We didn't even need to bring a trailer for extra clothes or anything. The weather was overcast and calling for rain but we were hoping for better weather. It has been a while for some of us since we have been down Calgary way. Brenda had just been there and back the day before.There were many exciting things to occupy us on the way down. 
We saw signs of lakes and beaches, places we had either gone to as children or taken our children to as parents.
We saw things on the road. one truck was full of rusty mufflers. The drive was not so bad. not too busy and it didn't rain that much between Edmonton and Red Deer.
At Red Deer we had a pit stop in the windmill cafe for Donuts. they were so good. A nice break there, filled up the tank and after some musical chairs we were on the go again.
there was a bit more rain between Red Deer and
Calgary.
Rosemary did her unbeading in the car and Dennie warned her about bumps.
Rosemary also named all the rivers. They were of course all either the north saskatchewan the south saskatchewan or the south south saskatchewan.
We followed Jo's directions and turned west on 22x which took us past Spruce meadows which when we saw it was very exciting even though we had decided to find Jo's first and then go to the show.
We proceeded through Turner Valley and Black Diamond which are actually only about 1 Km apart form each other. The rain had slowed down considerably although it was still very overcast.
It is very pretty country. Farm fields and cattle fields, and gently rolling hills.
We saw the big rock the 'Okotoks Erratica', the largest erratica in the world! and
Erratica is a rock that has been carried and dropped by
a glacier in the prairies and this one was certainly just dropped in the middle of the prairie.
Jo's directions said that there would be a smaller rock on the corner of her road and she was just about a 1.2 mile from the corner.
and there we were, we made it with no problem what so ever. Jo was as happy to see us as we were to see her.
After off loading the shredded wheat and choosing our bedrooms and settling in Jo showed us her horses
Ruby, Iris and Sierra and the Burro Eeyore. So cute!
Then we headed back to Spruce Meadows to see the horses.
Dennie went with Jo and she pointed out things like the Observatory and the wild Mustangs that were rescued from Sufffield.
the River is the sheep River just like Rosemary said.
as we pulled closer to spruce meadows the excitement built.
It was like going to Disney Land.
That same sense of anticipation and happiness at being there. Spruce Meadows is a beautiful place with statues and fountains and pretty shops.
We asked a young lady on a Gypsy Cob where the International Ring was and she very graciously told us exactly where it was.
Right on the other side of this large market.
We were brave and went through the International bazar without hardly stopping at all and were in no time at all sitting down and watching the horses.
Jo didn't have tickets but the lady said as there was really no one there due to the rain Jo could join us, no problem.
The jumping was GREAT! The rain held off and the weather was just grey and cool.
The International ring is low on the east side of a slope and so is pretty much out of the wind and further protected by all the seating around it.
I was looking around and seeing all of the things that I had seen on TV for years.
So many times I am sure we were all holding our breath willing the horses over the jumps that seemed to fall with only a breath of wind on them. Great Britain won.
We found a place that sold fish and chips. the fish was good the chips not so much.
the pomp and circumstance of the presentation ceremony was lovely.
We all went browsing although a few of us did pick up a couple of things. From the Great Britain shop. Dennie got earrings made in Ireland and some cheese. yummy.
Rosemary got candy for her friends and family.
they wandered over through the international bazar and then over to the Equi market. they will all be there for the time that we are all down here which is good as at 6.00 they closed the places down and kicked us all out.
In a very nice way of course. we all found each other again and decided to get a few groceries first before going to eat.
The sun started to come out.
We went into Okotoks to pick up some groceries for our stay.
We passed lamas and windmills and cows and hawks. lots of hawks just sitting on the lights waiting.
Also Calgary. Calgary comes all the way out to Spruce meadows now.
at the grocery store discussed where to have dinner.
By the time we came out of the Sobeys the sun was out and the sky was blue. Lets hope it stays like that for awhile.
Jo told us about this great little reastarant 'Rylie's Cattle Barn'.
Burgers for Brenda and Barb, salad for Jo and Dennie and a steak soup for Rosemary. The food was very good and the company was better.
after a wee trip before we went home and relaxed.
We watched 'Kinky Boots' The coyotes were out in full force which of cousre got the neigbourhood dogs going.
A baby owl who had not learned to who yet competed with the coyotes for attention.
The night was still clear and we were all hoping for good weather tomorrow.
Jo and Dennie brought in Eyorre and Iris for the night. to the barn not the house.
Sleep came easy.
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