Monday

Day 1: You'd think the story starts at 3.30 am, you'd be wrong. It really starts at 11 the prior night. I can sleep anywhere - but packed and ready at 10 I can't sleep. This might make for a long tomorrow.

3.50 am: this is when you expected it to start and start it does as I splash magic cushion on my new sweatshirt - thus ensuring I will have the pitchy scent to keep me company for the next 14 hours. This stuff doesn't wash out. "fucking hoof packing!" I exclaim. "I don't think it can fuck." jenn replies. My, someone is with it at this hour, but it's not me.

We load, we leave, I forget the bike. Not that I remember this until later. The remainder of the drive is fun, smooth, fast, uneventful and beautiful.the dogs are mad they haven't had a good walk yet today, but otherwise the world is chill. Sloane Crosley entertains us and Tami works on kicking her cold.

Our arrival is entertaining. We can't find our stalls anywhere. We wander the aisles of the bubbles weeding through the great and the good, looking for two stalls amongst the multitudes. Separately we find the stabling chart at the same time, still nothing- then I see 'masters'. That can't be right Tami says, that's right here, behind the pub, barn c. Ahhhh the upside of only two horses. The horses are settled. We go to the Super 8 and settle ourselves. It is beside Wal-Mart, I can hear Christine R shuddering three states away. In Calgary, with all the daylight outside, I can sleep.

Also of note, the 7-11 on the way to the hotel - exact replica of the one by my mom's house, the same asian couple even appears to run the place. I'm a little creeped out, but at least I know where to find the candy.