Today was a rest day. Since we wont get to Calgary in time for their internationally-renowned Stampede, we took a day out to see the (not quite so) Famous Williams Lake Stampede. In comparison, both Williams Lake, the place, and the Williams Lake Stampede, are a fraction of the size of Calgary. [1] [2] In fact, we struggled to identify the “downtown” area, until we realised that there wasn’t one: just a string of motels, stores and other businesses, strung out along the highway. [3] The Stampede, nevertheless, attracts professional competitors from all over Canada and the US, and one from Australia lending an international flavour to the proceedings.

Rodeo is nothing if not unpredictable, and the action is fast. [4] We took plenty of photos, some better than others. Here is a selection of the least blurred shots. (Hover over the photo for a description, and click for an enlargement.)