Welcome to Acadia Valley

Photographed in Acadia Valley, Alberta on July 15, 2023.

A Trio of Butterflies

While gardening at Margaret and Bill's this past Saturday I noticed this trio of butterflies enjoying the nectar on some false spirea flowers.  Flutterbys are always a source of joy and wonderment.

Have seen lots of butterflies this season...a trend I hope continues in the years to come.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 8, 2023.

Madoc Grain Elevators

A pair of abandoned grain elevators in Madoc, Montana.

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

Twins

Time for a rest.

Photographed at (New) Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 9, 2023.

Two Bowstring Bridges near Dummer

Finding old bowstring bridges out in the middle of nowhere is always a treat...especially where the land is flat as a pancake.  But yes (though hidden well) there are creeks out here in the prairies.   

Bridge Number One above...

...and Bridge Number Two below.

Flowing water beneath, lush greenery all around and swallows overhead...I don't think I could have visited on a nicer day.

And the best news of all is that they are both still used on a daily basis.  Must be nice to drive over an historic bridge on the way into town to pick up the mail and then again back to the farm.

Photographed near Dummer, Saskatchewan on June 23, 2023.

Barreth Farm Sign

Remember Max and Wendy the border collies?

Well, they have a pretty nice sign at their farm near Macoun, Saskatchewan...don't you think?

Photographed on June 23, 2023.

The Anderson Family Grave Marker

Definitely one of the most engaging grave markers I've seen in my travels.

Photographed at Bethel Cemetery near Wildrose, North Dakota on June 20, 2023.

Eunola School

A handsome landmark of days gone by near Pierson, Manitoba...a school, community centre and church, as well as a place for Sunday school picnics and community dances.

"Eunola School 

"1898 - 1962

"The original school, 18 ft. by 28 ft., was built on S.W. 7-4-28 at a cost of five hundred and eight dollars.  In 1900 it was moved to S.W. 2-4-29 and moved again in 1918 to S.E. 11-4-29.  Fire demolished this building on April 16, 1937.

"That fall, a new, more modern school was built and used for educational and social functions.  It went under a municipal board in 1956 and closed in 1962.  Forty-two teachers taught the many children of the area.

"We dedicate this cairn, in loving memory, to the pioneers of the district, the trustees, parents. teachers, pupils and all who helped in any way over the years."

Thanks to the Turtle Mountain - Souris Plains Heritage Association.

Photographed on August 16, 2022.

Bethesda Lutheran near Milestone

A guest book along with a cache of postcards that give a brief history of the church is housed in a weatherproof enclosure beside the church.

"Norwegian Lutheran services were held as early as 1904, and in 1910 the Bethesda Norwegian Lutheran congregation was organized.  In 1912, Martin Johnson, a carpenter from South Dakota, was retained to construct Bethesda Lutheran Church with the assistance of the congregation.  Situated on an open parcel, the graceful steeple of this church can be seen for miles across the flat prairie landscape.  Modernized in 1928 with a concrete basement and furnace, the church served the surrounding rural community for church services, weddings, funerals, meetings and bazaars.  Many of the area's first settlers rest in the cemetery, which is located at the rear of the church.  Because of a steadily diminishing congregation, Bethesda Lutheran Church closed in 1973."

Visitors are welcome to take a postcard as a souvenir.

The church was restored in 2020. 

Photographed near Milestone, Saskatchewan on June 23, 2023.

"Mo"

This is "Mo" the sea reptile.  

He greets everyone as they enter the town of Ponteix, Saskatchewan.

I don't think I'd like to be on the receiving end of those teeth.  

Photographed on June 17, 2023.