Saturday August 29th, Peter Macklon’s driveway, Calgary AB

No trains….we had a wonderful quiet campsite, and after 2 trains passing in the early evening, that was it for the night.

Then back on the road and more very productive and interesting cropping and farmland. Stopped in the town of High River, and wandered around the older part of town. Called into a really good gallery (Two Feathers) featuring quality Indian art, and were lucky enough to meet the owner and artist Rocky Barstad. He was very happy to chat with us and talk about his Indian heritage, www.rbarstad.com It was a wonderful stop.

Then we set Jilly to take us into the heart of Calgary, a city of over a million, to visit Peter and Lynne Macklon. We met them last year in Nova Scotia and have continued corresponding with them and have helped them organise a trip to NZ in December.

Although it was a Saturday, the roads were really busy and it took all of our concentration to follow Jilly through the maze of motorways. Ian was extremely relieved to pull in safely at Peter’s. Their home is in a really quiet neighbourhood, but is close to the city and the university where Peter works.

It was wonderful to catch up with them again. They had heard about an open day at the new facilities for the University’s Veterinary faculty, so we popped out to have a look. It is an amazing structure and we wandered through the different areas from small animals to equine, the teaching equipment they have is superb.

Then collected some food as we were invited to join Peter and Lynne at a farewell for one of Lynne’s workmates on a small lifestyle block north of the city. Lynne is a lab technician and we had a great evening, chatting with her workmates. Surprised to talk to a number who have visited NZ.