Sunday, July 18, 2010

Calgary Stampede 2010


Calgary Stampede 2010
Originally uploaded by Wanderfull1
Another Stampede done gone. Today is the last day of cowboy boots and hats, jeans and attempts at two-stepping. Although, I have to say I didn't do a whole lot of Stampeding this year aside from the parade, one day on the grounds and the tail end of the friendship dance at lunchtime. It was the most eventful Stampede, photography-wise, for me.

First, there was snagging Prime Minister Stephen Harper's photo as he watched the parade and then as he was leaving. He's not the first Prime Minister I've photographed. I caught Pierre Trudeau in 1979 at James Fowler Senior High School. My Journalism Art photography class was sent there on assignment. I don't remember what the event was, and the photos I took weren't that great, but it was a big thrill. I vibrated with excitement before, during and hours after the event. Harper, not so much. I only vibrated for a half hour afterwards.

Second, were the heavy horse show and the Cowboy Up competition. My little Canon G10 performed wonderfully in somewhat less than ideal lighting conditions, but still I managed to catch some really good action. Maybe next year I'll take the 50D.

Links:

Calgary Stampede Parade 2010
Calgary Stampede 2010 scenes

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

faux forest


faux forest
Originally uploaded by Wanderfull1
Fakes trees near Olympic Plaza commemorate 100 years of parks in Calgary. These were created by a Montreal artist by the name of Rita.

You know, I could almost consider them whimsical; however, after the clear cutting of the old growth trees by the river this faux forest just seems wrong. They're made out of Styrofoam. I don't know. They kind of look like car air fresheners.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Canada Day 2010 - Millarville Races - Canadian Mohawk

There's something about Canada Day that makes me want to get out of the city. Maybe because it's really feels like summer, finally, and summer means road tripping. This Canada Day I went with my friends to the 105th running of the Millarville Races.

Every Canada Day for the last 105 years there has been horse racing in Millarville. The first horse race is usually the local ranchers. The rest are professional riders. Bets are made and lost, but it's all for fun. In between races there are foot and sack races for different age groups.

In preparation for our major vacation road trip near the end of July, my friends let me drive their SUV. We took the scenic route via High River, missed the turn to Black Diamond, and wound up somewhere close to Chain Lakes. We'll have to work on the navigational skills, I think.

The afternoon went by too quickly. Partially because of the impromptu two and half hour road trip, but mostly I think it's because they ran only 6 races instead of the usual 9.

Still, it was nice to get out of the crowded, noisy, rushing city.