Tour Blog
We had a blast out west on tour! What a beautiful country filled with friendly accomodating people. I guess I’ve lived in Southern Ontario for too long because I couldn’t believe how clean everywhere is!
Tour Blog 1
A quiet moment… 12:15 wst at Club Recession in Calgary. But first…how did we get here?
Day 1: Leave the hammer, say our goodbyes and then it’s silent in the van when we leave, kind of anticlimatic. Long drive to go, but we’re in good spirits. Matty drives the bulk of the night dagger style.
Day 2: Awake and driving. The sun is coming up in northern Ontario and it is unreal, Some awkward looks at the Tims in the Sault and we move on. I’m never awake at this time and it’s amazing. Mist in the mountain peeks as we drive by and everyone is asleep so I’m speechless alone. Drive along Lake Superior. The dragonflies are out by the time we stop for breakfast. “They’re our friends” says the guy at the A&W/gas station. They are huge and are getting stuck in the grill. I start counting crows and realize that’s where they got that band name, I get to 19 before it’s time for a new game. Space Truckers is on the VCR and we’re into construction delays, long stops where the highway goes to one lane. With Reg driving in the afternoon we hit a police stop, and there are at least 15 of them there. They check everything, make us open the cooler, no beer. The big guy opens the side door and does the seatbelt check, “If you guys get in an accident, HE’S DEAD” Later guys. Reg finishes strong with more rain. Matt drives the late shift again.
Day 3: Wake and drive. Alpha Galates as we move though Fort Frances, shouts to J. Roy, there’s no time to stop. On through Moose Jaw and we’re into the prairies. It’s overcast and we’re into Skindred now. More prairies and weird looks at Tim’s. Don’t look back. Clears up, cloud has stopped following us for the moment. Lake Placid’s on as it starts to rain again. More rain into AB with Way of the Gun, make our way to Club Recession (aka Ry and Tommy’s) in Calgary. Much reuniting ensues. Jam as honourary member of ’The Eddie Haskells’. Crash
Day 4 is mellow. Make our way into Red Deer for load in and a nice homemade buffet. Play two sets and people cheer when we finish songs. Strong Ontario contingent in effect.
Day 5: Wake up late and relax in RD as we have another night in town. Make use of hot tub and feel that touring is not so bad. Dinner and back to the rock. Same Ontario group plus new AB friends make us feel right at home.
Day 6: Late breakfast and we’re out of Red Deer. Brief stop in Calgary and it’s on to Canmore. Drive into mountains. Minds blown. Beautiful clear day and the rain cloud is no where in sight. Soak it in. Load into the hotel surrounded by mountains an all sides. “Most scenic load in ever.” Quick bite and then it’s more rock. Canmore is with us. By the end it is a full fledged rock show complete with mic stands being kicked into singers. This town rocks, the sound is great, and the club is packed. Needless to say, we are stoked.
Day 7: Wake up, check out, load out, square up. Walk out of Sobey’s to awesome view of mountain and realize for the 50th time today that this place is amazing. Day off so we hit the quarry. Mountainview chilling in the sun. Some people get more burnt then others. Back to Calgary in the eve for some BBQ and friendly accomo.