today was a rest day in calgary.  we met mitch the cpa guy and barry the mover and shaker who got us the stampede tickets and food tickets.  he also had us announced during the intermission at the actual stampede!  the stampede was great! all the people, rides, games, exhibits and of course the stampede competitors,  unfortunately one bull rider fell off and got stomped on his head by the bull, he apparently is alright and quote" got his chickens scrambled" and maybe a broken jaw.  the calgary princesses were beautiful obviously.  somehow we stumbled into the arena where the world championship stock dog competition was.  we got to see some of the world's best dogs and handlers herd three sheep around obstacles and into a small pen.  this was simply awesome!?! really it was! we also met russ and mark.  we all bought cowboy hats, of course, and had a great time.  later at about 8pm brian and i rode for about an hour to knock off some of the 290 km distance to medicine hat, alberta tomorrow.