Day 7 Calgary, Canada

After a good nights sleep, we all took a bus tour to Heritage Park, Calgary, Canada's Largest Living History Museum. 

We arrived at 12:30 and had a very delicious lunch at the Selkirk Grille before beginning our tour. 

Our tour guide took us a walking tour of the area. We begin at the train station and proceeded to the historical village. The buildings are all original - most of them moved from other places. We visited the Opera House, the Bakery (had to buy some cookies!), the Post Office, the Town Hall, the Wainwright Hotel, St. Martins Church and the Rectory. Some of us took the train ride around the area.

Last but certainly not least, we visited the Gasoline Alley Museum. It contains a very large collection of restored antique cars and trucks. It includes the McIntyre touring car, the only restored car of its type in existence and the 1922 Grey Dort, considered to be the first Canadian made vehicle. Most of the collection was donated by Ron Cary. There is also a large collection of vintage gas pumps. Many oil company names were represented in the globes and logos.

This was a very enjoyable and informative tour. I could have stayed all day.

Submitted by Rig # 7

Pat & Carol

We had a special event tonight. The Buddy Bear was given to Caroll & Pat. Below was the presentation by Chris and Daune:

This is the story of a fuzzy black bear;

He was brought by the wagon master for all of us to share.

He’s cuddly and he’s cute and a joy to behold;

But that’s not his purpose, or so I’ve been told.

He’s goes to a person who does something nice;

Without hesitation - - without thinking twice.

Someone who helps with somebody’s woes;

And makes life easier  - - and that’s how it goes.

Someone who brings joy with a moment’s surprise;

And brings a broad faced smile to all gals and guys.

Or to someone who helps with a real problem or task;

And pitches right in without being asked.

Jessie was the first to be given the bear;

For his work on the awning on the coach over there.

We’ve had the honor of sharing his stay;

But the time has now come, to give him away.

We’ve kept him real clean and slobber free;

Sebastian didn’t chew on him as you all can see.

And we didn’t smoke around him so he wouldn’t smell;

‘Cause we knew if we did, we’d be chastised to hell.

So to whose home does he go now - - where will he stay;

There’s a couple among us who have shown us the way.

When my legs gave me trouble and were hurting one day.

And kept me from going with all of you to play.

My wife went unescorted - - while I stayed at home;

To the Stampede she went by herself, all alone.

One couple adopted her - - took her under their wing;

And let her go with them to see everything.

They didn’t have to do it but they did their part;

They shared of their time - - they opened up their heart.

So that Daune had some company as she went through the day;

They didn’t have to be asked, that is just their way.

And Daune enjoyed being with them - - and they really did care;

It made up the difference of me not being there.

So it’s time to pass on this symbol of joy;

You see Buddy Bear is really much more than a toy.

It’s a way of saying, thank you and more;

Your reward is having the little guy to adore.

And who is this couple of whose praises I sing;

I’m happy to tell you - - and there is one more thing.

We’ve known them for two years from a previous tour;

Where we shared the beauty of Newfoundland’s shore.

So let’s recognize this couple, for that’s where it’s at;

And give a round of applause to Carol and Pat.

Caroll, Pat, Daune, Chris and Buddy Bear