"FRED HEADS" AND "STUPIDEST PARENTS"

Before we get into last night's Fred Eaglesmith concert, we would like to announce two awards. After much deliberation, the vote is in and the prestigious “STUPIDEST PARENT AWARD” goes to the couple below who put their two small children in front of a herd of wild moose so they could get a good photo op! Here are the kids, playing with their toys just a couple of feet from the grazing herd, also a picture of the “STUPIDEST PARENT” taking a picture of their kids playing next to the wild animals.

(These parents were also nominated for the “Wag of My Finger” and a “What Were They Thinking” awards earlier this evening.)

Next is the highly acclaimed “Best Hippie Camper” award.

Now, for Fred. I am a die hard “Fred Head” and last night was no disappointment. After his appearance on the David Letterman show (see on youtube), he is on summer tour with his new CD “Cha Cha Cha” ... 48 shows and an Atlantic cruise in 3 months. The Drake Inn is a small pub with a wooden dance floor and no extra charge for the hecklers. His new back up band, including the Ginn Sisters, really added to the show … harmonies and high heeled lace up stilettos and all.

If you like country rock and stand up comedy, check out Fred. You too can hear songs like “My Baby's Got Big Hair”, “You're Spookin' the Horses” and “When (exactly) Did We Become White Trash?” His more serious side includes my favorites “Alcohol and Pills” and “John Deere”.

THE CALGARY STAMPEDE (ALBERTA CA)

How could you be in Calgary, Alberta CA during the Calgary Stampede and not go … so we went. It is billed as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and we would have to agree. Ten days of ropin' ridin' bonco bustin boot wearin' fun for cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world competing for millions of dollars in prize money. My only regret is that the infamous "Naked Cowboy" was not in attendance.

ICE AXES & TEA HOUSES

A stunning view of the lake nestled in the snow peaked mountains … one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. You can go canoeing or spend a lazy afternoon having lunch outside the Lake Louise Chalet. You can take a leisurely 2 mile stroll along the lakeside or a longer and more strenuous hike to one of the two teahouses which offers another amazing vantage point with a long tradition. We stopped here for a pot of peppermint tea and a pumpkin chocolate chip scone.

For the more adventurous spirits … you can see it all from horseback

or from the side of a mountain like these two rock climbers (man in red holding the life line for his friend upper-center of photo).

Taking the “plunge” at Lake Louise comes in many forms. This bride and groom chose a most beautiful backdrop for their vows in front of the Lake Louise Chalet

while this “20 something” took a different kind of plunge daring her friends into the 30+ degree lake waters.

People from all over the world come here to hike, meditate, paint, take pictures

or soak in one of the three natural hot springs in the area. More on THAT later.

ALL THIS AND A MUSIC FESTIVAL TOO!

This could be the most beautiful place on the planet. Turquoise blue rivers, majestic mountains and hiking trails that let you get intimate with all of it. Banff greeted us with an unexpected music festival to celebrate the 125th birthday of the park. It was held on the grounds of the Cascade Gardens. The lineup was awesome with some of Canada's best singer songwriters and a dance band that made you get up off your blanket. The sky was bright blue and the sun helped to warm up the 65 degree temperature.

Here is a youtube link and some pics ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZwOrWQQF0A