Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery

I've stopped at this pioneer cemetery a number of times over the years.  For me it never looks better than in spring when the old caragana hedge is in full bloom with the tall and abundant grass blowing in the prairie wind.  I've taken photos here on numerous occasions but these are my favourite shots of this long abandoned place of rest.

None of the original grave markers remain (most likely they were wooden crosses) but a memorial marker bearing the names of those known to be buried here has been placed just inside the entrance.  Word has it that it was known as the "Government Cemetery" as people with no religious affiliation were buried here.

The town closest to the cemetery is Schuler, Alberta.  The most recent news is that an addition has been built onto the Schuler School.  That means dozens of country kids won't need to be bussed into the city for classes.  Take it from a farm kid...that really is good news.

Photographed on June 2, 2017.

Stranraer United Church

Situated on a hillside in the former hamlet of Stranraer, Saskatchewan.  The clouds almost appear to vibrate in the bright blue sky.

The church is a designated Municipal Heritage Site.  Construction of the building began in 1926 and was completed in 1929.

The weathervane/lightning rod atop the spire.

A simpler lightning rod and red brick chimney...the latter of which has seen better days.

The church seated about one hundred people comfortably and the basement is one large room with a kitchen which is used as a community hall.

I saw this church during a trip to Rosetown, Saskatchewan.  Gardening was pretty well finished for the season and a road trip was "just what the doctor ordered."  I was blessed with beautiful weather for the entire four days and the majority of what I saw was all new to me.  It's always good to see new things.

Information courtesy of Canada's Historic Places - A Federal, Provincial and Territorial Collaboration.

Photographed on October 25, 2018.

Stoneview Township School

An overcast, cool and frosty day near Bush Lake, North Dakota. 

It was hunting season and there were several locals, mostly in old beat-up half ton trucks, cruising the countryside looking for game.  My Alberta licence plate made me an international curiosity, and vice versa...it's always interesting to talk with the neighbourhood folk.  I was the only one without a gun rack in the rear window.

This is Stoneview Township School, known to the old folks in the area as Merryfield School.

The bell is missing but the bell tower and flagpole are intact and the building itself is still solid.

There are a few more windows than is usual in a pioneer school.  A large concrete cistern can be seen on the north side of the building.

Some bales that hadn't been picked up yet.

Let's swing!

Location and information courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Photographed on November 24, 2018.

Herman

A train trestle that crosses the Old Man River near Monarch, Alberta.

This is Herman.  He's a happy four month old puppy.

I stopped at a farm yard to ask permission to walk across their land to get a better view of the trestle.  As soon as I stepped out of the car Herman was there to greet me.  He's pretty friendly.  The lady of the house was home and said it would be fine to walk in to get a closer look.  Herman was raring to go so off we went.

The trestle spans about two thousand feet.

After a few shots I could see Herman holding his head up in the direction of the trestle.  A few minutes later I also heard it...a train was coming.

Bonus!  Talk about good timing!

Back up to the house and Herman headed for some shade beside the owner's car.

A big adventure calls for a big nap.

Photographed on August 26, 2019.

Elinor

Some photos of Elinor Cemetery near Barons, Alberta.  I love the gate sign...simple and bold against the prairie sky.

A lilac shrub thriving amongst some well marked gravesites.  Many other graves here have been lost to time.

The only fenced grave in the cemetery.

Children's graves.

Sit down for a minute and relax.  Tomorrow is another day.

Photographed on August 26, 2019.

The River Valley

Some shots of the Saskatchewan River Valley just north of an acreage where I've been gardening for the past thirty years.  The property is seven acres and shaped much like a bow tie. At the wide south end is the township road, at the knot is the house and at the even wider north end is the river valley.

I always enjoy going out to do this or that during the growing season.  This year the focus was on planting a raspberry patch, sour cherries and Saskatoon bushes as well as the usual gardening maintenance.  Aside from the gardening aspect, I really love the view of the river valley from the back yard.  Nice place to spend some time simply enjoying nature.

A few of the tough little flowers that make their home on the dry buttes in the river valley.

The red spot in the centre of the photo is a deposit of red shale.

Little has physically changed in the valley over the years.  I take that as a good sign.

Photographed on June 28, 2018.

May She Rest in Peace

Near Cereal, Alberta.

"The Gray Homestead" from days gone past.

Photographed on July 14, 2018.

Dappled Light

Just inside the main gate to the Piapot Cemetery...the "Benson" headstone in the dappled light of late morning.

That time of day when it's cool in the shade yet warm in the sun.

Photographed on July 11, 2019.

Grain Elevators in Zurich

A pair of abandoned but very photogenic grain elevators in Zurich, Montana.

This little red one is pretty sweet.

Photographed on October 18, 2018.