Sunday October 5

Taste, Sand Mandala, Taste, Todd Butler, Hot Springs

Woke up with no pressures at all to-day. Had my morning rituals of vitamins and went to discuss the room with Keith Macdonald. We made an arrangement where I pay for one day at the original rate ( a deal) and the next day free again. This was exactly what I had hoped for, and my wishes became my reality.

I went over to the Taste of Banff event hoping to meet Bill Hammond. I did and after a short discussion he introduced me to the Producer of the event Mr. Steve Hansen. Steve and his wife Judy have been doing these type events around the world, and I told him about my strategy for the Great Millennium Experience. Time will tell if these are the right people to work with, but they certainly have the right experience and are also Buddhists, a discipline that I respect highly and would like to work with people like this if given the choice.

Ran into Ted Hart and set up a meeting for Monday afternoon to be confirmed Monday morning.

Attended the Breaking up of the sand Mandala ceremony. Relaxed for some of the day. Went a got Business cards made. Tracie gave me the story on the local politics and some insight into the problems that Banff is experiencing with Ms. Copps. News to me. Sheila has always been such a farsighted being, always operating with the highest of integrity. I was specially touched by her "grabbing the bull by the horns" when I requested her to ask CBC to include sustainability in its policy making. Probably a difficult task given she was Minister of Environment and had to research the meaning and implications of my request.

At the "TASTE" exhibit, met Craig who works at the Banff Springs Hotel. He is a photographer, and he asked if he could take a photo of me. We are going to explore in the morning. He also gave me the name of the right person to see at the Banff Springs Hotel.

Also got the name of the correct person to meet at the Tourism Bureau - the Executive director Greg McKnight.

Heard that they have a squash court at the Douglas Fir Resort - Ask for Dan. Hope to play a game before I leave. Left message - not to happen. Boo.

Met the singer/entertainer Todd Butler at the "Taste" and had a short discussion with him. He is going to consider doing some songs on the info I feed him. I did not get his no. but maybe I can get it from Steve Hansen. Back to the hotel for a quick nap and then I went up to the Banff Hot Springs for a hot tub. I learned that the locals use the Rim Rock Hotel Bus as their personal shuttle so I tried it. I felt a little guilty as I just walked on and did not bother to tell my story. I got over this very quickly. At the Springs, (I met Norm Anderson who is both a musicians and a production guy for live performance. We shared many stories, and he was kind enough to give me a lift back down to the Hotel . He invited me to a wedding party, at Wild Bills. I went back to my room to drop off my wet clothes. I put my head down for five minutes and did not wake up for several hours. - party missed.