Lookout on Reesor Road

Early October in the Cypress Hills of Alberta.  

One can almost see forever from this lookout on Reesor Road.

Even though spring hasn't quite sprung here in southern Alberta, I can't wait for the return of fall.

Photographed on October 3, 2022.

Indoor Garden Update

A few additions to the indoor garden...

An orange lily blooming its heart out (with three more buds to open up in the next day or two).  Beautiful!

Two small lemon cypress trees in opposite corners of the above photo.  When you rub or brush against the foliage you are rewarded with an intoxicating lemon scent.  Pretty nice!  Something I didn't expect from these little trees was that they're hardy to about -20°C.  A few years ago I over-wintered a couple of them...when the temperature dropped too low I brought them inside.  Kept them out on the balcony the following season then gave them away in the fall.  It's good to share plants.

And as I'm sure any gardeners out there have noticed are the recently potted Wandering Jew cuttings.  As with most cuttings, they looked a little sad for a few days after being potted but by the third day they all perked up.  The trick is to not over-water them...make them work for their drinks.  They build strong roots that way.

Looks like everyone is happy.  Won't be long before the indoor garden moves outside onto the balcony.

Photographed at the foot of the totem pole in my living room in Medicine Hat, Alberta on April 28, 2023.

Whoa Nellie!

Photographed near Vidir, Manitoba on October 19, 2022.

The White Arcades

Inside Notre Dame d'Auvergne.  The interior surfaces are finished in white and pale blue with pebbled glass windows of milky-white, pink, gold and just a touch of green.  Even though the church exterior is somewhat austere and imposing (see previous post), the interior is light, airy and inviting.  

The church seats one thousand people and I'm sure on religious holidays they could squeeze in a few more.  

Translated to English the motto above the altar says: "My Soul Glorifies the Lord."

Thanks to Dan for the backdrop of organ hymns during my short visit there. 

Photographed in Ponteix, Saskatchewan on September 30, 2017.

Notre Dame d'Auvergne

Notre Dame d'Avergne is a rare gem deep in the heart of the Canadian prairies...a big, beautiful church in the middle of nowhere.

Photographed in Ponteix, Saskatchewan on September 30, 2017.

By Rail and Road

The big old bowstring bridge near Scotsguard, Saskatchewan.

I've taken photos of this handsome relic of the past on many occasions but this was the first time I ever saw it in a wintry landscape.  Thanks BW!

Photographed on April 8. 2023.

A Fine Line

Two species of colourful coleus plants at The Windmill Garden Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta.  I grew some of the "sun-loving" varieties on my balcony last year and they handled the beastly summer heat without breaking a sweat, so to speak.  

Photographed on May 4, 2022.

Big Red Car

A landmark in Steinbach, Manitoba.

The forty foot long big red car is a replica of a 1931 Rolls Royce. 

Photographed on August 22, 2022.

Bowstring Bridge

A one-arch bowstring bridge south of Cadillac, Saskatchewan on Highway 4.  After checking my handy Saskatchewan Back Roads Atlas I believe the bridge crosses Bull Creek.  

BW Bandy and I were on a road trip for the day and even though I'd been through the area on several occasions I somehow missed this bridge completely.  He pointed it out as we drove past and was even kind enough to turn around and stop so I could get a few photos.  

Spending time on the road with a friend is always a good way to spend the day.

Photographed on April 8, 2023.

Bison Antiquus

An unexpected find on a road trip in the summer of 2020 was The Antiquus Bison Park in Saint Louis, Saskatchewan.  "Phantom" is pictured above.

The English language plaque at the base of "Phantom" reads:

"Bison Antiquus

"Before you stands the life-size and colour replica of a species of bison that once lived on the North American Plains.  It commemorates the St. Louis Site (FfNK-7) discovery in 2002 AD east of the village of St. Louis on the terraced remains of an ancient flood plain of the lower South Saskatchewan River.  The location contains evidence of repeat bison kills, butchery and camp sites of some 13 human occupations dating back at least 4590 to 8400 years.  Along with the remains of bison, fish, waterfowl, rabbit and grouse, the site in 2002 offered evidence of a stone-tool making station, the base of a Late Plano spear point and a possible shell sequin,  Larger than the modern bison by 25%, the Antiquus Bison, now extinct, roamed this area following the recession of the fourth and last ice age some 10,000 years ago."

The Saint Louis Bridge rail line was closed in 1983 but served vehicular traffic until 2014.

The gate at the entrance to the bridge.  Unfortunately the gate was locked at the time of my visit.

Photographed on August 6, 2020.