The Brown Ranch

As much a memorial to the Brown family as it is to ranch life.  God bless them.

Photographed at the Johnson Memorial Cemetery of Whitlash, Montana on October 17, 2024.

Fall 2024

After several years of road trips through the prairies I decided it was time for a break.  This decision was made after a long journey through Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Manitoba in September 2023.  By the time I returned home from that trip I was, in a word, tired.

The following winter months were spent on simple pleasures at home...good food, good music, time with friends.  And then, as the snow melted and the sun felt warm once again, spring was upon us and it was time to get back to gardening.  Lots of spring rain followed by summer heat kept me hopping through the growing season.  Even though my body doesn't always agree, I still enjoy gardening.  

Then, about three weeks ago, with gardening pretty well concluded for the season, I was left with plenty of free time on my hands.  Well, it didn't take long before I was once again looking at maps...maybe make some return trips to favourite places or check out some others that I'd missed completely.  

It's now mid-October and a day trip south of the border was just the thing to do. 

Photographed near Gold Butte in the Sweet Grass Hills of Montana on October 17, 2024.

Madoc School

The former school in Madoc, Montana.

Had a nice visit with a father and son who were repairing a truck in their garage a little ways down the street.  

There's not much left in Madoc; some abandoned buildings, vehicles and machinery, a pair of old grain elevators, the train hasn't passed through town in decades...and that's just the way they like it.

I took my leave just as they were being called in for lunch by the head of the house.

Photographed on September 16, 2023.

Spring 2017

A flashback to mostly spring blooms...flowers make everything better, n'est pas?

May 21, 2017

A clump of buffalo beans alongside the highway just north of Simpson, Montana.  It's not spring without these cheery golden yellow blooms.  

May 28, 2017

At one time it was common to plant irises at the grave of a loved one...especially in country cemeteries on the prairies.  A lovely way of remembrance.  The grass was just barely turning green at Kincorth Lutheran Cemetery but these irises were already in full bloom.  They're tough and hardy. 

   

June 2, 2017

Fleabane is a native plant throughout the prairies.  This clump of happy white flowers was just outside the entrance to the Empress Cemetery.  The town of Empress is in Alberta, but the Empress Cemetery is just across the border in Saskatchewan.  

June 11, 2017

I'd stopped in Hilda, Alberta to take a few shots of the grain elevator and while doing so, came across this beautiful orange butterfly amongst the alfalfa flowers. 

June 17, 2017

If you're lucky enough to be traveling along Eagle Butte Road near Woolchester, Alberta at just the right time you'll be rewarded with the visual delight of these masses of pink flowers.  I always look forward to seeing "the pink fields" in full bloom.  I believe they are a species of vetch. 

 

June 21, 2017

A bee foraging in the blooms of a froebelii spirea in one of the gardens I tend in town.  Bees really are the busiest little guys.

June 24, 2017

Flowers and butterflies aren't the only spring delight...a doe with her fawns just across the lane from the Post Office where I pick up my mail.  The second fawn is hidden mostly behind mama deer.

June 24, 2017

A pincushion cactus flower on an acreage where I tend to some gardening.  The resulting fruit is sweet and delicious.  Leave some for the animals and birds...they need a treat every so often too.

June 28, 2017

The waxy yellow flower of the native prickly pear cactus.  I found this one high above the southern bank of the South Saskatchewan River in southern Alberta.

June 30, 2017

Bunchberries blooming in the Cypress Hills of Alberta.  They are the smallest variety of the dogwood species I've seen anywhere.  The unique four-petal flowers later develop into brilliant red berries that are enjoyed by a variety of wild animals and birds.

An interesting fact about bunchberries...when a bee or other insect lands on a flower it stimulates the flower to open at the incredible rate of half a millisecond...spreading the pollen at a few thousand times the force of gravity.  Imagine that.

Hope you enjoyed the somewhat belated spring tour of 2017.

Photographed in Montana, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Madoc Grain Elevators

A pair of abandoned grain elevators in Madoc, Montana.

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

Dry Prairie Rural Water Tower

I saw several water repositories in northeastern Montana but this tower was easily the most impressive of all.  

"Dry Prairie Rural Water is committed to delivering clean, affordable, and dependable drinking water that will improve the quality of life and create economic opportunities throughout Northeast Montana."

I talked to a few of the locals and according to them the tower is relatively new...only about five years old.

Information courtesy of the Dry Prairie Rural Water organization.

Photographed near Madoc, Montana on June 18, 2023.

Saint Bernard in Fortuna

Last time I stopped here was late October 2017.  Now maybe a little worse for wear but Saint Bernard Catholic Church is still standing.  

Photographed in Fortuna, Montana on June 18, 2023. 

Jailhouse

The old jail in Flaxville, Montana.

Remember that song, "He's in the jailhouse now, he's in the jailhouse now..."

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

Simonson's Farm Sign

A simply attractive sign for a family farm east of Plentywood, Montana.

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

Cottonwood Church

A long abandoned church midway between Simpson and Havre, Montana.

With the madness of spring gardening momentarily under control it was time to head south of the border for a day.  Left home early, and as it happened, reached the Wildhorse border crossing just as they were opening the gate.  I was a regular cross-border traveler at the time so the procedure was quick and painless and was soon off into the wilds of northern Montana for the day.

Cottonwood Church was both the first and last stop of the day.  The photo shown here was taken early in the evening just before heading back across the border for home.  Over eighteen hours had passed by the time I walked in my front door...and what an enjoyable time it had been. 

Photographed on May 21, 2017.

(More of) The Pink Church

Some photos of the The Pink Church have been previously posted to this blog but here is a deservingly more expansive view of both the church and cemetery.

On the north side of Fort Belknap Reservation, Montana stands Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Cemetery.  The church is known locally as The Pink Church.

The church and cemetery were established by Jesuit Priests in 1924.  Even though the church closed in the 1960's, the cemetery is still used to this day.  

I like the simple and often homemade memorials on the graves.  It's uplifting to see that those buried here are still remembered by their loved ones.  This is a beautiful place and the trip here is well worth it.

My visit reminded me of the adobe churches I saw some years ago in the southwestern U.S.A.  It would be right at home in southern New Mexico or Arizona.  The cemetery made me think of those I had seen in northern Mexico and it would feel right at home there.    

Photographed near Harlem, Montana on September 1, 2017.

Never Forgotten

A handcrafted grave marker inlaid with stained glass..."in loving memory of our mom."  

She was so young.  

Photographed at Turner Cemetery just north of Turner, Montana on October 21, 2018.

Illumination

Cathedral of Saint Helena in Helena, Montana.

November 25, 2017

Definitely an eye-catcher.  This rose window is more than eight feet in diameter and is accented by an elaborately carved stone tracery that reveals the stained glass behind.  It is mounted high above the solid oak front doors.  In total, the cathedral boasts over eleven thousand square feet of stained glass windows..."spectacular" is an understatement.

Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.

December 13, 2017

After spending the better part of a week in and around Luseland I was on my way home.  Kindersley is a good pit stop for gas and a bite to eat.  Since there was plenty of daylight left I decided to take a drive through town to see the sights.  Saint Joseph's is a mid-century brick church with an assortment of vibrant and colourful stained glass windows of modern design.    

Bethania Norwegian Lutheran Church near Northern Light, Saskatchewan.

August 5, 2020

This is one fine example of the six similarly styled windows in the apse of this large country church.  The translucent pebbled glass allows plenty of sunlight to pass through into the sanctuary.  An anchor is a familiar symbol that represents security and stability.

Saint Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church near Candiac, Saskatchewan.

May 19, 2021

Between the porch and nave of the church is a set of double doors.  Each door is fitted with a tall narrow window that has been stenciled with climbing roses...a touch of country charm.  Not exactly stained glass but equally as appealing and attractive. 

Divide County Court House in Crosby, North Dakota.

October 27, 2017

The court house was built in 1917-1918 and features terrazzo floors, brass handrails, a marble staircase, golden oak woodwork, a dome with hand-painted murals and much more.  As well, the building still houses most of its original furnishings and the large outdoor clock below the dome shows the correct time.  Directly above the front doors is this brilliant green and gold art deco styled triptych.  This window is the odd one out in this collection as it is the only one that is not in a church.

First United Church in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

October 16, 2017

The original church structure is now well over a century old and displays several large stained glass windows of the same vintage.  Over the years the church has been built onto and shown above is the round window in the first addition.  A contemporary design to express an old adage accompanied by a grain elevator, wheat sheaf and train...a combination one only sees on the prairies.     

Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

October 7, 2017

Saint Pat's displays a fine collection of stained glass windows that exhibit a jewel-like quality like no other I've encountered in my journeys.  Shown above is one of several originals that date back to the early days when the church was built between 1912 and 1914.   

Saint Barnabas Anglican Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

January 8, 2018

One morning I was looking out the balcony window and standing out against the snow was the red brick tower of Saint Barnabas.  I had it on good authority that the stained glass windows were a "must see" so without any hesitation I was on the phone to the church office.  It was a quiet morning there so I was able to come over as soon as I could get there.  The church is only about four blocks from my place so with a camera tucked into a warm inside pocket, I was on my way.  After a brief but friendly conversation with the secretary I ventured into the church.  The many richly coloured stained glass windows glowed in the dimly lit interior.  Several multi-panel windows are framed by archways,  other panels are placed in dormers along the sloping roof line while some are tucked into corners or mounted on doors.  The multi-panel window shown here with vivid reds and blues set against the soft shades of a morning sunrise is just one of many to see at Saint Barnabas'. 

Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church near Tribune, Saskatchewan. 

October 29, 2017

I was staying in Weyburn, Saskatchewan for a few days visiting some old friends and exploring the countryside.  Up early one morning and on the road, this was my first stop of the day.  Holy Family is the furthest south of any church of Ukrainian heritage in all of the province that I have seen.  The six simple windows give the interior of the church a glow that is, in a word, comforting.  Quite a lovely space all around.    

Zion (Horse Butte) Lutheran Church near Kyle, Saskatchewan. 

October 23, 2018

A stylized depiction of a dove carrying an olive branch in its beak.  This photo was taken from outside through the branches of a juniper tree, through the building and across to the opposite wall of the church.  That's a photography exercise that is hit and miss at best but with reasonable success this time around.  The church sits at the top of a long rise and is visible for miles around.

Saint Andrew's United Church in Arcola, Saskatchewan. 

December 17, 2018

A lamb resting in the arms of Jesus stands above the altar and is one of two traditionally designed windows in the church.  The second window, not seen here, is a nativity scene that greets everyone at the front entrance. 

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Noonan, North Dakota.

October 28, 2017

Some years back I was on a road trip that led me to use Estevan, Saskatchewan as a "home" base for about a week.  Lots to see in the area with the added bonus of being only twenty minutes from the U.S. border.   Each day was a new adventure, and since I was in no big rush to be anywhere in particular, I stopped in most of the small towns I encountered along the way.  Noonan offered several old buildings of interest, a bucket-style water tower and a very well kept if unassuming Lutheran church.  Along the sides of the church were shaded transparent glass windows but above the altar was this intricately designed five-panel stained glass window that radiated light and colour.  Gave me a whole new meaning of the word "illumination..." and what a great way to start the day!

Saint Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church near Maryville, Saskatchewan.

August 7, 2020

A long abandoned church that remains an iconic symbol of the past.  Foremost to this first visit, Saint Ascension is one of those extraordinary places where there is a persistence of memory so thick that one can all but touch it...everything that is past is still present.  An exceptional experience making a return trip here something to cherish.  The photo is another "see-through..." and in this case taken through one window, through the drum that holds up the dome and then focusing on the window opposite where some pieces of the coloured glass border endure...a little colour to brighten up an otherwise gray day. 

      

If you enjoyed this collection, try the links below for more illumination:

A Baker's Dozen

Church Windows