Did you know...

...that if you walk up the stairs of the folly...

...you will find a guest book?  Let your visit be known by signing your John Henry.

The view through the apertures is splendid in every direction.

And for the more adventurous, there is a ladder that will take you up top.  I'm saving that feat for another day (when I'm not wearing a bulky parka).

Fun stuff out on the prairie.

Photographed near Oyen, Alberta on February 24, 2022.

Sheep

A couple of sheep just across the road from where I was taking photos of a church.  

As soon as I walked towards them they ran like the dickens back to the barn.  Pretty shy...they were a lot like Walter in that way.

Photographed in Kayville, Saskatchewan on May 26, 2022.

No Gardening Today

I don't think my gardening services will be needed at Saint Margaret's any time soon.  

Hmmm...maybe in June?  

This is the heaviest snow pack in forty years.  

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta by David Carter on March 12, 2023.

Saint Stephen's at Tangleflags

Not far east of the Alberta/Saskatchewan border stands Saint Stephen's Anglican Church.  It was built in 1937.  

I'm sure it's been some time since there were regular services here but I'll bet this country church is host to the occasional wedding or funeral...or maybe just a pot luck supper and celebration of life from time to time. 

The church and grounds are now maintained par excellence by the Tangleflags Community Club.  A big "thank you" to those decicated people. 

It is now a Saskatchewan Heritage Site.  Stop by for a visit.

Thanks to the RM of Brittania.

Photographed near Tangleflags, Saskatchewan on June 28, 2022.

Wildflowers

Lots of fresh snow down here in southeastern Alberta so I think some wildflowers are in order.  Can't wait to see them in full bloom this coming spring (whenever that may be).  

Photographed at Saint Wolodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery near Cappon, Alberta on June 23, 2022.

Daisy and I Thank You

A special "thank you" from Daisy and I to all the anonymous viewers of this "Past Presence" blog.  We appreciate the visits...and many happy returns.   

Photographed in Elkwater, Alberta on November 27, 2022.

The View from Here

A ranch sign south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan near Spring Valley.  

The beautiful view made for an enjoyable drive through the countryside.

Photographed on October 26, 2017.

Red Rock Coulee

Some late summer fun a few years ago.  Since I'm my own boss I decided to give myself the afternoon off and take a drive in the country.  A visit to Red Rock Coulee was long overdue...it's always a captivating  and wondrous experience to walk amongst the ancient boulders.  Enjoy!

A word of caution: the coulee is home to several wild animals including scorpions and rattlesnakes so keep an eye out for them during your visit.  I've nearly stepped on a rattler more than once but thanks to its rattle I got out of the way in time.  The rattlers blend seamlessly into the landscape and are difficult to spot so be vigilant.  And, if you pick up a rock there may be a scorpion beneath it so be prepared.  

All that said, Red Rock Coulee is a wonderful natural area well worth visiting.  Nature is often a little more than what one bargained for...and for me, that's a good thing.   

Photographed north of Etzikom Alberta on September 20, 2017.

County of Forty Mile Sign

This impressive sign stands west of Seven Persons, Alberta along the Crowsnest Highway (Alberta Highway 3).  I've always been a fan of these big chunky wooden signs and the pronghorn logo is a nice tip of the hat to the abundant wildlife in the area.

Within the boundaries of the County of Forty Mile are Red Rock Coulee, Writing On Stone Provincial Park, Milk River Canyon, Etzikom Windmill Museum, several infamous towns and hamlets such as Manyberries, Nemiskam (or is that Nemiscam?) and Orion, a reservoir named Rattlesnake Lake, lots of wide open country and more.  Lots of cemeteries too.

It also has a port of entry named Aden that has the distinction of being the least used border crossing in all of the U.S.A.; less than 1200 crossings each year.

Let me digress for a moment...I'd been down in Montana for a few days and when looking on a map for a different route home I discovered the Aden border crossing.  So, after filling up with gas in Chester, Montana I headed north towards the border.  The well maintained gravel road soon became "the middle of nowhere" as it passed through a very isolated part of the American plains...gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "off the beaten track."  That said, the trip went well and when I reached the border crossing all the Canadian border guards rushed out to greet me.  I wasn't sure what to make of it until they let me know I was the first "new guy to cross the border in months."  Well, it made my day too!  Almost wished I'd had a bottle of champagne to give them for the celebration.  (Just a note, the Aden border crossing is mainly used by farmers in the area so a "new guy" crossing the border was a treat I'm sure.)  Now, back to Alberta and the County of Forty Mile... 

The southern side of the county offers some of the best views of the Sweet Grass Hills (which are just across the border in Montana) to be seen from Alberta...they are an especially beautiful sight at sunrise and sunset.

This sign is an invitation to all these things.  When you see it, turn south to take in all the sights of the county.  

Hope you enjoyed.

Photographed near Seven Persons, Alberta on August 5, 2017.

Walter

This is Walter.  He lives on the hillside near Daisy's house and is rather elusive.  I've been trying to get a photo of him for years so this was my lucky day.  That said, I hear him more often than I see him but I'm sure he likes that just fine.  The way I see it, he's a definite asset to the neighbourhood.  Best wishes to him.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on September 24, 2022.