Cypress School

A little country school that was open from 1900-1958.

The concrete well cap can be seen midway between the school and the fence.  Also, on the right, are the remains of a foundation where a teacherage once stood.

Photographed north of Elkwater, Alberta on November 26, 2022.

Day Five - Sclater

The rain had stopped overnight but looking out the motel window the sky was still gray and overcast.  The air was damp and cool as I packed up and drove to a nearby restaurant for breakfast.  A western omelette seemed the perfect way to start the day (which turned out to be true).  By the time I finished eating and having a chat with the folks at the table next to mine it was already late morning.

I knew I wasn't going to make it any great distance that day so decided I'd be happy to reach Dauphin before dark with, of course, several stops for old churches and cemeteries along the way.

Just past noon I turned off the highway in the direction of Sclater.  The tree-lined road had several curves and about a quarter mile around the last one I could see the peak of a roofline and a cupola.  

I had arrived at Saint Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church...complete with bell tower.  The church is in poor condition at best and most likely won't be standing upright much longer.

Back in the car I looked at my map and realized I had driven right past the cemetery.  You know, sometimes concentrating too much on one thing makes one miss the obvious...I'm sure you know what I mean.  Such was the case so back up the road again and around that last curve was not one but two cemeteries!  

The larger of the two was Saint Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery (which is also known as Sclater Pioneer Cemetery).  There are burials here as recent as 2018.

Just across the road is the tiny Our Lady of Snow Catholic Cemetery.  The most recent burial here was in 1989.  It was nice to see that someone still cuts the grass at both cemeteries.

My next locations were back up towards the highway but first I wanted to see the original location of Sclater.  On the way there I found another church not far from Saint Michael's Church.

This is Our Lady of Snow Catholic Church.  

The timber stretching across the width of the building is probably the only thing holding the church together.  The text translates as "Holy Mother of God Pray for Us" and is as appropriate now as it was then.

Now, down the road to Sclater.  I stopped at the crossroads were it was supposed to be, or have been, but there wasn't anything there...not even a sign.  A bit of a disappointment but so it goes...now back up to the highway for my last known location in the area.

This is Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.  The most recent burial here was just a couple of years ago in 2020.  

It's very nicely kept with a metal sign and large steel crucifix.  (Personally, I like when the cross is painted black...makes a statement.)

Leaving the cemetery I hadn't traveled more than a few hundred feet when I saw the remains of yet another church; this time on the other side of the highway.  Some later research proved it to be Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church.  Sadly it is on the brink of total collapse.

As it turned out there was lots to see around Sclater.  None of the churches here will last much longer but the cemeteries are in fine condition.

Then it was back on the road to continue my day's adventure...lots of history to see in Manitoba.

Made it to Dauphin just as the sun was going down.  I had phoned my motel of choice previously to reserve a room and was greeted warmly upon arrival...a home away from home.  And since I skipped lunch, supper was long overdue.  There's a great little pizza place downtown.      

Information courtesy of the Manitoba Historical Society and Find A Grave.

Photographed near Sclater, Manitoba on October 12, 2022.

Mister Jed

Mister Jed sits calmly beside the front door of Daisy's house in Elkwater and offers a warm welcome...he's happy to see you.  

Jed was a long-time companion to Daisy and had just the sweetest demeanor.  He was often referred to as an "old soul" and that's a description that fit him like a glove.     

And boy-oh-boy did he like to play fetch.  He'd tear after the ball, grab it up then rush back and drop it right at your feet...ready to go again!  

One time some years ago I was dog-sitting Daisy and Jed at their house in Medicine Hat.  It was wintertime and bitterly cold but we still went out for short walks then back to the house to warm up in front of the fireplace.  One night I was curled up on a two-seater couch watching TV when Jed, who was of considerable size, decided he wanted to cuddle.  He jumped up and somehow inched his way in between me and the back of the couch with his head just inches from mine...time to snuggle.  Didn't I say he was just the sweetest guy.

He passed away not so many years ago but is fondly remembered by all.  

Jed made everyone's life better.

Special thanks to the Sodero family for keeping Jed's spirit alive by commissioning this handsome sculpture.  

"Mister Jed" was carved by Marina Cole of Chainsaw Spirit in Irvine, Alberta.

Photographed in Elkwater, Alberta on November 25, 2022.

Day Four - The Road from Le Pas to Swan River

And the forecast was right...I woke up to the sound of rain on the roof.  I hadn't made any big plans the previous evening so a drive in the rain sounded like a nice way to spend the day.  After a bagel and coffee in the hotel breakfast room I collected my things and decided to head northeast to Le Pas, Manitoba. 

The highway out of town was smooth and wide...clear sailing.  Well, that is until it abruptly turned into a much narrower, wet gravel road where the traffic was mainly eighteen-wheelers and cargo trucks.  Wasn't too crazy about that but eventually the road switched back to pavement where it was, again, clear sailing all the way to Le Pas.

The rain stopped while I was enjoying a large bowl of seafood jambalaya in town but as soon as I was back on the road the heavens poured down once again and continued all the way to Swan River.  Once in town, and after a quick search for hotels on my phone, I decided to stay at a small single-story 1960's style motel (long and low and where the rooms open directly onto the parking lot...similar to the Bates Motel, only without Norman!).  After a short nap I had supper at a most excellent Chinese food restaurant.

Had only made a few stops along the way on Day Four but once I was just east of Nipawin, everything I saw from that point on was all new to me.  A change of scenery is always a good for the soul (even when it's raining).  

The attractive golden-coloured trees in the photos are larch trees.  They put on a spectacular show in the fall when their needles turn golden-yellow.    

      

Photographed between Le Pas and Swan River, Manitoba on October 11, 2022.

Happy American Thanksgiving!

Let the festivities begin!

Photographed somewhere between Whitesand and Gorlitz, Saskatchewan on October 14, 2022.

Day Three - Saint Ascension

On Day Three I woke up early in Warman on a beautiful Thanksgiving Sunday morning.  After a cup of coffee and checking the weather forecast my "destination" for the day was clear...Saint Ascension at Maryville.  

A restaurant in the neighbouring town of Martensville was offering a Thanksgiving breakfast of oven-baked ham with eggs and toasted homemade bread...can't beat that so I packed up my things and arrived just as they were opening for the day.  It was just the best way to start the day.  (Good meals are a side-theme for this series of posts...or maybe you've noticed.)

I had stopped here a few times previously but this was my first visit in the fall season.  The green was fading to gold, the sun was lower in the sky creating shadows I hadn't seen before and it was a pleasure to see that someone still maintains the lawn in the churchyard and cemetery...not everyone has forgotten about Saint Ascension.

A stone cairn dedicated during the Saskatchewan Homecoming in 1971 stands in the small cemetery on the northern hillside of the church yard.  

After an enjoyable visit I was off to Nipawin to find a room for the night.  The resort hotel near the golf club had very nice rooms to offer at great rates being the "off" season.   Checked in, and when I dropped off my luggage I saw that the room had a balcony...nice bonus.

But, it was a little early to call it a day so I took a short trip into the country to catch a few of the sites before sundown.  Arriving back in town for supper I soon discovered that not much was open on a Thanksgiving Sunday in Nipawin so it was to the A&W for an Uncle Burger and root beer.  Finished the day with a drink out on the balcony while I watched a slideshow of photos on my laptop from the day's travels...and as always, Saint Ascension was my favourite stop for the day.

Rain was in the forecast...

Photographed at Maryville, Saskatchewan on October 10, 2022.

Day Two - Saint Volodymyr's Ukrainian Memorial Church

Day Two of my road trip started with me sleeping in late followed by a long leisurely breakfast.  After this slow but enjoyable start to my day I was on my way to Saskatoon (or thereabouts).

About two hours later I arrived at Saint Volodymyr's Ukrainian Memorial Church.  This outstanding structure is part of Saint Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Eparchial Park.

I stopped here in mid-January of the previous year...but this time there was no snow making for a pleasant change in scenery.

Eye-catching details and views of this log church...built by true craftsmen in 1979.

The bell tower is home to a bell named "Andrew."

The walk back to the car...

...and the sign at the entrance to the park.

Saskatoon was only a half hour away but since I didn't want to deal with all that hustle and bustle I skirted around the city and checked into a motel north of town.  After a much needed nap I hopped into the car and explored the countryside until early evening.  Just as the sun was all but set I found what looked like a good restaurant and, as it turned out, was much better than that.  So far, luck was on my side....good food, good views and a comfy place to stay.  Can't ask for much more on a road trip, n'est pas?!       

Photographed near Vanscoy, Saskatchewan on October 9, 2022.

Day One - Fairacres School

The gardening season was over so one last road trip was in order before the onset of winter.  The eventual destination of the journey was Gimli, Manitoba but there was no rush...there are lots of places to see along the way.

On Day One I drove north from Medicine Hat, made a few stops in the Cappon area and then was off to the Cereal Hotel for a homemade burger.  After lunch I headed into the countryside northeast of Oyen for a return visit to Fairacres School.

It always looks stately, sturdy and strong no matter what the season.

And as a bonus, it has recently provided a home to a pair of hawks to raise their young.  

The school was originally located a few miles away; this sign marks the spot.

After a few more stops I was off to Kindersley for the night.  More to see in the morning.  

Photographed near Oyen, Alberta on October 8, 2022.

Meet One of My Neighbours

This big guy has been one of my neighbours for several years now.  (See that dark mark about three quarters of the way down his upper back?  He got that about four years ago...maybe a confrontation with another buck?  Regardless, he seems to be doing well and holding his own amongst the city dwelling deer.  Good for him!) 

But, it's now the middle of rutting season so he's pretty bossy.  Best to take Daisy for walks further out along the edges of town for the time being.  Avoiding encounters between dogs and deer is the best medicine.  Things will be back to normal in a few weeks.   

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on November 13, 2022.

A Beautiful Place out in the Country

A good friend and I had a nice time decorating Saint Margaret's Church for the Christmas season today.  It was one of those days when everything just "clicked," if you know what I mean.  Good times out in the country.

On my way home I decided to take the short detour off the main road to the Congregational Church at Gros Ventre-Tothill.  I hadn't seen it in a winter setting for a few years so it was a treat.  In my mind's eye it is simply a beautiful place out in the country.  Glad I took a few minutes out of my busy day for a visit.

Photographed near Tothill, Alberta on November 13, 2022.

Cenotaph Dedication

Today at 2:00 p.m. was the official dedication of the new cenotaph at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery. 

Approximately 35-40 people attended the unveiling on what turned out to be a gloriously warm and sunny day in the Cypress Hills.  Among those in attendance were war heroes, recent immigrants from Ukraine, a wine merchant, local folks, a bagpiper and a host of others.

Most importantly...thanks to everyone for remembering.

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta on November 11, 2022.