Welcome to Erickson!

Three guesses where the settlers of this area are from...and the first two don't count.

Photographed in Erickson, Manitoba on July 25, 2022.

Храм Бойчука

"Boychuk Temple"

The original log church and cemetery were founded in 1902.  In 1915 the church burned down and the following year the present church was built.

The church is no longer in regular use but a service is held on the Sunday closest to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 28.  Following the service there is a blessing of the graves and a pot-luck supper.  

The Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery are north of Rhein, Saskatchewan, an area rich in Ukrainian culture and heritage.  The parish is often referred to as Boychuk Church because Wasyl Boychuk donated the land for the site.

Depending on where one conducts their research on the church and graveyard there seems to be a discrepancy on the dates the original church burned down and when the present church was built.  The dates stated here were taken from the history sign located at the church site.  

Information courtesy of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.  Disinformation courtesy of Canada's Historic Sites.

Photographed on July 27, 2021.

The Yellow Fields

Photographed near Kosiw, Manitoba on July 23, 2022.

The Pink Fields

I thought I'd missed the pink fields this year but as it happened they bloomed a little later than usual.  

I believe this is a species of vetch.

Photographed near Woolchester, Alberta on July 11. 2022.

Saint Mary's at Hairy Hill

There's been talk of dismantling this little church, but...

...so far, so good...Saint Mary's at Hairy Hill is still standing.

Photographed near Hairy Hill, Alberta on June 26, 2022.

John

A black granite headstone in the beautiful Pryma Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery near Smuts, Saskatchewan.

The cemetery is officially known as Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery but everyone in the area simply calls it "Pryma."

I love the colour enhanced ceramic photograph.

Photographed on August 4, 2020.

Summer Flowers

Summer flowers in Jackie and Dann's yard.  Enjoy!

This is also where Daisy and her buddy Jess live.  

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 14, 2022.

Thunder Hill S.D. No. 4539

Thunder Hill School is one of the many pioneer schools that once dotted the prairie landscape.

Photographed near Golden Prairie, Saskatchewan on November 5, 2021.

Saint John the Baptist

Saint John the Baptist Anglican Church is in Cereal, Alberta.  It's in pretty nice condition but not sure if it's still in use...maybe occasionally for special services.

On another note: the restaurant/bar in the old hotel in town serves a mean burger...a homemade patty loaded with whatever you want plus a mountain of fries.  And the burgers are messy...just the way they should be.  How could it possibly be a good hamburger otherwise?!  I'll be stopping here again.

Photographed on June 23, 2022.

Qu'Appelle River Bridge

A long out of use bowstring bridge near Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan.  There's easy access from a gravel road to the bridge itself but getting onto the bridge deck is somewhat challenging as there's a sheer drop off at each end.  But as they say, where there's a will there's a way.  In the background of a few of these photos you'll also see another abandoned bridge in the near distance...how about that, two for one!   

Photographed on July 26, 2021.