We are staying on the horse ranch of our friends Karen and Ed Robbins in the hamlet of Priddis about 30 miles from downtown Calgary. The view out our front window is that of rolling farmland, cows and horses. Looking to the north we can see the skyscrapers in downtown Calgary.

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We missed the parade when we were here 9-years ago so made it this time. Here we are with Bob and Paula, our friends from Highland, waiting in the stands for the festivities to begin.

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The Native Americans or First Nations as they call them here, continue to have a strong presence in this area. We saw many in the parade riding their beautiful horses and dressed in their native regalia.

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Marching side by side in the parade there were more then 750 horses that according to the paper produced more then 10 tons of manure. Street sweepers decked out to look like horses, bulls and broncs were part of the parade as they kept the street clean for the more then 167 entries.

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How about this bull riding cowboy for a parade entry and...

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...this carriage being pulled by these beautiful clydesdales. Prince William and Kate were also here - they rode by in a limo prior to the start of the parade but the car was going so fast I only got a blur for a photo - guess they were in a hurry!

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Ed took us up the hill behind their house to see his neighbors herd of longhorns up close and personal.

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Every little town and hamlet in the area holds a pancake breakfast during this time and Priddis is no exception. 9-years ago when we were here, I worked the event with my friend Karen but this year we just went and enjoyed. I had to take a photo of the table next to us with their centerpiece of a can of OFF. The mosquitoes are eating everyone alive this year - we now don't leave home without a bounce sheet in our pocket!

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We took the light rail into town to Rope Square this morning to partake in the chuckwagon pancake breakfast and entertainment. These are the same wagons that we'll see race later in the week.

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Not only did we get to eat but we also got to witness the hat stomp and pancake flip contests...

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...watch the First Nations demonstrate some of their dances.

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Back at the ranch, Tryna got to play farmer and drive the tractor.

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We love seeing the horses and...

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...watching Ed work the fields.

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We've had quite a bit of rain which has led to quite a few rainbows. This one was right outside our front window.

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We piled into a van today and Karen and Ed took us on a road trip to see some of the surrounding area. As we drove through the Sik'sika reservation, Karen pointed out this powwow building and explained how she went to school with many kids from this tribe.

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Back to the Stampede grounds today. We found this torpedo saddled up so Tryna pretended she was a bronco rider!

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Bob tried to win Paula a stuffed animal at the midway and then...

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...it was time for the rodeo!

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We saw the broncos...

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...the hoop dancers...

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...the bull riders and...

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...ended our day in tipi village where we got to visit the inside of some of the tipis and...

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...were lucky enough to witness this headdress transfer ceremony.

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The fields are alive with rape or canola seed. This has been a big money crop so many farmers are planting it. Ed explained that you should only plant rapeseed in a field once every four years if you want a good crop.

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We took the Finnegan Ferry across the Red Deer River...

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...saw pronghorn in the fields...

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...this unique water park in Drumheller, where 65-million years ago immense plant-eating hadrosaurs and flesh-eating tyrannosaurs stomped through the then swampy area.

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We knew we were getting close to home when we saw the Calgary skyline.

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Tonight found us back on the Stampede grounds for the famous chuckwagon races. The same little wagons we saw in Rope Square were now being pulled by a team of thoroughbred horses and racing for big money. It's hard to explain the thrill of watching these unique races.

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The races were followed by a spectacular stage show that included dancing, music, acrobats and...

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...and incredible lighting features and aerial maneuvers that defy words.

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The finale was probably the most spectacular fireworks display that we've ever seen.

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The Millarville Church is built of spruce logs placed in an upright position and was opened in 1896. The bell was donated to the church in 1930 by the Hudson Bay Company. The church seats 100 people and continues to have an active congregation today.

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Ed's mother Laura broke her ankle a few weeks ago and was going stir crazy so Ed decided to take her out for a spin to see the horses and the garden.

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Al and Ed out with the tractor for a Sunday drive.

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