Long Shot - Holy Ascension at Maryville

A long shot of Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Maryville, Saskatchewan...one of my favourite places to visit and revisit.

The photo shows the approach from the east and reveals a distinct perspective...the creek bordered by shrubs in fall colour with the church rising above it all in the hazy distance.  Quite a beautiful sight in my eyes.

Photographed on September 24, 2023.

Saint Andrew's near Swan Plain

On my way north from Swan Plain I came across this weathered old church.

The pathway to the front doors is still mowed as are the grounds and cemetery.

One couldn't have asked for a better setting than this...green grass accompanied by fall colours.

An unusual feature of this United Church is the Orthodox cross that tops the steeple.   

The sign above the front doors is decorated with a crucifix along with two six-point stars.

The small cemetery beside the church has only two marked graves.  It is believed there are at least three other unmarked graves here. 

Photographed near Swan Plain, Saskatchewan on September 24, 2023.

Congregational Church and Cemetery

A favourite...

The Congregational Church and Cemetery at Gros Ventre-Tothill. 

And with that...it's time to take a break from blogging.  See you soon.

Photographed near Tothill, Alberta on May 30, 2023.

Orthell Township School

One of several abandoned schoolhouses I saw on a trip to North Dakota late last month.  It was an enjoyable time traveling the back roads in an "all new to me" area.  Lots to see and the weather was agreeable as well.   

The birds in the sky are swallows and their nests are thick under the eaves of the school.  Abandoned buildings make great homes and shelters for wild birds and animals of all sorts.

Photographed near Zahl, North Dakota on June 22, 2023.

Westhazel S.D. No. 1337

The sky was thick with smoke from the forest fires in British Columbia as I drove from Medicine Hat to Lloydminster this past Saturday.  Smoky skies are, in a word, oppressive but, to my delight  I woke up to clear blue skies the following morning.  I always function better on a sunny day...after breakfast, it was time to hit the road and enjoy the nice weather and visit some of the historical sites in the area.  Westhazel School was just one of many discoveries during my Sunday drive. 

This little one-room schoolhouse is in pretty rough condition but still looks pretty solid.  Hope it stands upright for many more years.   

Glad I had a chance to visit on such a pleasant day.

Photographed near Westhazel, Saskatchewan on July 16, 2023.

Madoc Grain Elevators

A pair of abandoned grain elevators in Madoc, Montana.

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

Return Visit to Garness Township School

I found this schoolhouse by chance on a road trip through North Dakota in late November of 2018.  

Since I was travelling through the area again quite recently I decided to revisit "the little school on a hill."

It seems to be hanging on quite nicely.

Photographed near Powers Lake, North Dakota on June 21, 2023.

Hamlet School

An abandoned school in Hamlet, North Dakota.

From the sheer size it must have been a consolidated school...and awfully impressive in its heyday.

Photographed on June 20, 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. 

Abandoned Air Force Station near Fortuna

This tower is the last remnant of the former air force station near Fortuna, North Dakota.  

The signs tell the history.

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

A Beautiful Place Out in the Country

Everything is so green and lush down here this year.

Lucy Township School near Powers Lake, North Dakota was photographed on June 21, 2023.

PV Grain Elevator

Stopped in Columbus, North Dakota for a few photos of the PV grain elevator.

Many of the old elevators I've seen North Dakota over the past few days are clad with metal siding.

Photographed on June 20, 2023.

Shandro Community Hall

It's always somewhat of an event to come across an historical stone structure in the countryside.  This one is large and rather understated.

Imagine the multitude of events hosted here over the years...receptions, dances and pot-luck suppers are only a few that come to mind.

Photographed near Shandro, Alberta on February 7, 2022.