Boots

The Great Sandhills is a natural area in southwest Saskatchewan and is the largest set of active sand dunes in all of Canada. The landscape is ever changing.

The Hanging Cowboy Boots Arch is located above the parking area. It was built by local rancher John Both as a display of his appreciation and love of life. He understood this fragile landscape and believed in its preservation. Some of his ashes are spread beneath the arch.

Yes, there are sand dunes in Saskatchewan.

Photographed south of Sceptre, Saskatchewan on October 26, 2024.

Congregational Church Cemetery

An abandoned cemetery not far from Surprise, Saskatchewan.

Looks like the wooden cross has been "at rest" for a couple of decades or more now and the barbed wire fence is in a state of disrepair as well.  All this amounts to the very definition of "abandoned".    

No headstones...just indentations in the ground.  But, tiny as it may be, those buried here have a wonderful view of the vast prairie landscape.  

Photographed on October 27. 2024.

A Beautiful Place Out in the Country

Saints Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church of Dickie Bush was photographed near Wasel, Alberta on September 20, 2021.

Tamarisk United Church

Just down the road from Tamarisk School is Tamarisk United Church.

I love the simple exterior design employed so often in prairie country churches.

The interior is a little unusual when compared to the dozens of country churches I've seen on my travels.  Simple wooden chairs for seating, two raised areas including a stage with two pump organs and a piano (which was more-or-less in tune) and one of the most beautiful stoves I've ever seen.

An etched plaque outside the church states:

"The United Church of Canada was formed in 1925 from the union of most Congregationalist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.  Of the hundreds of churches inherited by the new Church, most were modest structures.  Pointed windows and occasionally a small bell tower identified their spiritual purpose.  Originally a Methodist church when it was built in 1907, Tamarisk United is one of the best examples in Manitoba of those many humble buildings.  Tamarisk's straightforward external character expresses the unpretentious theological nature of Methodism.  Unpainted woodwork in the interior creates a warm, welcoming glow."

Stop by for a visit.

Photographed near Grandview, Manitoba on July 22, 2022.

Canola

A trio of shots from a couple of weeks ago.

I don't much care for wind turbines in the landscape but they do make for some dramatic photos.  Who ever thought that a field of canola could be so electrifying?

Photographed on July 9, 2025 near Elkwater, Alberta.

Return to the Witch House

Missed my annual spring road trip to the Witch House earlier this year but made up for it today.  Enjoy!

It had rained heavily the night before so the road (really just a graded trail) to the site was not worth the risk to drive so I parked the car and walked the mile round trip there and back through the ditch.  Managed to get plenty wet and muddy in the process but I definitely got my exercise for the day.  Back at the car I was off to Jack's Cafe in Eastend for lunch.  

Photographed near Dollard, Saskatchewan on July 18, 2025.

Coming out of the Barrels

Something appropriate for stampede season...

Photographed in Saint Walburg, Saskatchewan on July 16, 2023.

Saint Anthony's near Haight

An attractive country church and cemetery near Haight, Alberta.

I couldn't find any history of Saint Anthony's but birth dates on the headstones date back as far as 1831...almost two centuries.  I'm no spring chicken but that seems like a wonderfully long time ago on the prairies.   

Photographed on June 23, 2025.

Peony

Saw this peony in full bloom on a recent trip to central Alberta.  Don't think I've ever seen one this dark rosy red colour before...a treat for certain  Looks beautiful amongst the marble and brilliant white painted headstones.

Photographed at Saint Michael Archangel Roman Catholic Cemetery near Saint Michael, Alberta. 

Pysanka

The big, beautiful, revolving Pysanka in Vegreville, Alberta.   

Photographed this morning, June 26, 2025.  A lovely way to start the day.