Most times that I decide to call in at the Reader Rock Garden, it's windy or very windy. Yesterday, after a botany walk all morning, followed by a volunteer shift in the afternoon, I thought I'd call in before driving home. It had been pretty much impossible to photograph any wildflowers earlier in the day, and the wind continued while I was Reader's. I was glad that I went, though, as I realized that the Calgary Stampede starts off tomorrow morning, with the world famous Stampede Parade. The Stampede Grounds just across from Reader's were busy and noisy, as preparations were underway to open the huge Midway of exhilarating "rides", and so on. I will be on top of a high mountain plateau (way, way south of the city) that escaped the glaciers of the last Ice Age, so is covered in permafrost, and we'll be looking at the wildflowers, lichens, mosses, etc., keeping our eyes open for rare species. Sure beats the craziness that will be going on in the city : ) When our kids were very young, the Stampede was fun and an experience not to be missed, just as it is for visitors to the city, but I am happy as can be to be as far away as possible after all these years.
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