compared with the rodeo, although the drivers still get to race for a $100,000 first prize! This "pony" show was then followed by the "main event" a megolothic, theatrical masterpiece by the name of "Volte".  Again this flattered to deceive as it resulted in a mish mash of different styles set to what was actually a very simplistic story.  Whilst no expense had been spared it all seemed way OTT with fireworks and stunts thrown in at every opportunity! 

With all that said the trampolining acrobats and strong men were pretty cool! ;)

So if the get the chance to go to a rodeo I highly recommend it - and if you're in Calgary the Stampede is meant to be the largest if not the best!!