Billions vanished in one of the most brazen frauds ever perpetrated on the general public.

By world standards of scamming today, however, they’re perhaps rank amateurs, but here and in 1997 it was a big deal. The deception was nothing short of obvious right out of the gate. Well, except for those caught up in the excitement or blinded by the promise of riches and these folks never saw it coming.

For the nitty-gritty details of how it all came down we suggest a little online or book reading for more info. We’re just not writers of that calibre – or of any calibre and can’t go that far in depth on the subject. Brief pop-history is all we do. We just wanted to share a personal, albeit brief memory of the company and reminisce. Look into Bre-X Minerals and you’ll be on your way down a deep, deep rabbit hole.

It’s fascinating story of a well crafted scheme and even though outrageously unbelievable, it convinced a lot of people to jump in with both feet. If you say it enough times it’s true and is all the more believable if a few others join in. Then it snowballs out of control and even otherwise sane people, or tight-fisted conservative types, soon found themselves caught up in the madness.

In the 1990s the company blatantly falsified reports and sloppily tampered with drill samples, turning what was actually (mostly) barren ground, in Indonesia, into the greatest gold find of the century. It was unprecedented on all levels and and everyone fell for it. Even when it came into question by experts, many folks chose denial and remained true believers. To the bitter end and bitter it was.

At the peak the stock price soared from penny levels to over $280.00. They had a total capitalization of over $6 billion and it looked like they had room to grow even more. The Bre-X scheme collapsed after the gold samples were found to be fraudulent. They salted samples with alluvial gold and jewellery shavings.

The unassuming office block seen here was home to the company’s headquarters and big gold coloured Bre-X signs once adorned the exterior, up there on the space above the top floor. We’re on 14th Street Northwest, just a little north of Kensington Road. It’s a busy stretch and no doubt lots of people saw the sign.

Our photo was captured during a rare quiet moment in traffic.

Chris here and I was driving a construction and oilfield delivery truck back then and by coincidence was stuck in traffic, in front of this very building, as a chapter in the Bre-X saga played out. Right at the door there on the left. There were many tremors leading up to this day, but the news that samples were fraudulent just received wide coverage and this brought out the masses. Right about the time I showed up.

It’s May 1997 and history happened right here.

With the breaking news, the area became busy with angry shareholders who on losing it all, were looking for answers. Reporters were on the scene to document it all and soon after the police arrived to keep order. There was shouting in the streets, people running about crazily and general mayhem. Someone called in a bomb threat.

A circus comes to mind.

As a result of the chaos, traffic on 14th came to a grinding halt. It happened in real time and was coming to a head just a few vehicles, including mine, arrived. By the time anyone could act, they were already committed and stuck in the mess. Guess none of us saw it coming…

There’s yours truly right outside and for the short while I had a front row seat to the action. It was only ten or fifteen minutes, but there was so much crazy that time stood still. The crowd pulsated with faces of anger and despair.

Order came quickly out on the street and everyone soon moved to the doors out front or adjoining sidewalks. Traffic started rolling again and it really didn’t impact any deliveries, but it did make for good conversation back at the office later. I shared some highlights over the radio as they happened, just in case the dispatcher questioned why a certain truck was not moving.

It was over and done quickly, for this person anyway, but the memory stuck. For those who lost it all in the melee, I bet it haunts them every single day. Even now, some 28 years later.

Being an intimate witness to something so newsworthy and having it happen completely by chance, is kind of wild. It’s another strange happenstance – nothing world moving or anything – but a window into something really interesting. Who doesn’t love the phycology of a good scam? It was seen up close and had the timing been a bit different, we wouldn’t be sharing this post. This thought keeps coming back: it seems deceiving people is easy.

What brought on this post, since it’s a little different from the norm here? While driving past the building recently, as we’ve done a million times, we got stuck in traffic right out front in the very same spot. The memories of that day came rushing back. There was nothing odd going on and it was just heavy volumes, but we didn’t see it coming I suppose…

Now let’s return to our regular programming.

Know more (new tab): Bre-X Minerals Calgary.

They’re saying…

“Chris and Connie have a unique way of documenting the places they visit, not copying the style or technique of others, but making it their own.” Alex Craig, Filmmaker.

Random awesomeness…
Mt Revelstoke (BC) Eva & Miller Lakes.
Four Houses Downtown Calgary/.
Bridge Hunting: Highway 13 Scotsguard.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: 1997 (the memory) and October 2025 (revisiting the building).
Location: 14th Street NW, Calgary Alberta.

Bre-X pulled off the biggest stock swindle in Canada right here.

The post Retrospective: Bre-X Minerals Calgary first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

We can’t play outside on a day off like this and certainly can’t stay at home, so here we are.

Its infamy mainly comes from one thing…that it’s a literal ghost town. No one speaks of it’s magnificence, but rather just how empty it is and all that lost potential. There’s a mere handful of retailers operating, and hallway after hallway of vacant store fronts. There’s room for many more but the occupancy rate then was hovering at about twelve percent.

And of customers at New Horizon, there’s few. Most people seem to be here to take in the odd spectacle and not shop. It’s a place brand spanking new, clean, tidy and should be a hit, yet it shows almost no signs of life. Patterned after a similar Asian Mall in Ontario, with tiny stores rarely more than a few hundred square feet in size, this one appears to have stumbled out of the gate.

Build it and they’ll come? Not here it seems. Still, come explore it with us….it’s beautifully weird and wonderful.

This is how it was for us the day we dropped by, many years ago. Business has since improved…somewhat…or so recent media pieces would state (and you know how trustworthy they are). This is not an anti-New Horizon Mall piece and we actually enjoyed the visit. Here, it’s just a fanciful look at how it was for us that day and nothing more. We love exploring the outer limits and the mall delivered in that respect.

As you many have guessed by now, this is an older piece brought back from archives and reposted. Keep that year in mind for some of the context, but we have updated some points to reflect the current status.

1) Arrival @ 11:19:48am. Seems we’re the second car in the parking lot. Fact is there was more than just the two vehicles seen in our picture, but most folks choose the heated underground parkade to escape the bone-chilling temperatures. Still, we counted only some forty or so vehicles overall down there and some must belong to those who work here.

The lot we picked incidentally fronts on the busy Queen Elizabeth Highway and seems consistently empty (not just on our visit, but always) which must give the wrong impression to those passing by. Is the place even open and should we bother stopping?

2) 11:22:40am. Our first photo inside. There’s three stores in quick succession and beyond a big void. As far as the eye can see, there’s not a soul about. All that stark white, sterile and cold, but not as cold as outside! Perhaps it’s too hospital-like (minus that maze-like quality of most health centres) and not particularly inviting for some folks.

3) 11:23:20am. Another hallway and a whole lot of empty. You got to wonder the cost to heat and light the place. With help from Google Translate: Xīn shìyě gòuwù zhòng xīn hěn qíguài or 新视野购物中心很奇怪 (New Horizon Mall is Strange! In Chinese).

4) 11:30:50am. Lunch calls! Upstairs at the “food court” the first signs of people. Go to the light…

5) 11:33:00. Later we’ll be entertained and here a performer gets ready for a show.

6) 11:42:06am. Food from Matty’s Asian Fusion Grill and it’s the only dining option this day. They’ve got a monopoly! We’ve since heard more food outlets have since opened there and the current map shows maybe nine or ten. The eats we had are reason enough to go back and it was yummy stuff. In fact we did go back! Matty’s still shows on current mall maps, so they must being doing something right.

7) 12:04:52pm. Share Tea had an opening soon sign dated almost six months prior. The map at the New Horizon Mall’s website later showed that business did do that, but they appear gone now.

8) 12:12:12pm. Back to walking. We explore this hall and that, each looking much like the last. That we ran into the same people over and over tells us were not the only ones here to get some exercise. Security guards, looking bored out of their chicken, are quick to engage. Briefly comes a smile, some small talk and they’re gone. We suspect they have little to do but stroll about and daydream.

It’s not like there’s any trouble or crimes in progress to attend to. Oh look, someone’s talking loudly – roll out, release the hounds and get that guy!

9) 12:13:36pm. A sale! But no customers. A lone soul looks out over an empty parking lot and we imaging him pondering life and its hidden meanings. Why are we here? What’s it all about? Why isn’t that legging place open…that damn legging place? Why the heck am I not next door at Cross-Iron Mills where the action is? Bass Pro has a freakin’ sale on camo!

Cross Iron is a mega-shopping centre and just to the north. It’s always busy, yet oddly New Horizon doesn’t seem to benefit from any spill-over traffic from there.

10) 12:16:08pm. Smart Deals, eh? We rough counted and found some sixty or so places occupied (of some five hundred+). Given all the vacancies it’s disturbingly disproportionate. Interestingly some stores didn’t open the day of our visit…or maybe they never do. We heard from security during one of those chit-chats that some owners have simply up and walked away, never to return. And they spoke further of others who have taken on second jobs to underwrite their New Horizon businesses, resulting in sporadic hours for those ones. Now it all makes sense.

11) 12:16:58pm. We’ve been in the middle nowhere Saskatchewan, the hinterlands of British Columbia, on remote backroads nowhere close to civilization in Alberta, and never have we felt more alone than at New Horizon Mall. Might as well have been on Mars. There’s a million and half people within a short distance of here, yet there’s complete solitude.

12) 12:18:40pm. While these places looked open, there seemed no one about. Refer to what we said a few paragraphs above. Selection in some stores, as evidenced here at Il Forno, was often minimal, further exacerbating the customer problem. With so little on the shelves to buy, why stop? All the vendor stalls are like this and glass-sided.

13) 12:26:18pm. A calendar from June 2018 and that’s one month after the building opened. No signs of recent activity in this shop and it’s something we saw repeated a lot as we walked about. Seems a fair number of people leased store fronts, not in hopes of opening a business, but rather on speculation with plans to flip them for big $$ on the mall being a success. Now they’re left holding the bag and with a place no one wants.

With little demand many landlords have essentially abandoned their spaces and some reverted back to mall ownership. Others have them for sale at liquidation prices. There are “condo” type fees to pay regardless of whether you’re open or not.

14) 12:27:32pm. Far in back the busy QE2 and the vehicle count out front holds steady at two. With help from Google Translate: 뉴 호라이즌 몰은 이상해 (New Horizon Mall is Strange! In Korean).

15) 12:35:08pm. Practising for a show. And while there’s an audience of one here, later a fair number of folks would show up, but few of them hung around once it all ended.

16) 12:38:52pm. The Fame Zone is gone now and does not show on recent New Horizon Mall Maps. Seems there wasn’t enough of a market for leggings after all. Stores on the outer walls, as this one is, are the smallest running about 145 square feet (with a few ones a quarter sized bigger). People spotted! We have new friends! Goodness, we’re lonely…

17) 12:48:16pm. Fizz & Dazzle, a place for bath bombs. New Horizon Mall is strange!

18) 12:50:52pm. There’s this peculiar optimism at the leasing office…or maybe it’s a state of denial. There’s broad smiles all around, brochures and posters speaking of the money to be made, and the success you’ll have owning your own business. It’s all manner of things contradicting the reality we’re witness too.

This was in contrast shop with shop owners where smiles appeared forced and the entire vibe was one of nervousness or outright despair.

19) 12:56:26pm. Someone’s coming! A new buddy?! Ten bucks it a security guard, who incidentally were little concerned with us photographing things, even if the signs at the front suggest it’s prohibited. But we asked beforehand and they seemed indifferent to it all.

Not seen, an aggressive store owner hot on Connie’s tail intent on selling her something. We encountered a few vendors which were pushy and for the third and last time, we don’t need nail polish! Most, however, looked at us with pathetic lost puppy-dog eyes. Please, buy something from me…please…for the love of…think of the children. We’re being silly here, but it’s no doubt serious stuff for these people.

We honestly felt sorry for most of the store owners here and can’t help think it’ll not end well for many.

20) 1:01:30pm. Stepping outside, a break from the crowds and mayhem. The skies are blue, the snow white, and yes, the world has not ceased to be. There’s lots of traffic on the QEII…

21) 1:12:50pm. High key: a photography technique where the background is of extreme contrast (white) so as to bring out colours on the main subject. See how the pink pops? In back, a sign shows how they’ve set up the various halls as though streets.

22) 1:46:16pm. By days end we’d put on about ten kilometres and it’s walking that keeps us strong. So many empty stores on Second Avenue. Curious as to the layout, south to north it’s 2nd through 8th Avenue, skipping 4th. There’s also no 1st here. West to east it’s 76th Street through 98th Street with 84th and 94th skipped.

Professor Google tells us eights and nines are particularly lucky in Chinese Culture which somewhat helps explain this arrangement. Four is real no-no, hence its complete absence. We just learned something today, together. BTW, our website applies numerical values to all posts for keeping track of things and this one when originally published was #40463. Oppsie! Now it’s #68383.

23) 4:02:32pm. After a break from the picture taking, the show begins and a crowd comes out of nowhere. Here it’s a fashion show and a model totally owning it. That intensity. And the drums played.

24) 4:03:08pm. Those colours! If anything the sterile décor helps all this amazing clothing really stand out.

25) 4:11:58pm. Lots of people now, but when the show ended they’d quickly vanish. New Horizon would be quiet and empty again. But for a moment though, the place looked like it was happening and a certified go-to.

26) 4:26:58pm. The noise echoed up and down the building breaking the otherwise ever-present silence. Boom, boom, boom and it was as though a war zone with the big guns sending out barrage after barrage.

27) 4:46:22pm. Those that know us are familiar with our predilection for the colour yellow. Bright yellow that is and maybe one day we’ll explain why. Okay, how about now? We once bought a jacket on sale that was bright yellow – you’ve seen it no doubt. We did for the fit with extra-long sleeves – gorilla arms are hard to deal with – and in photos it sort of became our trademark. It was not an intentional outcome and just us being cheap-skates.

There’s some elegant ladies here, but the left most one stands out to us.

28) 4:50:52pm. How do we get people to pose? We tell them we’re pro-photographers shooting a piece for the Times or the Journal. Really, that’s all it takes! No that’s silly and we ask nice while telling them our intentions. Here’s a decked-out pair rockin’ some vivid costumes and looking good.

29) 5:06:14pm. And here, looking incredible too, more participants in the show. Smiles all around and looking happy.

30) 5:08:02pm. In winter the sun sets way too early in this part of the world and full on dark at 6pm is hard on the psyche.

31) 5:10:18pm. Just one vehicle in the front parking lot, our lonely little pathetic car. That BIGDoer-mobile has since been replaced and to be honest, we sort of miss it. It looks like a plain old econobox (and in spec was), but was beast in every way. It said Cruze on the plate, but we swear it should have read Jeep.

32) A glint of sun on the glass exterior. Beautiful. But it’s to be appreciated for but a moment and the freezing cold had us making a bee-line for the doors.

33) 5:11:42pm. Rolling thunder! They play fast and furious, the beat intense and the skill incredible. A picture does this drummer no justice. You had to see it, and hear it, in person. We watched enthralled for a long time and were a bit deaf in the end.

34) 5:51:16pm. The show’s over, the quiet returns and the halls are again empty. New Horizon is supposes to close at 8pm but after the show, we saw at least a couple stores shutting early.

35) 5:52:50pm. The store map. Welcome! Yellow (nice colour), are units that are occupied. And with one more lap done – that’s like the thirtieth one – and all possible photo angles exhausted, we decide the adventure is done. What an experience. With help from Google Translate: Trung tâm thương mại Horizon mới lạ (New Horizon Mall is Strange! In Vietnamese).

36) 5:54:02pm. Next order of business, warm up the beast. The last bit of light of day is pleasing and and we’re the only ones out here enjoying it. We’ll call this a magic moment – an adventure done and the final curtain with Mother Nature putting on a show just for us. In a parking lot of all things. Odd how these play out and we love the memories fondly.

37) Finale @ 5:55:16pm. With the car making all manner of odd noises warming up, account that bitter cold, a photo of the New Horizon Mall sign facing the QE2. There’s room for announcements, but those spaces are vacant. Why even bother I guess. Empty is the theme here. An advertising opportunity lost – tens of thousands of cars per day pass in sight of it. I bet most question whether if anything there is even open.

One last look back and we’re gone. Turning to each other, it comes in unison “New Horizon Mall is strange!” But so are we and that’s what we like.

Let’s browse some interesting Google, Yelp and Reddit reviews. There’s thousands and these are just a few we cherrypicked. Go…

“Brick and mortar wish.com” and “It’s basically a physical AliExpress.” It’s a sentiment often stated and the mall is usually compared to various online selling sites peddling cheaply made junky stuff. Temu type places.

“Sooooo dead. It’s just north of the city, and has no anchor. Zero destination draws, just a bunch of tiny, one of a kind places that nobody ever heard of.” To the point and pretty accurate we suppose.

“The place is weird AF” and “I’ve seen cemeteries with more life to them.” Ouch.

New Horizon is often compared to a Calgary Mall that similarly opened with much promise and fanfare, but that later fizzled out. “New Horizon is the new Eau Claire” and “Eau Clair Mall has entered the chat.”

“But all the stores in there are either cell phone cases, or shops that sell like 3 items, but no one is there to sell to you anyway. Some have signs that say, I’m in the mall somewhere, text me if you want to buy something.” We noted there’s a lot of stalls marked with signs like that, suggesting the owner is likely single-handedly manning two stores and bouncing between them as demand dictates.

More…“Feels like this mall isn’t meant to be taken very seriously at all…More than half the (occupied) shops are only open on the weekends. Employees are either on their phones, or are out and about while leaving “be back in 5 minutes” sticky notes on their stores.”

Still, there’s lots of good things to be said about the place in reviews and we can’t help think they missed an opportunity. By our own account there are (or were) some stand-out shops and services. It’s debatable if the close proximity of nearby Cross-Iron Mill Mall helps or hinders the situation.

We browsed the New Horizon Mall social media pages and they’re about as quiet as the place itself. It’s an odd little story.

Since our visit many more stores have moved in and in the latest stats, occupancy is something like seventy five percent. Still, there’s seemingly a general malaise about here and retailers have been vocal at times regarding how badly things having been going for their businesses. Reviews from shoppers often reflect a similar tone and of being underwhelmed and leaving empty handed.

More people visit, but it seems few are buying anything. Dead pools have predicted the demise of New Horizon Mall many times, but even then it seems to endure. They must all have deep pockets or are dangerously determined to make something of it no matter the sacrifice.

We’ve gone back to New Horizon Mall a few times since this visit, but not recently. So in 2021 and 2022. At that time there were clearly more tenants (nothing close to the recently stated 75%) but it still appeared dead as before. That odd twilight zone vibe persisted. Many stores were not open during these times (mid-afternoon one Saturday and a Friday evening) and some almost looked abandoned.

You know, we might have to go back and see the current status for ourselves. Who’s in for a coffee chat? I see there’s a place up there near Matty’s and we could wander about afterwards.

Know more…

New Horizon Mall Balzac Alberta.

They’re saying…

So glad you know so much (and) your posts and pictures are appreciated! Irene Storteboom. (We only think we know much).

Winter adventures…

Fish Creek Park Western Trails.
Edgemont Ravine (NW Calgary).
Grain Elevators at Carbon Alberta.

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date of Adventure: March, 2019.
Location: Balzac, AB.
Article references and thanks: New Horizon Mall, Calgary Korean Woman’s Association, Calgary Korean Association, Korean Art Club, Calgary Traditional Chinese Fashion Show Association, Calgary Chinese Music Club and Shine Dance & Lady Club.

1) March 2019: this is going to be strange (and awesome).

2) Not a soul about and it would mostly be that way all day.

3) Empty is the theme and that’s obvious here.

4) Wait, we see people!

5) An entertainer getting ready for a show.

6) Good eats from the one and only vendor at the time.

7) Seating in the food court is limited!

8) Large gaps of nothing between stores.

9) A sale where no one came.

10) One of perhaps 60 shops, with space for over 500.

11) What it’s like to be utterly alone.

12) The lights are on…

13) From June 2018 but it never opened.

14) Vehicle count at two and holding.

15) An audience of one…

16) Kardashian famous?

17) Fizz & Dazzle.

18) An optimistic vibe at the leasing office.

19) The sound of footsteps and a familiar face – Connie.

20) Outside, relief from the the crowds and noise.

21) High-key heaven.

22) Walk up, walk down and it’s ten clicks behind us.

23) The show begins and out of nowhere, a crowd appears.

24) Bright costumes contrast with the sterile and stark decor.

25) When the show ends, they’ll all vanish.

26) The drums echoed up and down the halls.

27) Liking the yellow in particular.

28) We’re pro-photographers…don’t you know…

29) Happy to pose and they look fabulous.

30) Comes the setting sun.

31) Meanwhile in the parking lot.

32) Outside it’s numbingly cold.

33) Pound those skins and make some noise!

34) With the show over it’s a return to peace and quiet.

35) A map to guide the way and treasure awaits!

36) Yup, the BIGDoer-mobile is still there and looks cold!

37) All that’s left is a shot of the sign and we’re gone.

The post New Horizon Mall is Strange! first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Here we “bring it home”, down some back alley in downtown Cranbrook and to the very place from which is was created. Over there in a room of cinder blocks, in that nondescript building with the roll up door to the left. This was the back side of Kemball’s Jewellers and the workshop where this piece and much (all?) of Manwoman’s artwork emerged.

It doesn’t look like much, but back there and back in time, some rather special things happened in that utilitarian place. Chris here and I got to go inside in the 1980s. I only knew MW in passing, but via some mutual friends his son was an occasional acquaintance.

Picture it, a game of Dungeons and Dragons, the players: Ivan, Manwoman’s kid and also a creative type, brothers Al and Trevor and some gangly guy named Chris (me), and others, battling demons in the underworld. It happened right here. Oddly shaped dice, no clue how the game works, vodka spiked Super Big Gulps and surrounding us, many prints and sculptures. Some were complete and others works in progress.

I recall a custom snake-shaped guitar…and maybe some animation cells for a short film project.*

Manwoman’s gone now, having passed a number of years back. He stood out and was a fixture in Cranbrook back then. Always dressed in bright yellow, with his big yellow van and big yellow everything. Hmmm, yellow’s become our trademark colour too, but it’s totally coincidental.

And there were his many Swastika tattoos for which he became a sometimes controversial figure…among those that were ignorant to the symbol’s true meaning and backstory. For eons it was associated with spirituality and positivity, but later hijacked by the Nazis and made bad.

Manwoman made it his life’s work to repatriate the symbol and take it back. Reclaim it…but still most people today see it as something awful. They ruined it, those damn Nazis ruined it, but he tried.

There’s no ceremony here, just a photo or two and a moment of silence. And some chuckles…hard liquor makes it so much easier to understand the game. Roll for…what? Which shaped dice do we use? And where are we again? I’m lost. Oh, pretty colours (looking at a can of paint). Then some demon offs you before you know what to do next.

Interestingly, the building in behind is home to another jewellery place. Kemball’s was the family name by the way, which Manwoman ceased to use once he found his awakening I suppose.

Moodonna & Child presently hangs on the wall at BIGDoer World HQ (aka, a small corner in our dining room). Now if only we could find a “Sisters of Mercy Dumptruck” and place it beside this one. That one always struck a cord – recall them making copies of it back then. Nuns, singing, in a dumptruck – you got it. How quirky and strange and for that reason, it’s perfect.

Interestingly, the very image of two cows seen in this print showed up prominently in Manwoman’s old web store. That page seems to have vanished, but he did pass on some time ago now. Cows were a big thing for him. A dancing top-hat-wearing skull guy (Mr Death) shows up often in his work too, and that memory comes flooding back. And nuns…lots of nuns.

This is another older piece brought back for your (and our) enjoyment. We’ll do this for select articles found in the archives and post them anew. This one retains the original photo, even if that darn reflection is driving me mad, but was rewritten for better clarity and flow.

Madonna and Child (“my lady” in Italian, so Mary and baby Jesus) is the subject of many works of Christian art. It inspired this print and Moodonna & Child presents it with a little reimagining.

Thank you thrift store for this Moodonna flashback and now I only need to turn right a bit, to get those memories flooding back again. There’s those cows, there on the wall and they’re staring right back.

*No amount of searching brings up a Manwoman made animation flick, but still I swear he and Ivan (Cat) were doing something for the National Film Board of Canada(?) or some such entity. Spray on Joy is the name that comes to mind, and while some prints with that title come up, I can’t help think it was an extension of those. But then again, the liquor made the whole thing a blur.

Know more (new tab): Artist Manwoman Cranbrook British Columbia

They’re saying…

“Chris and Connie have a unique way of documenting the places they visit, not copying the style or technique of others, but making it their own.” Alex Craig, Filmmaker.

From the Cranbrook area…
The Bee Line Cranbrook BC
The Sidewalks of 10th Ave S Cranbrook. Next block over.
Tri-Way/Kootenay Country Inn Cranbrook

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: July 2018.
Location: Cranbrook, British Columbia.
Article references: Nothing but old and fractured memories.

Moodonna & Child by artist Manwoman, brought home.

The post Moodonna & Child by Artist Manwoman first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Join us a we stroll about this gritty area, a bit southeast of downtown, in search of these dwellings. It’s a post reminiscent of our “X” Houses series where we searched out homes/former homes deep in the city’s core. There’s a link to the most recent installment of that piece down near the photos if you’re curious.

Industrial areas are often a gold mines when it comes to other things of interest to folks like us, so forgive us if some pictures stray from the main theme. Things like old vehicles and that.

This piece is from 2015 and brought back after a system crash, with mostly new text, but original photos. The face of Alyth/Bonnybrook has changed since and these older images show the houses better than if we shot them today. They’re not pretty in any way, but neither should they be. Also, some houses seen back then are gone now and these are noted in the photos. The 2015 context of the write up was kept where possible.

All the houses seen here are concentrated in triangle chunk of land perhaps 20 blocks square (mostly in the Alyth section). The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Alyth railyards are to the northeast and there’s an escarpment in the west. A city sewage plant, with Bow River behind it, is directly south in the Bonnybrook part. Welcome to stinkytown.

It’s not a beautiful area, but industrial neighbourhoods never are. Still, we find them strangely compelling.

This is only a small part of the extensive Alyth/Bonnybrook district (let’s just collectively call it Alyth, ok). Other parts, as far as we could tell, seem devoid of residences of any kind.

It appears many of the old homes function as offices or as storage places for various businesses.

A couple other homes in the area were empty, including one for sale at the time and probably slatted for redevelopment. A few show signs of habitation and must certainly qualify as some of the weirdest places to live in Calgary. Realtors always say “location, location, location” but here that rule is best not discussed.

The oddest of the group are four that have a railway track running right past their front yards. The street they’re on (road one side and track beside it) is one of the few in Calgary that’s unpaved. There’s lots of gravel alleys in the city – we have one – but few roads of this nature.

Imagine living at any one of them with trucks kicking up dust, industrial noises and smells (if the wind is right, you’ll catch a whiff of the poop plant), and the occasional passing train. At odd hours of course. You have to admit, it’s a bit weird.

I doubt many people could live in such an environment without going a bit nuts. It takes a certain type and it’s for these people we call the article Industrial Park Living. They’re a strange breed perhaps. We always hoped one of them would reach out after reading the original post and chat about the experience. We even offered to bring beer, but no one responded. How could anyone turn down that?

We’ve researched each house, as best we could, but as you might expect data on many was spotty at best and for others completely missing. The oldest of the group we found information in the city of Calgary database is from 1914 and the most recent 1939. The build date of each, if known, is posted with each photo down in the gallery.

A few houses are multi-story, but the rest are single level and most rather small in size. One is in contention as being one of the smallest houses in all Calgary (and we missed it initially) and has less square footage than most two car garages.

It sounded like someone was living inside and we don’t mean a home owner. The building was clearly vacated some time ago, and who ever this was, they sounded a bit…well…unhinged. Cursing and stuff – not at us, but whom, only they knew. Best to get out of there.

A good number of these houses have that broken glass stucco so popular in the mid-century era.

Many of our subjects were blocked from view by vehicles, machinery, signage, fencing or who knows what else. For others it’s by trees or bushes, sometimes almost completely, and certain yards have a real wildness about them. One house was totally obscured by containers at the time and only visible on Google Earth from above.

The city has numerous aerial photos available online showing the area in the past and if anything, they demonstrate the extent of change here. In the old days it was more a semi-rural mixed residential and industrial, with some farm land and many empty lots. In the end, the land proved better suited for factories and warehouses. It grew more and more industrial over time, until only a few houses remained. Since we first published this piece, now there’s even less.

It’s possible there are more houses/ex-houses we overlooked in the area. We followed this visit up with a Google Earth scan and it doesn’t look like that happened, but who knows.

Alyth/Bonnybrook is home to a number of huge concrete grain terminals and these dominate the skyline. You can’t miss those.

A Pace Arrow Eleganza motorhome (1980s) is tucked away on a corner property and looks lived in. On site security for a property perhaps? Or someone down on their luck and with no home otherwise?

It’s not odd to find someone residing in a rolling-home in out of the way places like this and while the city disapproves, these folks often fly under the radar. Due to any number of factors, usually money related, empty lots and side roads become temporary addresses for some folks. Sometimes the police roust them out and they find a new place.

Note the grain terminal in back and it’s a big one. The railyard is right behind it, but unseen.

We pass a rare Hendrickson VT-100 from the mid to late 1980s and it carries a drilling rig. In trucking circles the Hendrickson firm is best known for making suspensions used in big rigs. They also produced specialized or highly customized heavy duty trucks for a period and always in small numbers. Known as HME today (Hendrickson Mobile Equipment), they only make fire trucks now.

This make is uncommon in Canada and pretty much anywhere else for that matter and it’s the first we’ve ever seen in the wild. That’s a big front end.

A battered and worn Kenworth W900A series works for a metal recycling firm and how long before it too becomes scrap? What a road warrior. Kenworth produced this model from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s and this one seems to be from the last half dozen years of production.

The company continues to build W900B models, in a slightly different form, to this day, but not for much longer. They’ve announced the end is near and 2026 will be the last year. That’s quite the legacy and this series ended up as one of the most popular and recognizable highway haulers ever.

Unimogs, in production since the 1940s, will never win a beauty contest, but they are functional.

So ends our little walkabout of this unique community. We’re drawn to industrial areas, for reasons we’ll never be able to fully explain, and always find something interesting to see. Look for us (maybe with one of us in the yellow jacket) out exploring other neighbourhoods like Alyth/Bonnybrook. Maybe the one you work in.

Know more about the area (new tab): Alyth/Bonnybrook Calgary.

They’re saying…

“Love the variety and always look forward to seeing the places they visit.” Brian Brandon – River City Classics and Eamon’s Garage.

A similar post…
Four Houses Downtown Calgary.

Random fun…
Trinity Lutheran Calgary ~100 Years Apart.
1915 Cement House (Vacant 55+ Years).
Molly Hughes by the Lake (Ag-Pb-Zn-Au).

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: July 2015, with one 2021 addition that we missed the first time.
Location: Alyth/Bonnybrook, Calgary.
Article references and thanks: City of Calgary property records and aerial photos.

On the ground in Alyth/Bonnybrook and grain terminals dominate the scene.

We’re in search of houses and here’s the first – it looked occupied but is now gone (build date unconfirmed).

There were two houses on this property, but one was blocked from view (this one dates to 1939).

This one looked live in and is now gone (build date unknown).

Train tracks in your front yard – built 1924 and it was occupied.

Almost completely blocked from view – built 1922 and it appeared occupied.

Well hidden and it’s since been fixed up, as an office we think – build date unknown.

Two built to a similar design (1914) in the yard of a business.

An office for a used car dealers – build date unconfirmed.

Also on the car dealer property – build date unknown.

Home only to pigeons.

One the smallest houses in Calgary – there was someone inside – build date unknown.

Someone’s rolling home?

A rare Hendrickson VT-100.

A Unimog will never win a beauty contest.

This well worn Kenworth hauled for a scrap company.

It’s seen a few wars.

The post Industrial Park Living Alyth Calgary first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

A fighter plane has a singular purpose (as surrogate angel of death) and together with our players sends a message that when it comes to the cause at hand, it’s serious business. It’s all about the Knitted Knockers organization and done in the spirit of the Rosie factory worker. One person alone might feel overwhelmed, but together we can do it. Cancer is terrifying, but it’s best handled head on with support from family and friends.

Knitted Knockers supplies handmade boob prostheses free to breast cancer survivors and helped our own Connie during her bout. When the idea of this shoot came up, we immediately volunteered to coordinate the show and do what we could to help. We feel indebted. Plus the thought of getting to play around with a vintage warbird and with people in period costume is the stuff of dreams.

Our friend Byron chats with the owner of the plane.

Everyone who participated in this memorable and once in a lifetime event were similarly volunteers. It worked out to be a monumental group effort and that it played out as smoothly as it did is either some kind of blessing or perhaps it’s just dumb luck. We’re at a private airport in Southern Alberta and the Rosies have taken over! Enjoy the photos and help the Knockers people if you can! Here: Knitted Knockers Alberta.

The warbird: The Spitfire went on to be one of the most legendary fighters of the time, and made in huge numbers in the years 1938-1948. Designed in anticipation of conflict, it remained in production even after hostilities ended, which is quite amazing. While this era was domain of the piston-engined fighter, the post war period saw a wholesale changeover to jet propulsion. That the plane still found use during the transition speaks of the Spitfire’s outstanding capabilities and value. It held it’s own and that’s even after being usurped by aircraft more technologically advanced.

Just over twenty thousand were produced, across a wide number of variants and several factories (in the UK) were kept busy pumping them out. The firm Supermarine (or Vickers Supermarine) designed and manufactured most and with the help of countless contractors. Most Spitfires, those not lost to action that is, were scrapped soon after the war and this quickly thinned their numbers.

This example is a rare late model FR XIVe series built just as the fighting wound down. It’s a higher performance version (of an already capable fighter) and powered by a Roll Royce Griffon engine. Regular Spitfires used the smaller output Merlin (approx. 1500hp vs 2000hp+ for the Griffon), but even these were still quite exceptional in their abilities.

The Merlin and Griffon were both V12 liquid cooled engines and with capacities of 27 or 37 litres respectively.

Griffon Spitfires had two distinctive bulges on the forward fuselage, above the exhaust ports and to accommodate the larger engine. These were also equipped with a five-bladed propeller and that’s verses three on the Merlin variants. Later Spitfires and this one is included, used a modified fuselage with a teardrop canopy. In appearance, no matter the sub-model, a Spitfire is distinctive enough that it’s unlikely to be confused with any other fighter of the era. It’s taken on iconic status and that’s among some very capable competition.

Griffon Spitfires were capable of cruising at up to 600-700kph (depending on altitude) and this is perhaps fifty to one hundred better than the Merlin versions. In aerial combat, speed means everything.

This plane belonged to the Royal Air Force in the UK but completed so late in hostilities (during ’45) that it never saw service. It soon afterwards got sent to Canada and used as a guinea pig for cold weather testing and initially based out of Edmonton. They even outfitted it with skies for a time and no doubt learned a lot about adverse weather aerial combat in the process.

Later in the 1940s, the forces sold it to a private individual who used it for air racing down in the States and where it fared pretty well. It gleamed in polished metal, with red trim and advertised “Edmonton Canada – The Crossroads of the World”, with Imperial Oil shown as sponsor.

It then headed south and for much of the 1950s could be found down Florida way. An attempt to sell it to the Dominican Air Force failed and at one point it got seized by US Customs.

It then changed hands time and again while bouncing all over the US and Canada for the next couple decades. Sometimes in flying condition but more often not airworthy, it spent some time at various museums as well and didn’t seem to put down roots in any one place for long.

A full restoration was undertaken in the 1990s, and this made it fully flight worthy again. Soon after completion it made its way back into Canada and for a time it hung around the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Only recently, Don, the current owner, acquired it and now it’s found a new, loving home with an aircraft aficionado. He and his brothers have their own little airforce and planes vintage, modern, high performance and work-a-day.

Don is a fully capable pilot (ditto the brothers) and it’s expected this plane will hit the skies again soon enough. It is a bit of an unforgiving beast so a slow and cautious approach is being taken.

On an earlier visit, Don started up the plane and it literally shook the ground. It’s a good bet they heard it the next county over and everyone invited to watch this event walked away a little bit harder of hearing. A look inside the cockpit show the controls are simple, uncomplicated and pure ’40s tech. Still, you need to know what you’re doing and have no shortage of courage to fly TZ138 (its military number).

There’s a handful of Spitfires in Canada and it’s one of two still in flying condition. The world over, there’s a couple hundred extant examples, of which maybe a third can take to the skies. You’re looking at a rare one here and we’re thrilled to have seen it up close.

A Canadair Silver Star (Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star built under licence) is seen on parked on the apron and just off-screen from our shooting position. It belongs to a brother and maybe waiting for its chance to take to the skies again. Dating from the 1950s, aircraft of this type were used as trainers, even into fairly recent times, for aspiring jet fighter pilots.

This shoot evolved into a big project and it took the work of three photographers to make it happen. There’s Rob Pohl on his big film camera, Byron Rob on digital and yours truly doing the behind-the-scenes. You might recognize the names of those other two and note that we hang around with both often enough.

Sadly a technical issue cropped up during this shoot which resulted in some of our photos being spoiled and others that were passable, but a tad soft in focus. Say it with me…DOH! This problem missed being discovered right away and only obvious once images were downloaded and displayed on a larger screen. Still, we salvaged what we could and after a complete reset (camera and operator both), things have been fine ever since.

The Rosie character represents female factory workers of the war period, and not one single person, but a broad and idealized representation of all. Often seen working in aircraft factories the Rosie embodiment seemed like a natural fit for this project. An old plane and an important cause? We need Rosies!

The controls are simple and uncomplicated.

Canada had it’s own factory war-worker icon, a real person in this case, and who preceded Rosie by about a year. We’re speaking of Ronnie the Gun Girl and even if the representation of each is similar, Ronnie is generally not as well known so we picked what folks would recognize by name. In spirit they’re pretty much one and the same. They even looked similar, with the prominent hair bandana and baggy work clothes.

Thanks goes out to Jane Bond BBQ for catering this shoot and the smoked meat was huge hit. Check them out (new tab): Jane Bond BBQ Calgary and tell them we sent you.

The delicious eats made this already special event that much better and to be honest, we’re still basking in the afterglow. We’d call it perfect and thanks to Don, the airplane owner, for tolerating our antics. It meant a lot of work and I know we were a pain, but we all appreciate that you allowed this to take place. A framed print will eventually being finding its way to you and maybe in a small way will show some appreciation.

Know more about the aircraft (new tab): Supermarine Spitfire (Griffon Powered) and the cause (another new tab): Knitted Knockers Alberta.

Stop by often and browse fresh content posted regularly.

They’re saying…

“I enjoy your pictures and write ups so much. They bring back a touch of nostalgia for things we used to know, or didn’t even know about. It’s all about keeping our history alive and vibrant. It’s about where we came from, and about the people that made today’s world possible. Today’s world is so fast paced and so focused on the future, which is all well and good, but it’s nice to remember too, how it was not so very long ago. Thank you Chris & Connie.” Jan Cooper.

We love visiting museums and historic sites…
An Evening in Meeting Creek – a little fun with stinky dog.
Pioneer Acres Sneak a Peek.
Canadian Civil Defence Museum’s Alsask Dome – from the Cold War era.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventure: Summer, 2022.
Article reference and thanks (in no particular order): Don the Spitfire guy, Knitted Knockers, Jane Bond BBQ (yummy!), AerialVisuals.ca, WarBirdRegistry.org, VintageWings.ca, photographers Byron Rob and Rob Pohl, plus everyone who participated in the shoot. That’s our own Connie, plus Sonja, Leanne, Patty, Angie and the Knitted Knockers girls. Then there’s Emily, Margarit, Katherine, Shelly and the littlest Rosie of them all, Ivy.

From an earlier visit: started up for a test run.

They could hear it the next county over.

Hanging with a rare Griffon powered Spitfire & the fun’s about to begin.

Nearby, this ’50s era Silver Star jet trainer.

The Rosies have taken over the airport.

Film photographer Rob Pohl is primed and ready.

Behind the scenes.

It was a big group effort.

Magic always happens at sunset.

A group of all ages.

Of all the shoots we’ve done this one is a stand out.

The littlest of them all.

All good things must end.

Put to bed.

Class photo: Rosies & the Griffon Spitfire (film, Rob Pohl).

Class photo: Rosies & the Griffon Spitfire (digital, Byron Rob).

That’s me!

From the Knitted Knockers organization.

The post Rosies & The Griffon Spitfire first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

These “downtown” hotels were once a cornerstone of their respective communities, but seem like strange anachronisms in today’s modern world. They’re old and tired, just like the folks that frequent these businesses. Or so it seems, but it’s surprisingly not always the case. With each passing year more and more old hotels have closed. Often it’s due to the aged condition of the buildings and the costs associated with upkeep.

Other times it might be due to the owners retiring and with no one willing to take over, the business shutters. Sometimes the owner passes on and all too frequently comes news that yet another establishment has gone up in flames. Old wiring, ancient heating plants, structural issues – there’s no end to it. Should something go wrong it can break the bank. All the while, the income won’t make anyone rich and that’s even assuming if nothing goes off the rails.

Many of these establishments still rent rooms in the traditional sense. For some it’s hostel style (small rooms with “facilities” at the end of the hall), where as others have fixed them up for longer term rentals. Think, AirBnB, or extended social style housing and with rooms more like apartments.

Still, it’s the bar (or Beer Parlour in the old parlance) where the money is. That’s always been a case and a license to dispense liquor, was similarly one to print money. A hundred years ago or today.

The Beer Parlour Project is a multi-year mission but the end point remains unknown. It might take years or a over decade. It’s a wild ride, incredibly challenging to document, but undeniably fun. There’s a party happening and everyone’s invited.

It’s really quite a simple concept and we pay these fast disappearing small town hotels a visit, chat with local characters, get to know a little history and soak up the ambience. All the while we’ll be capturing the experience on film and digital, and with the watering hole functioning as a backdrop.

In this series we hope to capture a little Canadiana and feel good in doing something meaningful for the record.

Everyone with Team Beer Parlour Project wears many hats and plays the part of coordinator, scout, assistant or whatever else needs doing. Typically the BIGDoer half does the interviews and research, but also contributes to the photography end of things. Meanwhile Rob photographs the action using various vintage film cameras (that view camera is always a spectacle) and while it might seems like a simpler task, it’s not.

Each photo takes time to set up, it has to be done meticulously, and then the film needs processing. The latter is done in his in-house lab and no less involved than actually capturing the image. It’s a costly process too and dreadfully drawn out due to the various chemical processes involved.

Old Hotels are not an environment for old-style gear like Rob’s and this adds another layer of complexity. Beer Parlours are dark, the action is sometimes wild and it’s not really up to the task of low-light, fast-moving subjects. Yet here we are. For everyone involved, it’s well outside the usual comfort zones but we’re making it happen none the less.

Once in a while, we’ll invite along a guest photographer and that’s proven a wise move. The action is often chaotic and an additional set of eyes is helpful.

A gallery project is envisioned at the end of the Beer Parlour Project and we’re in discussions with publishers to make it into a book. After that fiasco working on an earlier one (look up Lost Alberta: Forgotten and Abandoned History), which mercifully was cancelled, we swore we’d never explore the subject again. Ever! Yet here we are (again). Rob’s a veteran with gallery exhibits, so that step will be easy at least.

This was a collaborative series planned many years ago, and eagerly anticipated by all, and then of course the world came to a grinding, screeching halt. Covid reared its ugly head and just wouldn’t leave, but with things back to normal now, we jumped back in as enthusiastic as ever.

Thus far we’ve shot some twenty venues (a couple hotels were visited twice) and realistically could end up documenting over a hundred. Maybe more and they are and will be all over Western Canada, so there goes the kid’s inheritance. The calls keep coming in and dates for future visited are planned. If anyone reading this is connected with a hotel like you see documented here, and wants to be part of it too, please message us.

Below, in no particular order, is a sampling of photos shot by the BIGDoer crew for the series, but for the full compliment, including Rob’s film shots and those from guest photographers, please click the link to follow.

Know more: (new tab): The Beer Parlour Project.

That website and this page are both works in progress and will be added to regularly.

Beer Parlour: the name given hotel pubs in the old days and it mostly fell from use by the 1980s. Still, many old timers will recall and perhaps still even use the term.

The Tofield Hotel goes back to 1912 – just imagine how different the world was then verses today – and for the first fifty years called the Royal Alexandra. Regal names with references to the monarchy were common for old hotels. The Queens, the King George or Edward, the Victoria, the Royal something, were all commonly seen. Here’s a peek from the alley into the bar and shows that in addition to dispensing liquor, gambling helps pay the bills. Vices, in any form, are profitable.

The back door view at the Tofield Hotel, August 2023.

The Thorsby Hotel dates to 1929 and this was roughly concurrent with the founding of the town and arrival of the railway. It’s a similar story with other small town hotels and they all seem to make the scene within a short time of each other. Here’s the night’s entertainment and many hotels like the Thorsby are a bastion for local talent. Bands of all types, who do it for love and not money, come to play. We can relate.

Dwayne at the Thorsby Hotel, August 2023.

It’s not just about photos and interviews are part of the process too. We’ll happily record notes with anyone who knows the establishment we’re at and wants to chat. Here’s Sherrie who once worked at the Wildwood Hotel, Wildwood Alberta, speaking of her time here. Later we spoke with another who’s been tending bar for fifty years now – look for Galdys later at the Beer Parlour Project website. The Wildwood is relatively new as these places go, and is from the 1950s.

Mid-interview at the Wildwood Hotel, October 2024.

The Grand Union Hotel sits in historic downtown Coleman in the Crowsnest Pass. It was built in the early 1920s and like many old hotels of the era, once owned by a brewery. It made complete sense to for beer producers to be in on the direct sales of their product. The room end of the business was often at best an afterthought, but still necessary to get a liquor dispensing license. That’s why older bars were always in a hotel and you could not have one without the other back then.

Open for business at the Grand Union, September 2023.

The Victoria Hotel in Bruderheim Alberta is so far the oldest we’ve visited. It dates to 1906 and sits along Queen Street. Victoria…Queen…they had a thing for royalty here in this town. Incidentally, Queen Elizabeth visited the community while on her way to open the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton in the 1970s, but it’s not clear if she stopped into the Vic Beer Parlour for a quick one. We had a grand time here and by all appearances, so did the patrons and staff. You might say we got treated like royalty…

A good laugh at the Victoria Hotel, February 2024.

You’re looking at standard issue Beer Parlour glasses, holding about half a pint, and with a distinctive fill line at the top. No beer served shall contain any more than determined by the line. They were serious about it and this was just one of many strict rules set down for having a bar license. If you drank at a Beer Parlour in about 1980 or before, it was likely out of a glass just like this. Even after the opening up of liquor rules (allowing stand alone non-hotel based pubs), they remained in use at many older establishments for years.

Official Liquor Control Board Beer Parlour glasses, February 2024.

Happy Halloween! We were out on Vancouver Island for other projects, passed by this roadhouse in Fanny Bay (south of Courtney) and did the first impromptu installment of the Beer Parlour Project. Albeit a short one, but still we’re amazed that we walked in and sold them on the idea so easily. It seems we’re not the only ones seeing the value in documenting these places. The Fanny Bay Inn dates back to the 1930s.

Happy Halloween at the Fanny Bay Inn, October 2023.

The Chipman Hotel, Chipman Alberta, hosted the Beer Parlour Project one foggy winter’s night. Like we’ve seen in other small towns, it’s one of a few business still open. Sometimes it’s the only one, but here, there’s also a store/gas station just down the street. Otherwise, downtown Chipman is comprised of disused buildings or empty lots and late at night, it that damp, cold mist, it was deathly quiet. The only sounds, indistinct and muted came from the Chipman Hotel and the soft lights were a beacon guiding one in. Cold beers and chili-dogs await those who answer the call.

A foggy night at the Chipman Hotel, February 2024.

Many hotels we’ve visited display ghost signs. In this case of the Victoria in Bruderheim Alberta, they no longer rent rooms (that’s common enough), so have no lobby and the food bar no longer exists. Sure, you can still get chicken wings or other appetizer type pub fare (all yummy in their own way), but not anything elaborate. It’s not about fine dining anyway, but something to fill the void while socializing and enjoying a bevy or two with friends.

Old signs at the Vic, February 2024.

The Warspite (Alberta) Hotel reopened recently, after being closed for the better part of a year or so. It’s the only business in town and this makes it all the more important. Locals need a place to meet and socialize. We met quite a few on this visit, chatted, made friends, learned a lot and the whole visit proved to be an unapparelled success. We handed out stickers, coasters and other Beer Parlour Project branded bits. Here they were so kind to put one display and look for it if you visit the Warspite Hotel.

Spotted at the Warspite Hotel, April 2024.

The Viking Hotel in Viking Alberta dates back to the 1930s and is the second building on this lot. The one here earlier burned down and this was its replacement. This is a common story and accounts of hotels going up in flames seems to turn up a lot in old newspapers. It’s the nature of the business. Wood buildings, smoking was common and smoking while inebriated always a disaster waiting to happen. You get the picture. Viking was named by Scandinavian settlers and honours those brave explorers of old.

A gorgeous evening at the Viking Hotel, April 2024.

Prior to visiting a hotel, we’ll do a call out, usually with help from the venue, for anyone with memories of the establishment to drop by. Old timers, former owners, local characters and who ever wants to chat or have a photo taken. Anyone, wanting to be part gets to be part, and in the case of the the Limerick Hotel, in Limerick Saskatchewan, the local car club decided to stop by. They obliged us by posing their rides out front and if that’s isn’t awesome, we don’t know what is. Team Beer Parlour Project is getting to do and see so many cool things.

Classic cars at the Limerick Hotel, June 2024.

Here’s the unanimously appointed “mayor” of Cadillac Saskatchewan holding court at the Cadillac Hotel. He’s got his own seat and is greeted by everyone on arrival. Like Norm on Cheers. The current Cadillac Hotel replaced an earlier, much larger structure on this same lot that in the 1940s went up in flames. Shortly after our visit, this establishment closed and when checked recently was listed for sale. It’s in decent shape, the upstairs were recently made into AirBnB suites, and it seemed well patronized, so we can hold out hope that someone will continue the legacy. Perhaps it’s only a bump in the road.

The “Mayor” at the Cadillac Hotel, June 2024.

The Elk Valley River Inn sits along the highway in Hosmer BC and one of the first hotels visited by the Beer Parlour Project. Len, the owner, is seen out front of his establishment and looking dignified. His dry wit was infectious and with his passing about a year after our visit, he will be greatly missed. Someone in the Team (unnamed) mistakenly called it the Elk Valley Inn and got a hilarious ear-full – oppps! Now the hotel is closed and has an uncertain future.

Proprietor Len of the Elk River Inn, September 2022.

The Fife Lake Hotel of Fife Lake Saskatchewan goes back to the 1920s and today pretty much comprises the entire business district in town. As we do this project, we’re finding that’s common. The town’s population can be counted on a few hands (said to be stable at 25 for years), yet it was pretty busy on the night of our visit. Can you say cook-it-yourself steak pit! Still, it’s a quiet place, in a quiet town and by the time we closed out the night, we were last customers. And we are always customers and don’t expect anything more than permission to photograph.

The small town Fife Lake Hotel, June 2024.

The Coal Branch Hotel in Robb Alberta is seen in an old postcard and hasn’t changed much since that photo was captured. Back then and in fact for much of time since it was built in the 1940s, it was called the Bryan Hotel. That’s after the Bryan Coal Mine which owned it for a time and where it functioned as a place for important people visiting the mine to stay. Plus drink beer. The Coal Branch Hotel is the very last business in town.

At the Coal Branch (former Byran Hotel), October 2024.

The Eckville Hotel, sits on a once advantageous spot in downtown on the corner of 50th and 50th. This, in the old days, put it a stone’s throw from the train station and that’s where the action was. Everyone came and went by rail back then. The current building dates from the late 1920s and replaced an earlier hotel which burned down. Another. You’ll hear us speaking of hotels going up in flames a lot in this series and it was a common occurrence.

The Eckville Hotel, home to Billy Zee’s, August 2024.

It began here! The Egremont Hotel, Egremont Alberta (north of Edmonton) was the very first location shoot and kicked off this series. Little did we know at the time, how it would grow in scope and now we’ve created a monster. It’s impossible to stop. We went in sort of knowing what to do, but green as grass. Stumbles, fumbles, lost focus, overwhelming, and scared. Even so, it worked out well. We’re at the Hidden Gems Tavern, the beers were cold, the burgers amazing and the people accommodating.

Lit up like a pinball at the Egremont Hotel, July 2022.

The Greenhill is right beside the tracks and not far from downtown Blairmore Alberta. That distinctive barn-shaped building. It’s been around since the early 1920s and remarkably appears little changed over time. We’ve seen old photos and it looks pretty much the same from then to now. The Beer Parlour Project Team visited twice, a year apart and by the second pass, were seasoned veterans.

The century old Greenhill, September 2022.

Big Valley Alberta is the destination for tour trains out of nearby Stetter and is also home to the Big Valley Inn. It’s right across from the historic station, and site of two Beer Parlour Project shoots. We loved it so much, we came back twice. The Raider’s played a big part and hammed it up for the cameras. They rob the trains (for charity) and afterwards dropped by for a little fun.

The Reynold’s Raiders at the Big Valley Inn, July 2023.

Pool and pubs go hand in hand but in the old Beer Parlour days, they were typically not allowed. The Liquor Control Board back then set down the rule that no one should have fun while drinking and things like pool tables were verboten. They went out of their way to discourage drinking, all the while loving the tax dollars that came of it. Between tending bar, Lori from the Peers Hotel, Peers Alberta, shows her skill on the newly leveled game. Even using digital, we’ll often shoot Black & White and that’s for mood mostly, but sometimes bar lighting is so wonky that colour balancing is near impossible.

Pool at the Peers, October 2024.

Know more: (new tab): The Beer Parlour Project.

They’re saying…

”Chris and Connie have a unique way of documenting the places they visit, not copying the style or technique of others, but making it their own.” Alex Craig, Filmmaker.

Random awesomeness…
Alexandra Bridge Fraser Canyon BC.
A Few Minutes in Stavely Alberta.
Craigellachie Kid.
The Humble Miner’s Cottage.

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Date of adventure: From July 2022 till whenever.
Location: British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan (so far).

Celebrating old, small town hotels and hotel pubs.

The post The Beer Parlour Project (It’s Happening) first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Anyway, the Raiders are the bandits that rob the Alberta Prairie Railways Excursions trains out Stettler. It’s done for charity and it always happens at their less than hidden, outlaw saloon there along the tracks. You can’t miss it and they even has a sign in case it’s not obvious enough. They said come over and join us for some fun, so who are we to say no?

As witnesses to the goings-on, it’s clear they enjoy playing the part of desperados. They’ve robbed the train countless times and do so every year (spring into fall, generally several runs a week), yet seemed thoroughly enthusiastic. They’re dedicated, do something good and in a way get to be kids again. That’s not bad. And the folks on the train get a little show and a memorable experience to take back home.

Us, we’re just flies on the wall. Let’s just watch and soak it all up – nothing serious. Rather than ramble on about the experience and bore you to death, as we often do, just enjoy the photos with us. It’s some casual fun and it’s like you’re there.

It was amazing time and we owe them a big thanks. Now scroll down and join us for a little fun…

Also shot on the July visit: 27 Years Apart with Alberta Prairie Ry #41. We’ve rode the tour train before too, a few years back: Alberta Prairie Railway Tours Ride Along.

Know more about the Stettler Tour Train (new tab): Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions.

They’re saying…

“You guys are awesome sauce!” Peter Schoenfelder (our most favourite comment ever!)

Random cool stuff…
Calgary Ogden – The House That Went Boom.
The Forgotten Cemetery of Morrissey BC.
The Sidewalks of 10th Ave S Cranbrook.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: June & July 2023.
Location: Big Valley, Alberta.

June…

The Reynolds Raiders rob the Stetter to Big Valley tour trains.

They play the part of desperados, but do it for charity.

They have a grand time & keep in character.

Shooting practice, with blanks of course.

Disputes are settled old west style.

The noise was deafening.

Bandit in training.

An impromptu concert.

The robberies take place here, just outside Big Valley.

Maverick is so easy to photograph.

They played on well into the night at the not so hidden outlaw saloon.

July…

The train arrives and they spring into action.

Local law enforcement seems powerless to stop them.

They rob every single train, but never seem to get caught.

Having a fun childhood.

Hands up…

The whole gang.

Did you hear the one about the…

Outlaws with a heart of gold.

Posing for Rob Pohl’s old time view camera.

The lone rider.

The post Reynolds Raiders Big Valley Alberta first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

We’re hanging with a couple of friends and they have names our regular readers might recognize. Rob, the fellow with the big view (film) camera is there along Arturo, a fine art photographer who shoots film, but also delves into digital. It might seem like a strange mix but we all share a passion to get out and explore, so these collaborations work unusually well.

Remember we spoke about plans? Well, there is an itty-bitty one – hit the ferry early – there’s actually two to take – go to the furthest possible point and then slowly work back. That’s it. No research, no studying and we’ll just go with the wind. If you see a road drive down it and see where it goes. Simple, carefree and an awesome approach this day.

Just make sure to not miss the last ferry or it means spending the night on which ever island you’re on. We’re no strangers to sleeping in a vehicle, but with three it’d be a little crowded (Connie’s didn’t come this time). The ferry sets the pulse and determines everything on Denman & Hornby, so always be mindful of the time. The boats run often, so it really shouldn’t be a big deal, but still it’d be easy to lose track of time given the distractions here.

One day, and especially at the slow pace our group works at, is not enough to time to see it all. In fact, I think we only scratched the surface and if the lotto Gods are ever kind to us, we’ll return and get to know both islands better. Much better. Over what ever time it would take – a few days – a week or two – we can dream. For one, there’s some hikes on both islands we’d kill to do.

This is not a full tour – not even close – but simply things we saw while roaming about. There were beaches, docks and wooded groves explored. Being machinery-heads, the ferries themselves were as big interest. It’s more of a photo tour than an in-depth history piece like we usually do.

The MV Baynes Sound Connector, between Vancouver Island and Denman, is cable ferry and the longest in the world at almost two kilometres. The cables both guide the ship and are acted on to propel it. They cables have enough slack that they sit on the seabed when not in close proximity to the ship, so they’re not a hazard to other vessels. Traffic lights on the channel mark when the ferry is in use, so there’s no accidents.

MV Quinitsa was the ship used for the Denman to Hornby Island run. To get to it requires crossing Denman after the first ferry. The Quinitsa formerly ran on the Vancouver Island to Denmam run and does not appear to be a regular on the Hornby route. BC Ferries lists the MV Kahloke as the regular ship assigned here. It must have been in for repairs or maintenance on our visit and the Quinitisa a substitute.

Before we get to the pics, let’s have a little summary about both islands…

Denman & Hornby are just a short distance off the east coast of Vancouver Island. Access is a little south of Courtney/Comox (our base) and the ferry landing is just off the old Island Highway at Buckley Bay. You can’t miss the signage or the ferry landing.

Denman is the larger of the two islands and many, many times longer than it is wide. Hornby is about half the size and more stout in shape. Both are well wooded and can be quite rugged in places. Dense woods and thick underbrush are typical. Lots of ferns and dense blackberry thickets. The latter are all thorny and spider infested. They take over any clear but otherwise untended land and in a few short years can engulf anything in their way.

The history of these islands goes back to the indigenous people – hundreds and hundreds of years back – but we won’t go too deep into the backstory and rather just show you around a little. Photos, for fun, and not the usual blah-blah-blah.

Both islands have similar sized populations (1300-ish) and are home to some really eclectic people. Laid back, easy going types who love solitude and nature. It’s like stepping into another world, or to San Fran in the ’60s, and things move at a much more relaxed pace. The city has ruined us and slowing down felt almost wrong. As stupid as it sounds.

Both islands have some amenities like stores and eateries. There’s lots of B&Bs and guest houses listed on maps but no motels in the traditional sense.

This was not our first visit to Denman & Hornby and back in the 1990s, we spent some time there (almost exclusively on Hornby, at a cabin arranged by a friend), but the memories are too far in the past now. It’s all distant and cloudy. If we captured photos they’ve been lost or misplaced.

Now scroll down to the photos…

Know more (new tabs): Denman Island British Columbia, Hornby Island British Columbia and BC Ferries Northern Gulf Islands.

They’re saying…

”Chris and Connie have a unique way of documenting the places they visit, not copying the style or technique of others, but making it their own.” Alex Craig, Filmmaker.

Random stuff that’s awesome…
Manyberries AB Train Station (Blt 1917) (Alberta).
Marblehead Underground Quarry (British Columbia).
Backroads Saskatchewan.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: October 2023.
Location: Denman & Hornby Islands (east side of Vancouver Island, in the Northern Gulf Islands and on the Strait of Georgia).
Article references and thanks: Rob & Arturo, VisitDenmanIsland.ca, Denman & Hornby Islands Visitor Guide and BC Ferries.

Bound for Denman on the Baynes Sound Connector cable ferry.

Not many folks on this early morning run.

For walk-on passengers, which there were none.

Vancouver Island in back and it’s the size of a small country.

Looking at Hornby from Denman.

Denman: a tidal pool.

Loading ramp for the Denman & Hornby Island Ferry.

Denman: The MV Quinitsa approaches.

Hornby: the Ford Cove Rock Formations.

Hornby: wandering the shoreline.

Hornby: Tribune Bay and St John’s Point in back.

Hornby: Ford Cove Marina.

Hornby: the beach at Tribune Bay – took the kids there in the 1990s.

Hornby: Nanna Minnow.

Hornby: Cormorants + the ferry and mountains of Vancouver Island further back.

Hornby: the broken plate grave at the island cemetery.

Hornby: there’s hiking trails on that escarpments we’d love to check out.

Hornby: marina scenes – note all the little fish.

Hornby: a memorial to someone who left this world.

Hornby: this old boat.

Hornby: a nice home and property.

Hornby: ancient split rail fences.

Hornby: “Beware Cliff” – we checked and it was a long drop down.

Hornby: from the ferry looking back the escarpment and Ford Cove.

On the Hornby to Denman Ferry – we hope to come back.

The Quinisa this day instead of the regular Kahloke.

Denman: an old boat lost in a thicket of blackberries.

Hornby: at the Shingle Spit ferry landing.

Denman: at the Natural Burial Cemetery.

Denman: no eggs today – there’s lot of self serve kiosks like this on the islands.

Denman: Charles McFarlane 1834-1916.

Denman: Hollies grow everywhere here.

Denman: at the Ruby Slipper Ranch.

Denman: the Denman Island General Store, since 1908.

Denman: the post office next door.

Denman: homeward bound at the ferry terminal.

Denman: floating near the docks and it’s old.

Denman: the sun sets on another adventure.

The post 1 Day: Denman & Hornby Islands (BC) first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

It’s not an easy task, to relax when go-go-go is the norm. In spite of the casual mood, notes are still taken, we still chat with anyone who cares to chat and the prerequisite number of shots are captured. It’s just a habit. Still, this is not a history report or travelogue, but a rare look at us doing nothing much at all.

Comox, a pleasant little community, is located about a third-way up the island if starting in the south and on its east side. So along the Strait of Georgia and the harbour, in a protected bay. The east shore of the island is rather easy-going and placid when compared to the rugged nature of the ocean facing side.

Comox harbour is the base for many fishing and commercial boats and has a dedicated section for those craft. It’s protected by a breakwater and calm even in the most wild weather. A second section of the marina, on the opposite side of a jetty is for pleasure craft and similarly well-sheltered.

We did see some private sailing vessels and larger yachts intermingled with the fishing boats on this side. A person we spoke with on one said they were put here because they were docked long term. A few were being lived on and one mentioned that moorage ended up a far cheaper alternative to renting a place in town. Property is expensive in the area.

The harbour goes back some one hundred and twenty years and had quite a different form in the old days. It was comprised of one long wood pile-supported wharf for the longest time, out past the mud-flats and into deeper water. The present jetty at Comox Fisherman’s Wharf is located where it used to be. The harbour/marina didn’t start taking on the present form into the 1960s, thanks to lots of dredging, and expanded upon ever since.

Seals have taken up residence around the harbour but too far away to capture with the camera at hand. You could hear them out there and they seemingly populated every available space away from the docks. On the breakwaters, floating buoys and log rafts.

Jellyfish seem to like the protected harbour and thousands could be seen floating just below the surface. The water is coloured a turquoise blue and shimmers in the sun.

The Jellyfish are fascinating, but at the same time creepy as heck. Horror movie, send chills down your spine, run for the hills creepy. Turns out someone shares the nightmare. Jellyscream (movie 2008): “A rural State Park is terrorized by a mutant, man-eating, bipedal, humanoid jellyfish…” It could happen!

Tuna, salmon shrimp, prawns, cod, lingcod, and halibut are all commercially fished in the area. That’s quite the seafood buffet. Some of the boats are huge and have large net spools like those one you see on those “reality” fishing shows. That’s the extent of our knowledge.

Some off-the-boat sales are done right at Comox Fisherman’s Wharf, although nothing was happening on out visit. The action is seasonal and highly regulated, so boats end up moored for extended periods. They can make good money when it’s happening but nothing when idle.

Only a few of the craft had anyone onboard and they all seemed to be keeping busy doing maintenance and upkeep work. We visited in late October if that means anything. We tried to make heads or tails of the various fishing season windows and came away with a pounding migraine.

So enough blabbing and let’s wander about and look at the craft, take in those lovely blue skies, smell the salty air and do pretty much bupkis. Sometimes you need a day like this and you know, be sure to do the same in your life once in a while.

Know more (new tab): Comox Fisherman’s Wharf Comox BC.

They’re saying…

“Always something to peak my curious nature…!” Deborah Pearen.

British Columbia is awesome…
Alexandra Bridge Fraser Canyon BC. A thing for old bridges.
The Giants of Cathedral Grove (BC). Big and awe inspiring things.
Alone in the Gulch. 24hr pizza and plumbing supplies!

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: October, 2023.
Location: Comox BC on Vancouver Island.
Article references and thanks: Rob Pohl and Aurturo Pianzola, Comox Valley Harbour Authority + Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Greetings from Comox Fisherman’s Wharf, Comox BC.

Let’s just wander about and snap the occasional photo.

There’s no reason we’re here other than for fun.

It’s a gorgeous scene, on gorgeous Vancouver Island.

We spoke with a few fishermen, but mostly just walked.

And we looked and we photographed…

The harbour was alive with jellyfish.

The post Comox Fisherman’s Wharf Comox BC first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Today’s subject matter is a little different than what we typically babble on about (at the same time we’ll document anything), yet no less interesting. That they tower so far above and are so old makes them easy fodder. The intricacies of a folding lawn chair wow us, so imagine how it went down here.

Cathedral Grove is part of a nature preserve and the stand an attraction for well over a century. As soon as a wagon road was put through the area, curious folks came out to look and it’s been a popular stop ever since.

Among giants at Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island – ahead Rob & Arturo.

Back then the land was unprotected but about seventy five years ago the property got set aside and made into a park. That it was never logged is in itself something incredible, as the timber must be worth a fortune, so we should all be thankful it never happened. It’s a treasure to enjoy and learn from.

For someone used to the (mostly) stick trees of Alberta, they’re jawdroppingly massive here and you’ll get a sore neck from always gazing upwards. Look up…look way, way, waaaaaay up. Even for folks from the west coast familiar with forests on this grand scale, they’re gargantuan.

Even the “smaller” trees, like the one showing Chris looking up, are something else. Photos do them no justice.

This stand is predominantly Douglas Fir along with a mix of Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock. Large Big Leaf Maples are also found and given our visit happened in the fall, they were alive with colour. Where as it was already winter back home, autumn had just announced its arrival here. Mushrooms grow in abundance, smaller ones in particular, as do ferns, nasty Devil’s Club in wetter places, and moss covers everything.

Most of the trees here have stood for a few centuries but the oldest date back more than double that. Let that sink in. Think of the change that has happened in that time. Think of any historic event the world over or even locally, of the time, and some or all of these trees would have been standing then. Old growth forest changes ever so slowly.

Think back many generations of your family and these trees were here. Go back generations more and they were here. That they started out as tiny saplings is mind blowing but that they have lived this long, even more incredible.

The tallest tree here rises up about seventy five metres (so the height of a twenty-ish story building) and with a base circumference of about nine metres. There’s enough wood in it alone to build many homes, perish the thought.

Trees can be viewed via fenced trails and raised boardwalks. These were put in to help keep people contained and preserve the fragile environment. Still, there’s one or two places one can go off trail by Cameron River.

The trees grow thick but in one place, where a boardwalk gets close to Cameron Lake, they open up and afford one a view of rugged Wesley Ridge. That’s it and otherwise they’re so thick that the outside world can not be seen (nor heard), and the understory is in an almost perpetual twilight.

The highway bisects the park and there’s trails opposite each other on both sides. Be careful crossing on foot from one to the other. There’s lots of big logging trucks and such on the highway and while it’s a slow zone, a moment of inattention could be costly. There’s also parking on both sides but not a huge amount.

Both trails have outer loops each of about a click long and there’s shortcuts if needed. Information plaques can be found at strategic locations and cover such topics as nurse trees (dead timber on which grows new saplings) and strange living stumps. These are the base of fallen trees that are kept alive via another tree to which they’re connected. Over time the roots can intertwine and graft in places, so that in a way, two became one. If one falls, the stump can still keep alive thanks to this, yet have no greenery.

The biggest tree here is marked accordingly, but to be honest there’s a number of notable giants that appear sorta close in size. How the heck did they find a tape measure that long?

MacMillan Provincial Park, home to Cathedral Grove, dates back to the late 1940s and came to be thanks to public pressure. Prior, the trees here were often under threat of harvest, in spite of it being a popular tourist stop for decades.

The park is named after H MacMillan, noted forester and industrialist (of MacMillan Bloedel Sawmills fame). His firm owned the timber rights here at the time and after much convincing, finally donated for use as a park.

In the distant past, the area here was used as a ceremonial ground by First Nation’s folks.

The name Cathedral Grove first makes mention in the 1920s and coined by the then Governor General of Canada on a visit.

Cathedral Grove comprises some one hundred and fifty-ish hectares (reports differ) and in recent years has seen some several hundred thousand visitors per year. It makes up about half of MacMillan Park but the rest has limited public access.

Summers are the busiest, naturally, but by the time the cooler days of October roll around (when we were there), it’s relatively quiet. Still, we passed a lot of people on the trails, but at the same time had long stretches where we saw no one and that’s magic. It was misty on our visit (cool too) and this made for an ethereal experience.

Wildlife known to frequent the park in include deer, elk, cougar and black bear. We think we saw one of the latter, but it could have been a poodle. The pink collar gave it away. A passer-by told us to keep an eye open for owls but we saw none.

This forest is transitional between the drier east coast and wetter west coast halves of Vancouver Island. It’s all relative and even the lesser rained on sections around here are still are pretty wet.

The park has has been witness to it’s share of natural and man made problems, including the Cameron River flooding its banks (exacerbated by logging upstream) and blowdown from strong winds. Thank goodness no one was around when the big ones fell. Fallen trees provide nutrients for the next generation, but are so big they take forever to fully decompose. But nothing here at Cathedral Grove is in much of a hurry. Heavy use and the resultant traffic are also mentioned as concerns.

The valley last saw a fire three hundreds years ago and it’s said most of the trees here present day, are from just after that event. Still, some older ones survived and the elders here (all Douglas Firs).

There’s tiny things too.

Team BIGDoer joined with art photographers Rob Pohl (regular readers know him well) and Arturo Pianzola on this trip and we had a blast. This motley group visited all kinds of historic and natural sites up and down the island from Nanaimo to Campbell River.

Courtney on Comox Bay acted as base camp and while we had to cancel a lot of planned locations due to time constraints, there was no shortage of subjects to document. We kept busy, so stay tuned for more from the Island and now enjoy the photos and mother nature’s majesty.

Know more: (new tab): Cathedral Grove Vancouver Island BC.

They’re saying…

“OTBPwC&C is a brilliant concept. Thank you for enriching our lives with so many engaging and entertaining posts. Five stars all the way.” Erin Bay.

Odds and ends…
BC Inland Ferries – Columbia and Arrow Park III.
Calgary Stampede 2020: Cancelled!.
Shoulder Season @ Dino Provincial Park.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: October, 2023.
Location: Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island BC.
Article references and thanks: Rob & Arturo, BC Parks, and the A Brief History OF Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park by Kerry Joy

A pathway takes one about the property.

At a rare break in the trees.

Dead timber brings new life.

A big one that’s fallen.

It’s a defined route of pathways and boardwalks.

In one area you can go off trail – look up…look waaaay up.

It was a cool and misty kind of day.

Moss, moss, everywhere.

A younger tree out of an old stump.

It’s been a park since the 1940s.

There’s many large maples here.

Nurse log: a dead tree that becomes a base for saplings.

This strange living stump.

Split wide open.

Thinking of fairies.

Bathed in a perpetual twilight.

Comox Bay the following morning.

The post The Giants of Cathedral Grove (BC) first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

As each article is posted we’ll include a link below the respective photo and write up here so you can learn more. Patience and curiosity will be rewarded. These are by no means all that will be shown you, but just some of the highlights and best ofs. There’s lots more not touched on here coming down the road, and plenty of impromptu short subject posts and more Bolers. Of course. Keep tuned to this channel.

What’s left in Pilot Bay.

We’re looking at the remains of a smelter built in service of local mines on the east side of Kootenay Lake. The plant only ran for only a brief time in the late 1890s and found to be unsuited to process complex ores of the area. It’s sat by the lake ever since and all that remains of any note today are two smoke stacks. We’ll show you these and touch on how the plant operated and what went wrong.

Pilot Bay Smelter Remains.

A lost cemetery deep in the mountains of BC.

We search out these cemeteries and in particular those in former mining communities. Given the oftentimes extreme boom and bust cycles of these towns, the stories of these burial places are often sadder than most. Lonely guys, with no local family and often from far away, killed in some unsafe mine, laid to rest and then forgotten of. It’s repeated time and again. This cemetery was fixed up at some point not that long in the past, after being neglected for decades, but it’s still seldom visited. We’ve come to pay respects and hold in high regard those who toil underground.

The Forgotten Cemetery of Morrissey BC.

Another in a former coal mining community.

This grave yard is seemingly completely forgotten and nature has taken over. Not that it’s such a bad thing. Most burials here date from the 1900s-1910s period, although there is one late comer from this century. No doubt they had family connections to the area. This cemetery is huge in size, but most graves seem to lack any markers. This happens if wood ones were used, as was once common, so they rot away over time and then vanish. We’ll show you what we found and chat about those interred here.

Forgotten Coal Town Cemetery.

It’s the Garbage Gobbler!

If you drove highways of British Columbia in the 1950s-1970s period, you might have seen one of these fibreglass monsters at some rest stop or tourist booth. A sign would instruct you to “feed me” and dispose of trash responsibly instead of simply tossing it in the ditch (as happened and sadly still happens). As a kid they were either fun or terrifying and quite memorable. Team BIGDoer knows of them!

This restored examples sits outside a highway’s maintenance yard and no doubt is responsible for many double-takes from passing motorists. The older ones that recognize a Gobbler from long ago…and then the memories come flooding back.

Highway History (BC): the Garbage Gobbler – Feed Me!

A “super” place with Jim Bowers.

Jim is the authority when it comes to the original Superman movie franchise of the 1970s and ’80s. Many scene from the series were shot around Alberta and Team BIGDoer has visited most of these sites. Here we accompanied Jim to one and he came all the way from Nevada to see it for himself. This was the location where Pa Kent (so Clark/Superman’s dad) was laid to rest and for the movie this grassy knoll was a set made up of a church and cemetery.

Here Jim is holding his book (Superman: The Richard Donner Years) which is a showpiece for many production related and behind-the-scenes photos from the first film. Donner was the director of that one. If you look close you can see its open to the pages where this very site is shown.

While here, we reshot a Then & Now from long ago, which we’ll post about soon. In fact, we’re thinking all the Superman Then & Nows we did a decade ago deserve a fresh take. Those old ones really aren’t that good. Plus we’ll post about our time with Jim and his co-conspirator radio host and news anchor Jay Towers of Detroit and our visit to Superman locations in the Alberta Badlands.

Superman 1978: Cemetery Scenes.

Jim and Jay host the CapedWonder Podcast and were a pleasure to hang with. More about this good day and what we all did, coming soon!

Burstall Pass is awesome!

We’ve hiked up to Burstall Pass many times over the last couple decades (because it’s just so darn scenic) but not recently. It was time for a revisit and it’s exactly as we remember…spectacular! How nice to see an old friend and we’ll post about the experience in short order. It’s a good hike, not terribly hard nor technical, and with such an amazing varied personality. There’s deep dark forests, alpine meadows, barren rock gardens, views into Banff Park and a little glacier along the way. We’re eager to show you!

Burstall Pass is Awesome!

Abandoned in the middle of nowhere.

Railway archeology is a passion, but that’s probably pretty obvious to our readers, and here’s something on a grander scale than most. It dates from the 1910s and witness to it last train some six decades later. Ever since, so from the ’70s on, it’s stood abandoned and the remote location means it’s seldom visited. Lay some track across and we’re sure this old bridge would function just fine.

Given how long it’s been out of service it’s surprisingly in good shape and looks straight and serviceable. They built things good back then!

CPR Bow River Bridge (Abandoned).

As seen in the movie Silver Streak.

Here’s the site of a train bridge, but it was removed concurrent with the line being pulled up. Except for the concrete bits that is which are seem across on the other side. The structure dates from the early 1910s and when a dam got put it a few decades ago, it had to be removed due to rising waters. Normally that valley is full, to about half way, but on drier years it can look as it does here.

This bridge appears in the 1970s action movie Silver Streak, for a moment or two, and we’ll show you that scene and chat about everything here. We’ve got a thing for infrastructure the railways left behind and this fits the bill nicely. This visit required land access and the hike in was a good one.

Ghosts of the Crowsnest Subdivision.

Bella the Boler goes home.

Bella the Boler belongs to some dear friends and emerged from the Neonex factory in 1977. That’s the building seen right behind and we believe new trailers, back then, came out this very door when completed. Bolers were made in many factories over the years and this one was only in production for a short time in the late ’70s. Best we can tell, they only made seventeen foot models here, but research continues.

The structure today is a building supply firm and they were so helpful in making this happen and we’ll tell you all about it in a post that’s coming soon!

Bella the Boler Goes Home (Cheers!).

The wrecks of Royston, Vancouver Island.

There’s over a dozen old ships that make up the Royston (Vancouver Island, BC) breakwater. These were deliberately scuttled here and are comprised of craft from the 1870s-1940s era. They were used to help stabilize a wharf used by a logging firm back in the day, and today are part of a protected marine park. Once junk, they’re now historical artifacts – funny how that works. They’re best viewed by water craft (seems kayaks work well), but we’ll do our best to show you them from the shore.

Royston Wrecks (Vancouver Island BC).

The old store on Denman Island BC.

After Denman we zipped over to Hornby…

One day while exploring Vancouver Island, we decided to visit the islands of Denman and Hornby off the east side. Just because. The two are very close to each other and can be reached by a couple of ferries. Those are fun in their own right. We came with no set plan and just kind of explored and quite happy to see what ever came our way. There were old boats, wonderful geological formations, wind ravaged trees, the occasional old building and a real laid back vibe. San Francisco 1960s laid back.

1 Day: Denman & Hornby Islands (BC).

The fishing boats of Comox Harbour.

We simply wandered the docks in search of old fishing boats. There were a lot and all were tied up between calls to service. There’s restrictions on harvesting, so they sit a lot and we’re not sure how they make a go of it. So this post will be different and a bit casual. Sometimes no plans are the best plans and wandering about with no direction is a whole lot of fun.

Comox Fisherman’s Wharf Comox BC.

A spooky walking tour of Riverview Hospital.

If you’ve seen a horror/thriller film or series set in a hospital, or especially an “asylum” type setting. it may have been filmed in Riverview Hospital (formerly Essondale Hospital) out in Coquitlam BC. It’s a huge complex that’s quite old and most of the buildings seen in our posts are from the 1920s-1950s period. Other than a few newer structures (not seen in our photos), most are empty but maintained and watched over.

Riverview/Essondale functioned as a mental health facility and mostly closed by the 2010s. Some parts are used for native healing now. The rest of the site is sort of in limbo and it’s not clear what might happen to all the surplus structures. Many are historically significant, even if their resultant stories touch on the meloncholy. Mental health was not well understood in the old days and treatment sometimes questionable.

We simply walked about and covered as much of the complex as time would allow. It’s eerie, a touch troubling (especially given there’s a family connection here) and yet the architecture is something else. Coming soon.

Riverview Hospital Coquitlam BC.

Spanning the mighty Fraser and no longer used.

The highway through the Fraser River Canyon is an exhilarating one at the best of times and is winding, narrow and sometimes clings to the side of a mountain. But it’s better than it used to be. Back in the 1920s to 1960s, this single lane bridge was part of the mix and the narrow roads on each end no doubt a thrill to drive.

Alexandra bridge used some footings from the original of the same name, which dates back to the 1860s and a former link in the Cariboo Wagon Road. That span was no more by the 1910s, but in a way it lives on in the present structure erected about a decade later. The bridge is historically recognized and kept up. You can walk down from the highway and enjoy the views and marvel in its construction. BTW, the deck is expanded metal, so you can see right down to the boiling river far below. That’s scary stuff if you’re subject to acrophobia.

Alexandra Bridge Fraser Canyon BC.

At the Victoria Hotel for the Beer Parlour Project – coming soon!

If you’ve been following our exploits the last while, you’ve heard us speak of the Beer Parlour Project. It’s a multi-year project where we visit small town hotel pubs (quickly vanishing places) to document their history and chat with patrons present day. This is being done with large format film photographer Rob Pohl – we hang out a lot – and will results in a gallery exhibit. And probably a book.

We visited maybe twenty hotels so far, have a number lined up in the near future and many times that are planned. One hundred maybe? Something more? We don’t know but it’s been a wild ride so far and the results beyond expectations. Stay tuned. Below it’s a sign announcing our arrival at the Victoria Hotel in little Bruderheim Alberta not long ago. We’ll be posting about that adventure and of other hotels we visited in recent times soon enough.

To keep up with the latest Beer Parlour happenings, please visit our companion website (new tab): BeerParlourProject.com.

Our popular Then & Now posts don’t preview well but rest assured there will be a number of them coming soon. These are both a labour of love and the biggest pain’s in the behind, of all the posts we do. Love and hate them. When they work, they’re amazing, but when they don’t, and it happens more than you know, it’s a big downer. Anyway, watch this space for some new postings on this topic coming soon.

Bellevue & The Frank Slide ~55 years apart.
JB Fletcher’s Ainsworth BC ~45 Years Apart.
Dunshalt Alberta 1974 and 2013.
Silver Creek Coal Mine Skunk Hollow.
Grain Elevators of Turin Alberta.
Coleman Miners’ Hospital 100 Years Apart.
Calgary Inglewood Haskins/Victory Block.
CPR Illecillewaet Bridge Revelstoke BC.
MacDonald Bridge Calgary ~70 Years Apart.
Downtown Calgary & CPR Tracks 1977-2014.
You Are Here: Corral 4 Drive-in Calgary.
Superman 1978: Cemetery Scenes.
The Greenhill Hotel Blairmore AB is Timeless.

That’s it for this “Coming Soon”…for now.

Know more about some of the subjects seen in this post (new tabs): BC Garbage Gobblers, Superman Jim Bowers, Royston BC Wrecks and Alexandra Bridge Fraser River.

They’re saying…

”Thank you so much for your fantastic articles and photos…I could spend 24/7 here with you! I especially love the before and after articles. Keep up the great work guys!! I was born and raised in Calgary in the 50’s so this history is my passion.” Joanne Winchester Honer. (Thank you!)

The first installment…
Coming Soon (1)!

Curated just for you…
Historic Pilot Bay Lighthouse.
Prairie Sentinels: Fort MacLeod Alberta.
Calgary Transit #7632.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventures: 2023-2024.
Location(s): All over the place.

The post Coming Soon (2)! first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Once a post is published we’ll include a link to the resultant piece below each photo and that will start happening soon. It may take a while to completely finish the list, but they’ll be steady in coming, save for the summer break. Only glaciers movie slower. There will be a second “Coming Soon” post to follow this one and it’s not too far behind.

Searching out ex-Safeway stores in Calgary.

In the 1960s to 1970s period Safeway held title as king of the hill in Alberta and had a near monopoly on the grocery business. How the mighty have fallen and today they are but a sidebar in the industry, in this market at least, and for those branded stores that are left, they’re simply a Sobeys with a different name. We’ve decided to document any and all former Safeways left in Calgary.

They can be identified by the unique design of their buildings. While the flagship stores used the familiar Marina arch roof, as you see in the photo, smaller outlets of the era were often different in form.

We’ll track them down out and stay tuned to see how many were found. Spoiler: there were a lot! Some remain in use as independent food stores and for others the space has been repurposed. We’re talking Dollaramamas, bikes shops, auto parts suppliers, fitness places and so on. Some still look the part but for many we had to examine them hard to spot the trademark design cues. We’ll talk about it all and it’ll make sense.

Wandering historic Fort MacLeod Alberta.

We’re out in Southern Alberta, in a mood for a walk, have cameras in hand, so come join us for a little tour of historic Fort MacLeod. There’s lots to see in and around downtown, and with the light failing, we have to hustle. But what ambience! It’ll be interesting and we’ll touch on the history of pretty much everything you’ll see. Doesn’t it look like a magical place?

Historic Fort Macleod After Hours.

On the job with pinball technician Gary Makota.

It’s been a while since we posted about our silver ball obsession, but that will change soon enough. For countless years we’ve shadowed pinball technician Gary Makota while on the job, but for the last while have only stockpiled the work and not posted anything. We’re not exactly sure what we’ll do with all the hundreds of photos, but we’ll think of something creative. Yeah, we will. There’s lots of captivating pics and stories in the mix, that we know, so it’ll be something good. More pinball: coming soon!

In the photo above Gary is seen tackling a gorgeous Williams Fiesta from 1959 and getting it back to full playability. It’s an brutal game to master, and showcases a feature common to the era, that of mid-field gobble holes to compilate gameplay. One wrong move and the ball vanishes right before your eyes – son of a $*&@*!!!!

Exploring remains of this old mine right at lake level (British Columbia).

There’s countless abandoned mines scattered across BC and this one is rather unique in that the work took place just above the water line. You usually think some precipitous mountain side or of other rugged setting for such workings, but here the location is rather placid in contrast and quite scenic. A cool dip after work? This operation dates back to the late 1800s and functioned (often sporadically) for some four decades or so. It was known as a silver property, but a smattering of other metals were also found in the mix. So lead, zinc, gold and copper.

Remains include a few concrete machinery pads, odd bits of metal, an adit (with a stream following from the opening), and remains of the mine railway. There used to be a wharf extending from the rocky shelf seen and out into the lake, but it’s long gone. We’ll talk about the history of workings, what they produced and anything else we can “dig up”.

Molly Hughes by the Lake (Ag-Pb-Zn-Au).

Paying respects at this mining camp cemetery.

It’s a bit of an uphill trek to get to, but a good walk in the woods is never something we’ll turn down. Sure, we probably could have driven the road in, carefully, but why? We’re at a cemetery connected to the mining camp in the Kootenays of BC and we’ll see what we can find about the people interred here. The cemetery is still used to this day, but many burials date back to the boom period of over a hundred years ago.

Historic Ainsworth Cemetery in BC.

A hike to Eva Lake in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

And Miller Lake is not far away.

The hike to Eva and Miller Lakes in Mount Revelstoke National Park have been on our radar for eons. We’ve been in the area many times, but either the timing proved wrong (other commitments for example) or circumstances wouldn’t allow it. So like when the park closed during Covid, or when forest fire smoke kept us away. Most people seem only visit one lake (usually Eva) but the two are so close that we combined them.

It’s a rugged hike and has potential to be unforgiving, but the parks people keep the trail in good condition and it’s well engineered. What a good workout but the rewards make it well worth the effort. Finally, we did it and even though Connie at the time was suffering through her post cancer therapy, she put up a herculean effort and survived it all. Barely, but still it’s a success. To us, it’s one of the hikes of a lifetime and certainly we can’t be alone in that sentiment? This adventure is coming soon!

Mt Revelstoke (BC) Eva & Miller Lakes.

Visiting the Civil Defence Museum in Alsask Saskatchewan.

Scanning the skies for enemy aircraft.

The Canadian Civil Defence Museum’s Alsask Dome (Alsask Saskatchewan, right on the Alberta border) is a national treasure and the last of its kind. It was one of the many in a network that watched the skies during heated times between the Soviets and the West, but advancing technology made these radar domes redundant. Still, it harkens back to a time when the world was convinced that nuclear war was an inevitably and death would reign down from the skies.

We’ve visited many times before, but we’ll update the information and present some new photos. Plus we’ll show how you too can visit and take in what’s presented here. We’ve known the fine folks at the Civil Defence Museum for a long time now and a more dedicated bunch could not be found. Don’t go too far away!

RCAF/CFS Alsask Radar Dome.

In heaven at the Medicine Hat Vintage Trailer Rally.

While open to anyone with a with a retro camper, the majority of participants of the 2023 event owned Bolers. You know we were giddy just thinking of it and the euphoria of the day meant we lost count of how many were actually there. Fifty? Sixty? Maybe more? There were thirteen and seventeen foot trailers, some original, many customized and in our eyes every last one is beautiful. Let’s not forgot to mention all the other vintage trailers that were also there, but for us Bolers are king.

Come join us as we wander the grounds, chat with owners when we can, and simply soak up the ambience. It was a huge party and an honour to be witness too it all. We’re not owners (long story) but that doesn’t stop us from being big fans. It’s a strange obsession but we submit.

Medicine Hat Vintage Trailer Rally 2023.

The Great Beater Challenge is about to begin!

Taking over MV Osprey 2000.

S******s Full! For one weekend each summer a group of…let’s call them weirdos…gets together and attempts something incredible. They take neglected cars, beaten up trucks and even ancient motorhomes, all well past their prime and as a motley convoy drive them over a tortuous route on what is perhaps for many old rides their final adventure. It’s a merciless journey, which differs with each run and is selected for its innumerable challenges. You know, steep unrelenting grades, remote byways and hairy stuff like that. It’s not a short afternoon drive, but one of perhaps a thousand clicks or more over two tortuous days.

If you survive there’s proof positive that miracles happen. It’s not a race in any sense, but the chance to test oneself in a way unlike any other. It’s also a points game and the worse a vehicle appears, the better the odds of coming out ahead. There’s a yearly theme, with costumes encouraged and it’s part treasure hunt too. While it sounds complicated it will be fully explained in the post. Surprisingly attrition is not as high as one might think and most complete the course. For these guys it’s generally on a wing and prayer.

Remote remains of a CPR Section House.

The depression seen in front marks the site of a Canadian Pacific Railway section house and keeps company with a lone tree. This was home for the section man, whose job it was to inspect and maintain a defined length of railway track. Given these jobs were sometimes out in the middle of nowhere, the company would supply them (and their family) a home from which to work. There were countless section houses up and down the CPR and each generally similar in appearance.

The branchline that once passed here goes back to the 1910s and closed some six decades later. Never a busy stretch of track, even if the lengthy time it remained in service belies the fact, and it probably never should have been been built. At least if you were to ask the railway you might hear that said. The agricultural potential of the region was never properly exploited and settlement never more than a trickle. We don’t know much about this site as we type this, but expect research will help fill in the blanks. Or so we hope. It’s obscure mysteries we love the most.

The Sectionman’s Home (Middle of Nowhere).

Then & Now Fodder – Sandon BC in the 1950s!

A dear friend recently acquired a collection of vintage slides and suggested we take a look. They from a Calgary based photographer and cover a multitude of subjects from all over Alberta and BC. They start in the early 1950s and the newest dates from a few decades later. It was suggested, on initial inspection, there might be some images that would be good fodder for BIGDoer Then & Now photos. We’ve checked in more detail and yes, that’s exactly the case. We’re going to scan them and then get down to the fun part.

Plus there is lots of images that simply should be added to the historical record.

Seen in the photo is a slide from Sandon BC some seventy years ago. We showed the fine folks who caretake the historic ghost town this very image and they’re on board and want copies of all we find for their records. There must be twenty, thirty or maybe more showing the town. We’re stoked at the possibilities! Not just about Sandon but the other places seen in these expertly done photos.

The first Crossley Slides Then & Now: Crossley Slides: A Corner in Erlton.

Dock remains at Union Bay BC (1880s-1960s).

From the 1880s and into the 1960s, Union Bay on BC’s Vancouver Island was home to a coal loading wharf. The material got brought in by train from the Cumberland area further inland and transferred to ships and barges for further transport to market. A huge operation, it was home to a processing plant, storage areas and a number of piers that reached out into deeper water. Even thought all the structures were removed, many things remain behind, included machinery bits, various giant timbers and plenty of coal slack.

Union Bay (Vancouver Island) Coal Wharf.

The giants of Cathedral Grove BC.

The trees out on the west coast can grow to gargantuan proportions and dwarf anything out in our forested areas of Alberta. They’re monsters, fir, cedar and hemlock, with the one seen in this photo a top contender size wise in a grove of big, big boys. The picture does not do it justice.

In a break from the usual, our subject will be a chunk of land that for some reason was never logged and now a nature preserve. Trees here date back many centuries and via a boardwalk and trails, they can be explored without harming the fragile understory. To someone used to the stick trees out in Kananaskis, this experience is recalled as something short of overwhelming.

The Giants of Cathedral Grove (BC).

The lost town of Ioco – there’s lots coming soon!

Going back to the 1920s, it functioned as a company town in support of the Imperial Oil Company plant on Burrard Inlet out near Port Moody BC. Out on the west coast. A couple homes are still occupied in the community, but all others that remain standing are boarded up and empty. Many were torn down decades back and now what’s left has been historically designated in one way or another. The Ioco Groceteria functioned until the mid-1990s and it too stands empty. We spent a couple hours simply wandering the community and taking in what we could see. There among the ghosts and lost memories.

Ioco Port Moody BC (Ghost Town).

We’ve been busy and recall there will be a part two of this post which will get published soon enough. Then we’ll get down to writing and researching the various subject presented here in these sneak previews. In addition to these, there are plenty of other things coming soon, including more hikes, historical stuff, countless short subjects, our strange predilection for Bolers and our popular comparison shots where we use old photos as a guide. Stay tuned for more fun and action!

Know more about a select number of subjects seen here (new tabs): Marina Roof Safeways, Historic Fort MacLeod Alberta, Williams Fiesta Pinball, Mount Revelstoke National Park Hikes, Alsask Saskatchewan Dome, Great Beater Challenge and Cathedral Grove Vancouver Island.

They’re saying…

”Chris & Connie research the details of their subjects and share their awesome photography! Thank you!” Sandra Beaudoin – Hanna Roundhouse Society, Hanna Alberta.

Part two…
Coming Soon (2)!

Good times ahead…
Marblehead Underground Quarry.
A Few Minutes in Stavely Alberta.
Didsbury Alberta Town Loop.
Downtown Bawlf Alberta.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventures: 2021-2024.
Location(s): All over the West.

The post Coming Soon (1)! first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

We love doing this sort of thing, even if time and resources imposes certain limits on us.

They asked for a general assessment and if there’s potential to make a display of the gear for the main hall. We’re enthusiasts in the field, so this proved to be pretty easy. And it was not monotonous as you might think, but still a great deal of work. Opening each box was sort of a fun Christmasy affair and the time rushed past. Open, examine, catalogue the interesting stuff, set aside the rest. The answer came quickly and it was yes, it can be done.

As work proceeded it soon became clear that we could do more and up the fun quotient in the process. Many of the cameras worked – there’s film too, albeit expired, but still usable – so, let’s make a party of it! Don’t just display the gear, but put cameras to use. Make it happen and more.

I know what to do…a photo tour of Pioneer Acres, using cameras pulled from the display, old film found in the donation (along with some new film to help round out the supply) and then let’s compile them into a photo-book. Make it part of the exhibit and make it different. You don’t just see the cameras, but what they captured. This gear shot these photos!

It was a big task, so we called on a few friends to help, wandered the closed museum grounds over several days and shot hundreds of frames. Some cameras failed part way in and most of the film was too far gone to make decent images. Over all, however, we captured some amazing stuff and it’s all there for you to see.

The collection comprised cameras from the early 1900s to the 1980s. It also included much film (expired stock from the 1960s-1980s), flash bulbs and accessories. Some cameras were new in box, others were well used, some badly broken and in pieces, and everything in between.

Most was consumer level gear – so cheap stuff, but with a few enthusiast cameras in the mix. Think everyday cameras for everyday people and everyday use. Nothing serious but from a today perspective, they’re awesome.

We tested the ones selected for the shoot and set them aside if they passed. The really old gear was often non-functional in some way, and/or used film in a format not available. Can’t use those. In the end, most of the images came of cameras from the 1940s-1970s period, and with a lot of mid-century gear especially. People were really into photography in the 1950s, it seems.

So the gear seems to work, but will they work well enough? Time will tell. Would the old film even take an image? Time will tell. No matter and let’s jump in and just do it! If we get good shots, great, but if they’re laughable, it’s not so bad. What will happen? We don’t know! If none of them work, we’ve had a good time, but as it turned out, we got a little bit of everything. Photos ranged from inspired to dreadful.

Some cameras packed it in mid-shoot, others were clearly not within spec and this made for interesting photos, and the old film also produced some seriously wonky results.

Presenting a behind the scenes random sampling of images, highlighting the creation of a photography equipment display at Pioneer Acres Museum…let’s go!

1) Vivitar 700 110 format snapshot camera and it came with the retail box, but not all the pieces were inside. These flat style cameras were compact and easily fit inside a shirt pocket. This one is from the 1970s and that’s a period when 110 film was most popular. The small frame size and the general low-cost construction of this style of camera (although this one is better than most) made for generally mediocre images. While not used in the film segment, it was included in the display.

2) Kodak Colorburst 250 instant camera. This was Kodak’s answer to the popular Polaroid line but never sold as well. Still the firm offered various models from the mid-1970s to mid-1980s and only shut down production after losing a messy court battle with its rival due to some patent infringement issues. This one is from about 1980 and the functionality is not know. They don’t make film for it, nor have they for a long time. Included in the display.

3) Open a box (and there were many), examine the contents and short list the good stuff. Rinse and repeat. It sounds like a dreadfully dull task, but perhaps we’re a bit odd, and we found it delightful.

4) Ricoh “35” 35mm. It’s from the 1950s, made in Japan and is an enthusiast’s camera. A “rangefinder” rig like this allows one to accurately measure the subject to camera to distance in the viewfinder, assuring images in crisp focus. A protective leather case is must for gear this calibre. It worked and we used it.

5) Just a small sampling of the donated collection. It all came from a camera collector and gifted by his estate on his passing.

6) An old five dollar bill rolled up inside one camera. We thought perhaps more might contain money, and had dreams of riches, but this was it.

7) Building the display and in the end we used two cases worth. In addition to the cameras themselves, there’s a binder with a short description of each, some old promotional flyers and a separate photo album, which we spoke of earlier.

8) Old film pulled from the collection and supplemented with new stock. The oldest roll in the donated boxes was from the 1960s and the newest from the 1980s. We have no idea how they were kept. While a cool and dry place is ideal, we have to assume that likely didn’t happen. All the old film worked though, even if the results were sometimes strange. Formats included 110 cartridge, 120 roll, 126 cartridge, 127 roll, 135 (35mm) spool, and 620 roll.

The cost of processing the images was paid via a donation to the museum from a kind benefactor.

9 and 10) Walter Voss Diax Model 1 35mm and the resultant image it just captured. This rangefinder camera comes from an obscure German maker in the 1950s and is a work of art in every way. It also suffers from being quirky in function, but given the beauty of the design, one can forgive this transgression. It became a favourite among everyone shooting the old film images and some appear in that photo binder at Pioneer Acres. Look for that binder!

11) Lipca Flexo and it takes both 620 and 120 roll film. It’s a rare camera from an obscure German maker (circa 1950). It’s a true Twin Lens Reflex camera, so full featured and with coupled viewing/taking lenses, It’s very solid and quite capable. Another camera elegant in design. The Lipca firm was not in business for long, lasting from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. 620 and 120 film only differs in the size of the spool flange but otherwise they’re the same.

12) Our friend and accomplished photographer Byron Robb inside the historic Long House at Pioneer Acres. He’s using the Diax Camera spoken of earlier and being one of the most capable and fun to use rigs in the mix, we all had to take a turn using it. The Long House is a highlight of the museum.

13) Bentley BX-3. Little is known of the maker or even the era in may have been from. The 1970s to 1980s period is good bet though. Meant to look the part of a more advanced camera, it’s a toy usually given away as promotions. The second rig is a Kodak Tourist made between 1948 and 1951. It’s more upscale than most Kodak cameras of the era, but this one didn’t function.

14) Snapping photos with a Kodak Brownie Starmeter. Made from the early to mid-1960s, this simple, affordable, plastic camera usually came with all the accessories one would need to get out shooting right away. This is the rig your Mom used when the family visited Niagara Falls in ’65. It worked fine and is also on display. Kodak used the Brownie name for many cameras in the years, from at least 1900 and into the 1980s. Brownie were typically simple, no fuss cameras.

15) Connie joined in on the fun too and we all fondly recall the experience.

16) A small (Sekonic brand) light meter used in determining the exposure for some of the cameras. It’s from the Pioneer Acres collection too and seemed to work fine – no batteries needed. We compared it to what the digital camera was reading and it always matched up exactly. To use it correctly took a bit of practice, but once understood, it was easy.

17 to 19) Polaroid expert David Clarke put his knowledge to work and dare we say, had a blast in the process. He also donated the specialized film needed and it’s hard to get. He coaxed some of instant cameras into working, but not all. Keep in mind, it’s probably been decades since they were used.

The resultant images are also on display in the film binder. David in the one photo is seen shooting a Polaroid 210 Folding Camera from the late 1960s. It was one in a long line of foldable instant (or near-instant) cameras offered by the firm.

20) Many of the simpler cameras used disposable flashes (cube or bars) and since the collection included a box of those, we used some. Here’s Byron mid-flash using a cheap 110 flat camera.

21 and 22) Just a small sampling of some of the photos that came of this shoot. They’re some nice ones in group and some not so good. In one photo, you can see the moment a camera tanked and the weird colour shifting from some of the older films produced. Some photos are actually quite decent and the next photo shows one of our favourites. We used the Konica S2 seen in frame 21 for that shot.

23) One of two showcases in the Pioneer Acres main hall and some of the cameras seen in this piece are visible. Can you spot any?

We captured hundreds of behind-the-scenes images showing us making the display and perhaps that’s a bit of overkill. These just a few of the many, and reflect the fun times had while spending time at Pioneer Acres. To see the rest of the film shots, we suggest stopping by and check them out with the exhibit. To take a break, we’d wander the museum and there’s lots of interesting stuff to see there – more pics below.

It’s been a year or so since we stopped by Pioneer Acres, but we’ll be back one day. The staff has changed and we’ve sort of lost touch.

Know more about the museum (new tab): Pioneer Acres Irricana Alberta.

They’re saying…

“Chris and Connie are the real deal – their adventures are truly interesting and fun!” Justine Cooke.

Random awesomeness…
Shaunavon Saskatchewan ~70 years apart.
Locomotives of 40 Mile Rail (Amazing Skies).
Calgary Transit #1046 Fantrip.
Linclon, or is that Ƨeventh?.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: 2020-2021.
Location: Irricana, Alberta.
Article references and thanks: Shelly at Pioneer Acres Museum, Byron Robb, David Clarke, and Camera-Wiki.org.

1) A Vivitar 700 (1970s) for 110 format snapshots.

2) A Kodak instant camera – like the more famous Polaroid.

3) Going though the cameras, one by one, over many visits.

4) A Ricoh 35 Rangefinder from the 1950s.

5) Just a small sampling of the gear inventoried.

6) Five bucks!

7) Building a display.

8) We used the cameras too, using new & old film stock.

9) A Voss Diax (1950s), a work of art, but a bit quirky.

10) The resultant image…

11) A Lipca Flexo (1950s) Twin Lens Reflex camera.

12) Joined by our friend Byron Robb.

13) Pulled randomly…

14) Out on the museum grounds and putting them to work.

15) We all had a blast!

16) Taking a light meter reading.

17) Polaroid expert David Clarke is on the scene.

18) Success!

19) And more.

20) Captured mid-flash.

21) Just some of the photos that came of this adventure.

22) One of the favourites.

23) One of several display cases we filled to bursting.

More…

Byron and a box camera.

Pioneer Acres Curator Shelly – big and small.

Opps, opened up the case and it fell apart.

Old gear vs modern.

Now it’s time for champagne…in a tumbler!

The photo above shows the camera display completed. This is one of two cases full of gear from various eras. There’s the photo album and information binder on top, along with some vintage catalogues and pamphlets. After one year and many visits, it’s done.

More…More…

They have old trucks at the museum…

They have old tractors…

The stunning Long House.

The post Camera Crazy @ Pioneer Acres Museum first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

It’s July 2022 and we’re at the Millennium Centre in Sherwood Park (just outside Edmonton). The event occupies two complete hockey rinks in the giant facility and there’s hundreds of machines waiting. We lost count, but something more than one and less than a thousand. Old, new, restored, customized. vintage video games and all are on free play. Could it be any better?

There’s a tournament area for the competitive folks and those guys take it seriously. Dead serious. We coined the phrase Pinball Face in a magazine article a while back (it never really caught on), and that expression is seen on all contenders duking it out. It’s that look of unwavering concentration that comes when you’re in the zone and where the only thing that matters is the game.

It a focus of such intensity that everything else is blocked out. The phone could ring and it’d go answered. This building could be on fire and they’d be oblivious. It’s the end of the world, but they won’t notice. It’s full immersion and everyone into the game gets lost in the moment.

It’s you and a little metal ball, some targets, bullseyes, drops, spinners and ramps. There’s the chiming of bells, a disco light show, sound bytes, call outs, and everyone on a determined quest to reach the highest score. At any cost. This describes the face of almost anyone playing at YEGPin 2022 today, but those in the tourney seem even more possessed.

Entering the building, the anticipation builds and soon, bid welcome to a wonderous place. Spin around and take it all in. There’s distractions at every turn. The bright colours, the intense lights, so much din, games played as kid and not seen since, or those more familiar today. Which one first?

Look around to the many smiling faces or others with that look of disappointment that only comes after being bested by the game. It’s you vs machine and more often than not, the machine wins.

Now let’s get take a look at the photos captured at YEGPin 2022 and chat about the stuff seen.

1) Welcome! It’s a first look and there’s new machines for sale (from maker Jersey Jack – a newer company). On the left it’s one bank (of many) with playable machines and covering many eras. The one front left is from the ’50s but most others are newer. Their design is little changed over time as you can see.

1) Welcome to YEGPin 2022 in Sherwood Park Alberta!

2) Retheming pinballs, that is adding new art and sounds, is a thing for some collectors. Usually the playfield layout remains the same and the original electronics + mechanicals are kept, but anything else is fair game. It’s up to the whims, and the budget of the person doing it. We’ll show you a respun game with a Donald Trump theme sometime…or maybe not given the current political state of things.

This particular machine is a former Williams Demolition Man from 1994 and is based on the movie of the same name. It’s now done up in the style of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. “Oh, don’t grovel! One thing I can’t stand, it’s people groveling.” If you know the movie that passage will resonate, but it might be lost to non-Python fans.

Williams was one of the Big Three pinball makers traditionally, but they closed up just before 2000.

3) We have a family and some stopped by to play.

4) Eight Ball Deluxe (third run, 1984) from Bally-Midway Amusements. This has to be one of the most infuriating games of all time, and it’s a real challenge to best. Bally (Bally-Midway after 1982) was another of the big players, but was sold to Williams in the late 1980s. Williams continued to make games using the Bally pinball brand until they too closed.

Most games of the classic era were made in one batch and it was odd to see follow-up production runs. Eight Ball Deluxe proved popular enough that they did three. There’s Eight Ball Deluxe 1981, Eight Ball Deluxe Limited 1982 (with a different backbox) and Eight Ball Deluxe 1984. The last one looked much the same as the ’81 run.

Well over ten thousand combined were made and the third run appears to be the least common. A Bally-Midway Attack from Mars (made by Williams) is from 1995 and seen to the right.

5) Stern is the most recognized maker these days and they produced this Kiss game in 2015. Classic rock themes are a staple with the firm. They often produce pinballs with various trim levels (like car makers do). You might see limited, premium, home, signature, diamond, platinum or pro editions depending on the model. Stern will sometimes do follow up runs if a title proves popular.

The Stern name has long been associated with the industry and the latest incarnation of company dates from the late 1990s. For the time in the early 2000s (dark days indeed), they were only ones making pinballs.

6) These machines are high maintenance and many techs were kept busy keeping them running. Games at this event are loaned out by various enthusiast groups or individuals and the organizers of YEGPin take care of any breakdowns during the show. If you own a pinball, it will fail eventually, so it’s good to befriend a tech. Not that there’s a lot of them out there.

7) A Gottlieb Queen of Diamonds from 1959. Gottlieb, in various forms over the years, was another of the Big Three and made arcade games (primarily pinballs) from 1927 to 1996. They’re often viewed with a fondness greater than any other maker and certain Gottlieb titles are some of the most sought after pinballs by collectors.

8) Between photographing and chatting with players or techs, we played a few rounds ourselves. You’ll often see us donning some yellow piece of clothing and it’s been a tradition almost as long as we’ve run this website.

9) Our dear friend, tech Gary Makota and he’s probably got more experience than anyone. Starting in the 1970s, he specializes in electro-mechanical games and early electronic games. We often shadow him on Calgary service calls and go here to see the list: Pinball Tech Gary Makota.

Gary is working on a Gottlieb Gemini, a late model electro-mechanical from 1978. Gottlieb was the last holdout for electro-mechanical pinballs and this model was produced during their transition into electronic games. Only a few hundred were produced and it’s doubtful many survive today.

A Williams Fish Tales from 1992 is seen to the right (over 13k made) and a Stern Black Knight Sword of Rage to the left (2019). The Black Knight series (three different issues) was begun by Williams, but continued by Stern.

10) YEGPin 2022 took up two hockey rinks at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park. There were public play areas, a section for tournament play and another for concessions.

11) Pinball…beer? Pinball or beer? No, pinball and beer! Retro arcade themed brews are a great idea from the Analog Brewing Company. Power Up is a fine one and being here makes it all the better.

12) Speaking of beer…Stern’s Pabst Can Crusher is from 2016 and done up with many old-style pinball features. So it has mechanical scoring reels, shorty flippers (used widely in the 1950s-1960s) and a simple, single level playfield. So no ramps or stuff like that.

Like many of the machines here, this one is for sale. Play before you pay is a good way to test drive a machine and see how it feels.

13) It’s not just about pinballs, although they’re the biggest part of it, and there’s retro arcade video games present too. Here’s a Midway Mortal Kombat from the early 1990s. Who doesn’t get tingly, when after a hard battle, they hear the line “finish him!” and know victory is but one strike away.

14) Pinballs developing mechanical issues that can’t be addressed on the floor are pulled from service and looked at later. Specialized jacks for lifting the games, seen here as well, come in real handy for servicing or moving them about. There’s nothing sadder to a pinball crazed person than seeing a game out of commission and dark like this.

15) Tournament play is shown on screens at the event and for one this allows entrants to size up the competition. There’s an overhead view showing play, another of the player themselves (did that guy just mouth something in a four letter form?), the scoreboard and the colour commentators. It’s deadpan stuff and not taken lightly.

16) You can’t miss the Nitro Pinball Van and they distribute games, parts and merchandise. That’s a Big Lebowski from Dutch Pinball (Netherlands) on display in back and company techs are working on a problem.

17) Countdown from Gottlieb (1979) and with almost 10k made. The late ’70s were a boom period for pinball and it was not odd for the better titles to sell in the five digits. In contrast, when the game’s popularity ebbed, selling a few thousand per title was considered good. This pinball is for tournament play – note the camera.

18) Rose Bowl, made by Gottlieb 1951 and this makes it the oldest one we noted at the show. Like others here it’s for sale and for $950. Some games can be had for pretty cheap really. Pinballs from this era have rather simple layouts, but by no means are they easier. In fact, they’re often more challenging and unforgiving than modern equivalents.

19) There’s the yellow cap and it’s sure hard to miss

20 & 23) If you’re good you can take one of these home.

21) Tournament machines in back and tournament control in front, during a break in the action.

22) YEGPin Pinball and Arcade Expo has been going on since 2016 and this visit was the second we documented. The first: YEGPIN 2018. It’s the best time a person can have and one day we’re coming just to play – no media stuff or obligations.

24) Pinball wizard Robert Gagno is one of the better known names in the game. Look up the documentary Wizard Mode – The Life of Robert Gagno and get to know the fellow. We chatted quite a bit.

25) In 1980 Bally created a pinball companion to the hugely successful Space Invaders arcade game (from sister company Midway) of a couple years earlier.

Bally had some amazing art on the their pinballs – pop art all the same, but still well done – and the Space Invaders Pin is no exception. That nasty beast is very reminiscent of the nightmarish creature seen in the Alien movie franchise. The first installment was popular the year before the SI pin was released and we believe it lead to some heat between the film production company and Bally.

Space Invaders was perhaps the first pinball based on a video game.

26) Gottlieb produced about thirty five hundred of these Gigi games in 1963-64. Clowns were a popular subject for pinballs in the past, but they seem a little creepy now. Thanks to all the those evil clown pop-references. Gottlieb’s single player games often had a tapered backbox (called a wedgehead) and to many collectors these are some of the most desirable machines from that firm.

That a wedgehead has only one scoring mechanism makes it mechanically simpler, than two or four player models.

27) Looking down on the playfield of a late 1980s Williams Space Station. Played that machine to death as a young adult, but the same could be said of any of the era. Playfield toys, like the space shuttle Columbia seen here, became a thing in the 1980s and have been an essential part of pinball ever since.

28) The playfield of a Gottlieb Lancers from 1961 and it looks in pretty decent shape. Just look at that flipper gap and they must be a mile wide. Keeping the ball in play had to be a real challenge and older machines were often brutal this way. We didn’t see the backbox, but it must have be somewhere close by. There was lots of interesting odds and ends in hidden corners at YEGPin 2022.

29) A Williams Hayburners II from 1968 and the photo shows a close up of the mechanical backbox animation. Horse race themed pinballs were once popular and in this instance, hitting specific targets would move specific horses forward. If your horse wins, you win. Mechanical backbox animations were most popular in the 1960s and are still seen every once in a while.

30) Even though the pinball posts on this website aren’t the most popular, they brings us great joy. We hope it shows in this photo or this whole piece in general. We’ll happily photograph theses machines and their players till we can’t any more. The flashing lights, the bright colours and artwork at YEGPin 2022 had us in a spell.

31) Most pinballs came/come from the US – Chicago in particular – but there were/are manufacturers elsewhere in the world. This is Dragon from Interflip in Spain and it’s a late model electro-mechanical (1977). By mid-1979 all machines would be solid state.

During the pinball boom of that era, any machine would sell and in response many Spanish-produced games (with English lettering) were brought over. To help with the demand. Spain had many pinball firms and from what we’ve seen first hand, their machines are all pretty fun to play. Our friend Gary says they seem well built too and are easy to service.

32) Genie is a Gottlieb from 1979. This maker’s electro-mechanical games were well regarded (especially by techs, it seems – Gary again) but their electronic machines suffered from reliability issues. To a young me (Chris), the playability of Gottlieb’s about this time seemed lacking compared to Bally and Williams. And even the first incarnation of Stern, but your mileage may differ.

33) Backglass art from a Gottlieb Big Hit (wedgehead, 1977, ~2300 made). Baseball themed games were big once, but today it’s all movies and rock bands. Note the cracking of the paint and this is a common problem with older games.

34) Like many pinball companies Williams dabbled in the video game market and they had some good successes starting in the early 1980s. Defender, Joust and Robotron are well known from this maker, but Moon Patrol (1982) seems a footnote. While pinballs always seem to be the obsession at YEGPin (it’s even in the name), they appear to have a soft spot for vintage video games too.

35) Data East was a big player in the late 1980s/early 1990s but later sold out to Sega, which then later became Stern (2.0). Tales from the Crypt is from 1993 and is one of the last from the firm before they were sold.

Data East didn’t pioneer making pinballs using licensed themes but they sure embraced it. Now that’s pretty much all there is, but so goes it. This theme is is based on the Tales from the Crypt TV series that was popular at the time.

36) Recall the discussion of flaking backglass paint? Here’s another example made all the more obvious with the machine on and in dark room. Heat, cold and other factors can cause it to detach from the glass over time, but it can be repaired too. This is a Williams Love Bug from 1971 and it’s an add-a-ball, single player game.

Add-a-ball games awarded additional balls instead of credits. In some jurisdictions credits could not be awarded (it was seen as gambling), yet extra balls were acceptable.

37) Stern’s Nine Ball is from 1980-1981. This was the first incarnation of the Stern company, in business from 1977-1984, and it evolved out the long established firm Chicago Coin. Stern always seemed like an also-ran back then, verses the dominate Big Three.

38) A Williams Alien Poker from 1980, a Williams Big Daddy from 1963 and a Bally Fireball home edition from 1976. The first was a popular one based on our own experiences, the second is our first introduction and the last is one we’ve heard of but never seen.

In the mid-1970s Bally tapped the burgeoning home market and produced a number of titles. These were the first electronic games from this firm and being simpler than commercial pinballs, allowed them to test the waters. Home machines like it, of the era, lacked coin slots and were generally quite simple and less robustly built.

We played it and came away feeling a tad underwhelmed. The Alien Poker has been done over well and seemed to play like new. Felt like a kid again and even did well at it.

Holy cow, this is a long post and we better end it here. We could go on forever but it’d crash the system. Documenting pinball culture is one of our great pleasures, but even we have to concede the floor at some point. But, but, but, we don’t want to go…

2) A rethemed Williams Demolition Man – “now stop your grovelling!”

Team BIGDoer stayed at YEGPin 2022 well into the night and were exhausted at the end. By count there was hundreds of photos snapped, of machines, the artwork, the players and anything else that looked interesting. While this was a long one, it pales compared the the fourteen hour session done in 2018. Nine AM to eleven PM. We were really in the groove that year and milked it to the very end. To read about that visit, go here: YEGPIN 2018 and here: Just Pins @ YEGPIN 2018.

Good night all, and we’ll surely drop by the Expo again sometimes in the future. Thanks for reading this post.

Know more about our subject: (new tab): YEGPin Pinball Expo.

They’re saying…

“Always very interesting and well researched.” Peter Kroeger.

Things we love doing…
Great Beater Challenge 2021.
Alone in the Gulch.
Nelson and Fort Sheppard in Under a Minute.
Twilite Drive-in Wolseley.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: July, 2022.
Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta.
Article references and thanks: Everyone at @ YEGPIN Edmonton Pinball & Arcade Expo 2022, Internet Pinball Database and pinball tech Gary Makota.

3) Kids and grandkids.

4) Bally Eight Ball Deluxe (third run) 1984.

5) Stern Kiss 2015.

6) Techs were kept busy…

7) Gottlieb Queen of Diamonds 1959.

8) Sneaking in a few games…

9) Tech Gary Makota has been fixing them since he was a kid.

10) The show occupied two hockey rinks at Millennium Place.

11) Time for a Power Up!

12) Stern Pabst Can Crusher 2016.

13) It’s not just about pinball…

14) Out of service.

15) To keep tabs on tournament play.

16) Can’t miss the Nitro Pinball Van.

17) Gottlieb Count-Down 1979.

18) The oldest one in this posts, Gottlieb’s Rose Bowl from 1951.

19) Selfie time.

20) For the winners.

21) Tournament control.

22) YEGPin: since 2016 & we’ve attended two.

23) For the grand champions.

24) Pinball Wizard Robert Gagno.

25) A evil looking alien from Bally’s Space Invaders 1980.

26) Gottlieb Gigi from 1963.

27) A playfield toy on a Williams Space Station from 1987-1988.

28) Gottlieb Lancers 1961.

29) Details on a Williams Hayburners II from 1968.

30) There’s no greater joy.

31) From Spain, an Interflip Dragon from the late 1970s.

32) Gottlieb’s Genie from 1979.

33) Backglass art from Gottlieb Big Hit (1977).

34) Williams Moon Patrol Video Game 1982.

35) From a Data East, Tales from the Crypt 1993.

36) Williams Love Bug 1971 – flaking backglass paint is common on old pins.

37) Stern Nine Ball 1980-1981.

38) Williams Alien Poker (1980) & Big Daddy (1963) + Bally Fireball home edition (1976).

The post YEGPin 2022: Pinball Overload! first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

We arrived just after the tow-truck and our position allowed us to view the action without getting in the way. Plus we could keep an eye open for approaching trains as well. Spoiler alert: due to a track maintenance window there were none to be seen, but we didn’t know it at the time. It’s such a joy being so blissfully unaware.

Normally this section of Canadian National mainline is crazy-busy with passing freights (occasional passenger runs too), but for the hour or so we hung around, saw not a one. Even in a short time like this, we should have expected to see a couple, minimally, but got bupkis.

Sometimes they’re so frequent along here that soon after one passes, you can sometimes seen another hot on its tail off in the distance. The track is arrow straight and for the most part the views can be far reaching. Trains are often monstrous in size, extending from horizon to horizon and they really move. Here: The Trains Here, Do They Fly.

Our location is not far from our home base for the weekend in Viking Alberta and just off Highway #14. There we were with a few hours to burn and cruising around looking for fun, but never did we expect this. You gotta love when it falls on your lap so easily. Incidentally, we were in the area for this: Train Stations: Viking Alberta and while there, shot this one as well: Downtown Viking Alberta (w Harry Palmer).

So it’s clear the truck was heading to Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, a huge military post some sixty clicks to the east and somehow overshot the target. The cargo, a LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) 6, is a dead give away and there’s no way it could be bound anywhere else.

The Forces have a big fleet of these brutish 8x8s and they appear to move around a lot. We’ve seen other transports hauling them while up this way and it seems they use contract carriers for many of these moves. That’s the case here.

Where the load came from is anyone’s guess. Had we be able to make out the name on the side of the truck it may have given some insight but we couldn’t from our position. Curses for not bringing a longer lens. There was no way we were getting closer as we did not want to make an already stressful situation worse. That poor driver.

We’ve seen these LAVs move under their own power in the area – it’s so cool to pass one on the highway – but they’re not well suited for long distance travel. That this one was trailered suggests it came from afar and from the east too. We could see tire marks that confirmed the direction of travel and that haul truck had been the only vehicle to pass before us on this road.

Where as most LAVs carry weapons of some sort, this is an engineering variant and equipped with a dozer blade. These beasts are some of the newest fighting equipment in the Forces and if you look up their off-road capabilities, they are seemingly able to travel pretty much anywhere.

So it appears the driver at some point realized they were headed in the wrong direction and using a couple of grid roads, made a loop to spin back around. Stuff happens and that seems like a reasonable solution, except in hindsight perhaps. Couple things: these backroads are narrow, turning angles are sharp and shoulders are soft. Oh, and it had rained which further complicated things. That’s a bad mix when you’re both long and heavy and so we got what we see here.

It took some time, and much cursing from what we could hear, to free the rig, and right after it was back on its way (east). No harm, no foul, but no doubt the recovery cost a pretty penny. That’s how it goes in trucking and sometimes you’re ahead, and sometimes money’s in the toilet.

It soon becomes clear why not a single train has passed. A headlight, then another, is seen off in the distance but it’s no fast moving freight and instead some slow, lumbering track maintenance equipment. They’ve been working in the area and that means a total halt to all movements. The railway is already running at high capacity and we bet this further bunged up the works.

But it’s necessary and if the track is not maintained then everything comes to grinding halt. It must be kept in fine shape, even if the down time is painful, especially given the tonnage hauled and speeds at which it moves.

The transport and it’s LAV cargo is soon gone and ditto for the railway maintenance equipment, so I guess we’re done too.

Back in Viking we pass by some of the local grain terminals and you know, damn they’re huge. Later that night, from our motel room, we could hear the railway was busy again, with trains coming fast and frequent. Their horns echoed hauntingly in the night, signalling the track work was done and the floodgates had opened.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Know more (new tabs): Canadian Forces LAV 6 and Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

They’re saying…

”The wonderful out-of-the way locations and the photos of them are pure gold…Keep up the good work!” William Gibbons.

We love doing it…
Great Beater Challenge 2021.
Twilite Drive-in Wolseley.
Goin’ Waydowntown.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventure: May, 2022.
Location(s): Between Viking and Kinsella, Alberta.
Article references and thanks: CanadianArmyToday.com, Army-Technology.com and Canadian Forces.

Which way to Wainwright?

Unstuck – RR maintenance equipment approaches.

We came to watch trains and got this instead.

Due to track work, the line was oddly quiet.

Some heavy rail on CN’s mainline.

Later at a grain terminal in our home base of Viking…

The post The Lost LAV: Which Way to Wainwright? first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

The two ferries in this post, MV Columbia and Arrow Park III, plus others scattered across the province, are an essential link in the highway network. Many are simple river crossings but a couple (including one seen here) are longer voyages from one side of a large lake to the other. They’re all completely free and that’s appealing in our case.

Most BC ferries are found along lesser-used backroads and serve outlying areas. They’re in places where putting in a bridge would be too costly or impracticable. A couple, however, are along busier stretches of highway and exist because the distance across is just too much (even if a bridge could be afforded) and there’s no other option.

MV Columbia: Upper Arrow Lake is a big one.

In this post we’ll see an example of each type and chat a bit about them. One is an obscure ferry with limited capacity and leads to a tiny isolated community. The other looks like an ocean liner in comparison and links two sections of provincial highway.

We’re exploring the Columbia/West Kootenay regions of British Columbia and our trip has us roaming about as though crazy. The big ferry is used to access the area’s many backroads from our base in Revelstoke and the other done just because.

MV Columbia: quite new and with the capacity of the two vessels it replaced, combined. This run happens on Upper Arrow Lake, between Shelter Bay (west side), out near Revelstoke and Galena Bay (east side). The latter affords one connections to either Trout Lake or Nakusp and respective points beyond.

MV = Motor Vessel.

This run has been in place since the 1960s and replaced an earlier ferry that connected the two regions but used a different route exclusivly on the east side of Upper Arrow Lake. The highway on this side is far better than the other and overall it’s just easier.

Crossing times for the MV Columbia are about twenty minutes each way and there’s departures on each side approximately once per hour. It runs from early AM and to about midnight.

This ship is faster and more efficient compared to what it replaced. The capacity is about eighty average sized vehicles and in summer it can easily fill up. Not so much when were visited and one arrival had no one aboard. The MV Columbia comes from a firm in nearby Nakusp (also along Upper Arrow Lake) and entered service in 2014.

This is one of the longer crossings for inland ferries in the province and only beaten by the Kootenay Lake run out near Nelson. That crossing has a transit time almost double that of Upper Arrow Lake and is a record holder for the greatest distance free ferry ride in the world.

The wonderful scenery is made all the more stunning when viewed from out the water and in itself makes a trip here worthwhile.

There’s a nice viewpoint on the Shelter Bay side where you can you can watch the ship arrive or just take in all that mountain splendour. The short trail starts behind the waiting area biffies and is easy to follow. Note Kathleen and Zena’s Lounge at the parking area and it’s the crew shack for those directing traffic on this side.

There’s an interesting marine railway at Shelter Bay and it’s simply a rail-mounted cradle that can pull a vessel out of the water should it need heavy maintenance. It’s original to the site and appears as though its not been used for some time. We’re unsure if it could even support the MV Columbia which is much larger than anything that came before. You’ll see the tracks for the railway on the ramp heading down to the landing when loading or departing.

The approach road to the ferry on the Galena Bay side is dreadfully steep and heaven help anyone that might lose their brakes (or hit ice) while descending. There will be no forgiveness and into the drink you’ll go. Over two days we got to know the Columbia well and sailed on it and did that hill four times.

Arrow Park III: a much smaller ferry and the crossing only takes a few minutes. If not for it, the small community of Arrow Park and it’s a bit south of Nakusp, would be completely isolated from the highway system. It’s here at the Narrows, where a channel connects Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes.

Operation is on demand – early AM and well into the night. Just show up at the landing and if they’re not on your side, they’ll spot you and come over. The capacity is about two dozen cars but we doubt it’s ever been full since few people live in the far side. We were the only vehicle this trip – well actually one of the workers parked their truck on the deck, but otherwise that’s it. BC Inland Ferries accept foot traffic too and not just wheeled conveyances.

This trip was done just because and we zipped over to the far side, photographed the ship crossing a couple times and then rode it back. Where as the Columbia is propeller driven, Arrow Park III is powered a bit different and what’s called a cable ferry. A long wire-rope is anchored at each shore and when acted upon puts the ship in motion. When not in use the cable lies at the bottom of the channel and rises up only when being pulled.

Check out the awe inspiring mountain backdrop and that huge expanse of forest!

The Arrow Park III is only a few years old and given its name must be the third at this crossing. We know it replaced an earlier ferry, built in the late 1940s and on this run since the early 1990s, but know nothing of the first. This crossing must of come into service no earlier than the 1960s and this channel has only been usable since that time. It came about with the creation of the Arrow Lake Reservoir and the resultant rise of water levels at this spot. The Arrow Lakes were once separated by a fair gap but now connected here and essentially one.

A few towns and much agricultural land flooded when Keenleyside Dam came on line, and when done made a body of water extending all the way from Revelstoke south to Castlegar. That’s some two hundred and thirty clicks distance. Lots of H2O, eh!

Arrow Park III was similarly built in Nakusp and entered service in 2020. That community had a shipyard in the 1890s-1910s period and it produced a number of sternwheelers and tugs, but it’s long a memory. Only in recent times has a new yard been established and this firm has produced several ferries since (not just these ones).

Galena Bay: BC = adventure and scenery.

There’s six ferry crossings in the West Kootenay region and a total of fourteen in the entire province. Most are small affairs and in out of the way places. Many ferries are staffed by contractors and in the case of the two explored here, it’s a via a subsidiary of the firm that manufactured the vessels.

BC = adventure and scenery…then add in a ferry ride to make it heavenly. Thanks for tagging along and until next time, happy sailing. Appreciate it Dale and we see you made into one photo.

Know more: (new tab): BC Inland Ferries.

They’re saying…

“You bring to life that which has been forgotten, just curious and always interesting.” Richard O’Connor.

More mindless stuff…
Alone in the Gulch.
Smoky Times @ Red Deer Airport.
New Horizon Mall is Strange!

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: May, 2022.
Location: Shelter Bay, Galena Bay, Highway #6 and Arrow Park, BC.
Article references and thanks: Dale, for hosting us and British Columbia Ministry of Transportation Inland Ferries.

Galena Bay: the MV Columbia arrives.

MV Columbia: Breathtaking views onboard.

MV Columbia: one of the longest inland ferry runs in all BC.

Shelter Bay: a viewpoint not far from the waiting area.

Shelter Bay: Kathleen and Zena’s Lounge.

Shelter Bay: the marine railway appears disused.

Shelter Bay: another day of exploring and another ferry ride.

MV Columbia: a classic on board.

BC Inland Ferries Arrow Park run.

It’s a short crossing cable ferry.

On the Arrow Park side & it’d be isolated if not for the ferry.

The post BC Inland Ferries – Columbia and Arrow Park III first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Still, we’ll posed the rigs in interesting locations about town and make the best of it. Some odd looks from the locals will follow, and we’re certain one did the screw-loose finger motion thingy, but we’re used to being called crazy. It was not only a deluge and every one of us fully drenched, but that it was still spring, meant it came down icy cold.

This is not a serious post in any sense, and sometimes for us this is just the medicine needed. Banging away on the keys at full throttle is tiring at times and here we can coast. With the project these images were destined for later cancelled, we sat on them for some time and unsure what to do. Heck, let’s post them!

Our home for the weekend was the Canadian Northern Society’s Big Valley Station. It was nice and convenient too. We’ve been blessed to stay there a couple times and were using it as a base of operations for other photography projects. For example, we shot another CNoR station (the society has many BTW) that very weekend: Meeting Creek Railway Station.

The depot, the little blue church* (here: St. Edmund’s Church Big Valley Alberta) and Big Valley’s grain elevator* (here: Prairie Sentinels – Big Valley Alberta) all became background scenes. There’s many other historic buildings in town that would have been suitable and used similarly, but we were beyond waterlogged and called it an early evening.

Had the weather cooperated, we could have gone all night if need be, but here had to admit defeat. Sometimes it all comes together and other times, case in point this day…well…not so much.

The campers were to become part of a vintage RV rental fleet, and the shoot to help introduce them, but due to unforeseen circumstances things later didn’t work out. They’re both Triple E Class C campers from the latter part of the 1980s and mostly original. Both were in surprisingly fine shape and their age belies their overall good condition.

Class C motorhomes are built on cutaway van chassis (Ford in this case) and while those big V8s probably don’t get the best mileage, remember they are pulling around a fair bit of weight.

These pics were shown to the manufacturer Triple E out in Manitoba (who are still in business) and they seemed proud of their old warriors. Still on the road and looking good! Motorhomes can often have a short service life and many are beat up and falling apart by the time they’re retired.

Even if this ended up being a bust project, we still have fun photos to share and the fond (wet) memories of the capturing them. Truth be told, we like adverse conditions at times.

The station dates back to the 1910s and is original to the location. A tour: Big Valley’s Train Station. While we’re at it – remains of a locomotive servicing facility nearby: Big Valley Roundhouse.

The building’s been restored and features prominent in the Alberta Prairie Railway tour trains out of Stettler. We’ve taken the train couple times and here’s a write up from one of those trips: Alberta Prairie Railway Tours Ride Along.

The Canadian Northern Society are curators of a several stations and that’s in addition to the one in Meeting Creek already shared and our home in Big Valley. To see them go here: Camrose Heritage Railway Station & Park and here: Train Stations: Viking Alberta.

The rain lulls us to sleep and ends sometimes well into the night. The morning is clear, relatively, and crisp but it looks like the clouds might regroup. That it’s early in the season means the town’s all quiet and pretty much our own. In the summer, especially on train days, it can be busy with visitors, but here we saw no one. It was the height of the pandemic, after all (our visit was spring 2021), so we suspect that was a part of the equation.

A discovery in the trunk of the mighty BIGDoer-mobile when packing to go – a vintage model locomotive given us by one of our kids and thought missing in action. So that’s where it went? We were using it as a prop in a shoot sometime earlier and lost “track” of it. Thanks goodness it turned up because otherwise we’d have some explaining to do and that would be complicated.

We found a postcard showing an excursion train in front of the station and for fun attempt a Then & Now. That didn’t work out well and so we’ll have to try again.

Later that day, a quick stop in Stettler to see what’s happening down by the rail line. There’s nothing much going on at the APRE base, as it turned out, but it’s hardly a surprise. Our visit was from 2021, recall, and the trains didn’t run at all that year (nor the previous year, of course) due to the pandemic. So we capture a few photos of the idle equipment and wonder if they’ll ever seen action. Trains indeed are running again but at the time, the future looked grim.

We said this was going to be a quick post and here we are still endless blabbering away. Sorry, it went long. Enjoy the pics and be sure to stop by often.

*These are rather old posts and deserve a reshoot and updated information. You know, we really should go back for a revisit.

Know more (new tabs): Big Valley Alberta Train Station, St Edmund’s Big Valley Alberta and Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions.

They’re saying…

”Fascinating in depth historical information about people and places in Alberta that I didn’t even know existed. It is a true learning experience and enjoyable too.” Bernadette S Finzel (today’s post is more lighthearted in nature).

More fun and silly stuff…
Calgary Transit #1046 Fantrip.
Nelson and Fort Sheppard in Under a Minute.
The Clearwater (Drive-in Theatre).

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of adventure: May, 2021.
Location: Big Valley, Alberta.
Article references and thanks: Canadian Northern Society and Rich Graydon especially.

Good morning Big Valley Alberta!

Later, it’s vintage RVs in a downpour.

On to St Edmund’s, the little blue church.

Back to the historic Canadian Northern train station.

This was our favourite from the shoot.

Although this similar treatment worked well too.

A random shot upstairs of the station.

Lost and found…

There’s no more timeless scene than this.

We tried shooting a Then & Now and failed.

Meanwhile in Stettler just up the road…

The post Vintage RVs Big Valley Alberta first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

We’ve passed by a gazillion times but don’t stop as often as we should. Stavely has some very photogenic streets and a fair bit of history to take in, yet here we are. It’s been maybe ten years when we last did a walk-about and thought now’s the time to pay a revisit (with some friends too). Before it happened during depths of winter and the Team nearly froze their heinies, but here we picked a nice warm late spring evening around sunset. It’s our favourite time of day.

Stavely has seen a hundred and ten years pass since its founding and has bucked the trend, compared to many prairie towns, and actually grown since the old days. Back when it hovered around three hundred to three-fifty, for decades, dipped a little after WW2 and since has risen to over five hundred. With growth comes a down side and traffic here is murder. Expect total gridlock should you visit.

There’s a number of open businesses in downtown, a grocery, bank, salon, post office and three eateries from the looks of it, among them. Then there’s the imposing Stavely Hotel and their “beer parlour” looked to be a happening place this evening. The hockey game’s on, don’t you know, even though winter at this point is a memory and I guess everyone came down to watch the action anyway.

Wait, what’s that? An Oiler’s devotee…here in southern Alberta…Flame’s territory? Really? Let’s get’m boys! Bet they’re no stranger to heartache, despair and abuse (wink, wink). Edmonton lost in the playoffs…of course…like no one saw that coming, eh? The rule is, you have to trash any opposing teams and their hopelessly delusional fans. Or fan, as in singular…in the case of… Okay, that’s enough.

All the open businesses seemed to have a fairly steady stream of patrons and while the town looks pretty quiet in our photos, we waited for moments without traffic. Still, 50th’s hardly Deerfoot or anything and we could have stood there for most of the evening unchallenged.

Many of of buildings seen are of of a rather substantial brick construction and most date from the mid 1920s. They were built after a fire swept through town, destroying most of the business district and the rules for new construction changed so it didn’t happen again. Before they allowed wood, but afterwards, brick or something else fireproof only. I guess we can thank that rule for the well-preserved state of everything in downtown.

This is by no means a full tour of everything in the community, nor is it that in depth, but instead just things that caught our eye as we strolled about. Still, we’ll drone on about whatever captures our interest and that you can count on.

At the far end of downtown (one whole one block in length) and offset a bit, we can see remains of an old service station. Data’s a bit sketchy but if we got it right, it dates from the early 1930s and named Beattie’s Garage. The road in fronts used to be the main highway through town, but it got rerouted at some point that same decade, and bypassed downtown. No doubt this meant a loss of business but still, Beattie’s remained in business into the late 1950s.

The structure has some rustic fieldstone work and it would be quite easy to imagine a couple globe pumps sitting out front. And grandpa’s old International pickup getting a fill.

Over there, it’s lot full of old tractors – bright yellow tractors – and this means we’re looking at the products of maker Minneapolis-Moline. Almost a Caterpillar yellow, it became the organization’s signature shade. Each tractor firm had company colours and it became a way for them to stand out among competitors. There’s green for John Deere, red for International Harvester, this M-M yellow, Red with yellow or white accents and later cream or cream and red for Canada’s own Cockshutt…you get the picture. It’s goes on and on.

Old farm tractors are hardly uncommon out in rural parts, so admittedly we don’t always pay them much mind. They might be used as yard art, or on display in a park, just sitting in some otherwise empty lot, some field, or whatever. M-M didn’t seen to have much of a presence in this country compared to other makes and so we spend little more time looking at them than if from a competitor. Minneapolis Moline advertised theirs as the “World’s Finest Tractors”.

Love that colour and our two regular readers will know what that means.

Unc’s machine shop repairs boat propellers – odd, how may boats can there be on the mostly lake-less prairies? This building once housed a video rental place – remember back when people used physical media? Neither do we.

That imposing grain elevator sits at the extreme end of the main street (actually 50th Ave) and blocks the highway from being seen or heard. It’s framed perfectly and holds title as the last grain elevator in town. There used to be many and now there’s one. Formerly an Alberta Wheat Pool elevator (later Agricore) it still wears the light blue/green company colours, but now privately owned. A local farm uses it for grain storage and it’s big one.

The structure dates from the early 1980s, making it a late comer in that regards. Times were changing and few wood grain elevators were built after this one and before the wholesale changeover to massive inland terminals.

There were once other grain elevators in Stavely, but of course, they’re all a distant memory now. It’s nice this one was saved and that it’s fairly modern no doubt helped. A standing grain elevator is pretty rare these days and whereas there used to something around seventeen hundred in the province, their ranks have thinned considerably. It’s under two hundred or something like that. This elevator has two large integral flanking annexes and this makes it a “double composite” for those in the business.

The old rail line runs out front and one can easily imagine how it used to be. Close your eyes and you can see a passing train and grain cars being busily loaded. But it’s only in dreams and in reality the last trains passed more than a couple decades ago. Stavely was along the CPR’s MacLeod Subdivision, a former grain branch that travelled south from Calgary to Fort MacLeod.

Rails were laid in the 1890s and this very early in the railway boom period. Interestingly, the arrival of steel was often concurrent with the founding of a town (so, with one came the other) but here there was a bit of a gap. This line closed and soon pulled up around the turn of the century.

The town offices share space with a bank and located in a building dating from 1920. Until the local government moved in it housed a bank exclusively and did so since day one. Next door a small structure (from 1925) displays a curious sign on the east wall reading “Adams & Bright Cut Rate Drug Store – 7 mi east of Holcomb on Route 50 – Doctors appt. available in our store.” Holcomb – where the heck is that? Well, it’s in Kansas and actually along old route #50, so they got that right.

This is from the mid-’90s miniseries “In Cold Blood”, and with Stavely standing in for some community close to Holcomb in the story. Filming here up north offers many advantages and Canadian towns can easily double for US locales.

That old siren at the volunteer fire brigade has seen a few wars and quite dented up. When it goes off you’ll hear it, everyone else in town will hear it and even people the next town over will hear it.

The grocery store further up the street operates out of fine old building. It too appears to date from after the fire and presumably home to various retail businesses over the years. We couldn’t track down any specific info in old history books or directories, but it looks the part.

The Stavely Hotel is also from the 1920s and earlier known as the Yukon. At the time they touted it as “The best between Calgary and Lethbridge” but we’re not sure if it’s holds that title present day. Maybe the Bell just down the highway in Claresholm does…or something like that. Old photos show the building has only changed slightly over the years and looking much as it does today verses back when new. It replaced an earlier hotel, of wood, that went up in flames in that fire mentioned.

Interesting story: we stopped in one time for lunch with a friend and all around amazing photographer John Sharpe back in the early 2010s. That’s the first and only time we patronized the business and while we didn’t have time this visit, we think we should drop by again. In John’s honour – he passed on a few years back and we always remember the good times we had out exploring together.

Okay, who wants to join us later this year for a cold one and plate of ginger beef?

Stavely’s main street is actually called 50th Avenue and this might seem curious given the modest size of the community. There were two schools of though when it came to naming conventions for streets of little prairie towns in the old days. For some, main was usually called Main and the cross street down by the railway, typically the most important intersection, called Railway (go figure). Simple, right? For some communities, and it happened a lot, it was 50th and 50th instead. The inflated numbers were a way to make the place sound larger, and therefore more important, than it was. You sneaky people, you.

Stavely seemingly broke with convention here, however, and their (once) most important intersection called 50th and 52nd. 50th and 50th here in town happens at the main business street and the old highway, so up from the railway. We’ve never done a serious tally, but the use of Main and Railway seems more common than 50th and 50th in small town Alberta, but still, both are commonly seen.

The road calls but we’ll be back in Stavely sometime and of that we’re certain. No doubt we’ll find some new angles to photograph and places to chit-chat about for posting here. No point getting it all in on one visit and we like that the potential for more gives us a reason to come back. Even if sometimes it takes a while.

Know more about the town (new tab): Stavely Alberta.

They’re saying…

”Chris and Connie are the real deal – their adventures are truly interesting and fun!” Justine Cooke.

Random awesomeness…
Ogden Block – Hong Lee Laundry Calgary.
Great Beater Challenge 2021.
Retro Service Stations: Lakeview Husky.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: Contact Us!

Date of Adventure: June, 2022.
Location(s): Stavely, Alberta.
Article references and thanks: Allan Brooker, Byron Robb, the book: Butte Stands Guard – Stavely and District, Medicine Hat & District Genealogical Society, plus Municipal Affairs Alberta.

A dejected Oilers fan at the Stavely Hotel.

A former service station.

From Minneapolis-Moline, the “World’s Finest Tractors”.

Sunset on Unc’s Machine Shop.

The Main Street (50th Avenue) in town.

Sunset is a magic time and Stavely a magic town.

Stavely Grocery is one of a handful of businesses here.

For the local volunteer fire brigade.

Sign comes from the ’90s mini-series “In Cold Blood”.

There were once many and now there’s only this one.

The Town Offices are housed in the building in back.

Really…in southern Alberta Flame’s country?

Many buildings here are of brick (read the post to know why).

It’s still in business and perhaps it’s time to pay it a revisit too.

The post A Few Minutes in Stavely Alberta first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

It’d be safe to assume that at least some of each class of engine passed through the community. The CPR has always had a important presence in town, even if somewhat lessened today and Cranbrook sits along the CPR’s Crowsnest Line through southeastern BC. The route acts a conduit for freight headed to and from the US, and also serves the huge metal-smelter in Trail further west.

It’s a modestly busy line, but in the days of steam, and even into the diesel era, saw more action than today. In the past track ran all the way from the west coast to southwestern Alberta and with many side-branches. Over the years, less productive or costly to run sections were taken out of service and this severely lessened the CPR’s presence in the region. Today, it’s a shadow of what it once was. The CPR opened up the border regions of the province and now they’ve seemingly retreated.

We messaged the city office, but no one at work that day was completely sure when they were installed. Except they knew it was recently. The tiles don’t seem to make mention anywhere on the Interwebs, so it all points to them being recently installed. We browsed our own photos captured in 2018 of the former Armond Theatre and other historic buildings along this stretch of street and the tiles don’t appear in any shots where the sidewalk is in view. Unless we missed them completely, and for easily distracted us, that’s certainly possible.

Anyway, let’s chat a little about the locomotives seen…

1) ES44AC: The most modern one represented and if you catch a freight passing through Cranbrook, it’s possible one these beasts might be in the consist. The CPR acquired close to three hundred of these General Electric built “Evolution” series locomotives in the period 2005 to 2012. Along with the similar looking, slightly older and slightly more common AC440CW series, these make up the backbone of the CPR mainline roster.

You can see some ES44ACs at work in these posts: A Few Minutes in Pincher Station and Trainspotting – Field BC edition.

2) P1e: A class of “Mikado” steam locomotive and these regular visitors to the area. They pulled heavy mainline freights and passenger runs with equal ease. A product of the Montreal Locomotive Works, they date back to the early 1910s (when they were classed P1b) and numbered seventy five in total. Along with twenty similar P1d series locomotives (earlier P1a), many remained in serviced till very near the end of steam in the late 1950s.

3) CPA16-4: Coming from the Canadian Locomotive Company in Kingston Ontario, these were built under license form the Fairbanks-Morse company of the US. A “Consolidation” series locomotives, these were passenger engines and while small in number (16 in total, plus a dozen cabless B units) they remained quite common to the region from the the early 1950s to the mid-1970s.

You can see a CPA16-4 here and it’s one of two extant examples: Under Wraps.

4) G5b: A late model “Pacific” numbering thirty in total and one of just over one hundred G series locomotives built. These came right as World War Two was ending and built for a couple years after. The b subclass were from Montreal Locomotive Works and many remained in service right to the end of steam. While locomotives of this configuration were typically passenger power, these could handle freights in a pinch and did so often.

Incidentally, the CPR used to have a good sized steam locomotive servicing facility in Cranbrook and the local yard quite busy. Later diesels were serviced here as well, but that practice has ended and it’s all eerily quiet now. Freights are dispatched out of nearby Fort Steele now and the Cranbrook yard for the most part empty.

5) SW1200: This was a switcher produced by General Motors in both the US and Canada in the ’50s and ’60s. The CPR didn’t actually buy any of this model new and instead purchased a variation, the SW1200RS. More versatile, they were suitable for over the road work in addition to switching yards. Most GM Canada SW1200s were actually of the RS variant but visually they were not all that different from each other.

You can see a couple Canadian National SW1200RS’ at work here: Looking Down on Wayne Alberta.

6) SR2: A class of “Ten Wheeler” built in the late 1890s (at the company shops) and customized with a then novel compounding system. In simple terms, this setup allowed more efficient use of steam, but at the cost of complexity. Due to high running costs, these were later simplified (earning another class designation in the process) and mostly retired by the 1930s. A locomotive of this type was for light duty work and branch line runs.

7) GP9: Another product of General Motors (both US and Canada plants) and the most popular locomotive of the 1950s across North America. You can even find some in service today but only with smaller carriers and short lines. The CPR owned something close to two hundred, but only had a mild love affair compared to other railways. Still they roamed system wide and were quite common to southern BC in the old days. You could see them pulling heavy freights or locals.

We’ve known a couple: The Railway and Train Day at Aspen Crossing.

Locomotive classes: Each was built to similar, but not always the same exact specifications and had roughly the same capabilities. Sub-classes might represent different orders over time, or evolving changes to the design. In simple terms a locomotive from one class performed much like any other from the same class. Think: interchangeable with each other.

It looks like there’s seven different variations of tile (unless we missed some) and there’s several of each along both sides of the street. Why they’re only along one block of 10th Avenue South and apparently no where else in downtown, is curious. Tenth is a side street and and many blocks from the railway tracks. Tiles appear to be of metal.

Here we’ve turned simple evening walks into something to blab about. Just look down and you never know what you’ll see and we hope you enjoyed the ride as much as we did presenting it!

Know more (new tab): Downtown Cranbrook BC.

They’re saying…

“Thank you so much for your fantastic articles and photos. Alberta and BC are dear to my heart. I could spend 24/7 here with you ! I especially love the before and after articles. Keep up the great work guys !! I was born and raised in Calgary in the 50’s so this history is my passion “ Joanne Winchester Honer.

In the area…
Tri-Way/Kootenay Country Inn Cranbrook.
CPR Water Tower Cranbrook BC.
Wandering Cranbrook.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventure: Summer and Fall, 2022.
Location(s): Cranbrook, BC.
Article references and thanks: Canadian Trackside Guides, Constructed in Kingston by McQueen & Thompson and Steamlocomotive.com.

1) Locomotive tiles on 10th Ave S Cranbrook – showing something modern.

2) And something old.

3) A diesel from the 1950s.

4) And a late model steamer from the ’40s.

5) This small switcher.

6) A real oldie on this tile.

7) One of the most popular diesels ever on this one.

The post The Sidewalks of 10th Ave S Cranbrook first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

In the early days the houses were more modest in scope compared to some of the hotel-sized offerings presently, but they have always been a showcase of modern features. For the time. They’re well appointed and come completely furnished.

We’ll present you with a list of highlights of things included with the house shortly and it’s pretty interesting. You could call it cutting edge Jetson-esque stuff for the period, but would seem almost blasé by the standards of today.

In addition, homes always include a lot in one of Calgary’s newer neighbourhoods (Charleswood in this case) and the place live-in ready not long after the draw. Houses were and are built right at the Stampede grounds, for display, then later moved to their permanent locations.

The 1959 Stampede Dream Home had a value of $30k, inclusive of furnishings and everything else. While higher than a typical Calgary home at the time, by about $10k, one must take into consideration how well appointed it came. The average home price in the city is now about $500k and this example is actually valued slightly higher (sans anything inside too).

Tickets in 1959 were one dollar each and only sold on the Stampede grounds (vs mostly online today). You have to buy bundles of fifty or more now (starting at $75), but in addition to the Stampede Dream Home, there’s other prizes offered. Vehicles, campers, trips and you name it. The 2022 Dream Home came in at just over a million, but is also paired with a quarter million cash or a condo near the University. So one point three mil, but who’s counting?

While the exterior of this Dream Home is little changed there’s been renovations and changes to the interior over the years, so it’s not exactly as before. It happened to be undergoing another round of work on our visit and out of respect, we didn’t take interior shots. Nothing looks good when redecorating, especially when it’s being lived in at the same time.

All the furnishings, appliances and anything else original to the home are long gone. That’s too bad as it seemed a poster-boy of mid-century design and the height of style at the time. Just browse the brochure and take it in! This period is popular again (it never left for some) and any furnishings you see in the brochure, assuming in decent condition, would be quite valuable now.

The 1959 Dream Home has an attached garage which for the time was quite a luxury and maybe made for some envious neighbours. You can just picture a tail-finned land yacht parked out front. Today, two or three car garages are the usual (often with at least one stall repurposed for miscellaneous storage) but here there’s only room for a single vehicle. Oh, the humanity.

Even a driveway at the time made you look like a big shot, but things we’re simpler then.

Now that we’ve chatted a bit and maybe learned a bit, let’s see what it came with….

Canadian General Electric supplied a console TV, combination Hifi, floor polisher and garberator. Little Timmy’s Hotwheels don’t stand a chance with it!

From Canadian Westinghouse it was the laundry team and vacuum. If we believe ads of the time, housewives always did cleaning or the wash dressed to the nines. Pearls and heels were mandatory. She wouldn’t even break a sweat and the experience pure carefree joy…or so we were to believe.

The fridge, stove and wall oven came from Frigidaire. A lot of other stuff came from Sunbeam and included a steam iron, toaster, coffee maker, waffle maker, mixmaster, egg cooker (you know you’ve hit the big time when you have an egg cooker), hair dryer, shaver, lawnmower, hedge clipper, and bottle warmer. For baby bottles, I guess?

There’s more: electric blankets, shoe polisher (essential at the time), electric massager, electric can opener, electric knife sharpener, electric coffee grinder, electric eye (turned on the lights when dark), electric turbo Brylcreem dispenser (okay, that’s a lie) and illuminated house number. Are we in heaven?

Someone pinch me!

The brochure boasts: “This is an all-electrical home!” Yup, it’s the future and it’s happening today. Note how the structure looks more broad and lower profile in the artist’s rendering in the brochure.

You got beds and bedding, carpet, drapes and anything else you could think of. Just bring your toothbrush and slippers. Looking at old photos shows it also came with a standing ashtray in almost every room. That was a thing too.

The draw for this Dream Home got broadcast on local TV and no doubt everyone who purchased was glued to their set. We’ve dug up the name of the winner (Gladys Bennett) but it appears this person moved out within a few years and since, the home has changed hands a couple more times.

Overall it was a big undertaking by the Stampede and associated charities. Just bringing the home to completion relied on many vendors, suppliers and contractors, all of who donated or steeply discounted their goods or services. It plays out the same today but the dollar value is much higher.

The 1959 Stampede Dream Home looks so nice all lit up in the twilight. This structure foreshadowed where home design was heading and has many stylings of Brady Homes coming that next decade. Team BIGDoer’s place is one year newer but is one of those bland shoe-box with a hip-roof things popular at the time and built by the thousands in Calgary. The home seen here, is open, airy and welcoming, so quite different from the then usual.

The idea for this post came while doing research on an unrelated topic and as often happens it sort of fell into our lap. There we were shuffling though some old newspapers, when we spotted an article about this very home and with that a seed planted. We sat there wondering what happened to it and you know, we just had to act!

Cool story: we contacted the Stampede to see if they knew the location but told us the records were gone. We called around further, chatted with whoever would listen and still got nowhere – no one knew. A solution: let’s go for a walk and find it that way. We knew what the house looked like (assuming unaltered) and over two days we covered about two thirds of the community.

We came up empty and while making plans to walk the rest, a call came out of nowhere and this person knew the address. I guess we had an ally at the Stampede and someone there called on some connections to see what they could find for us. Without connections and networking we’d be nothing. Turns out we got within a block of it at some point. That close…and as you can see, it does look the same! Had we started in the reverse direction, it surely would have been found almost right away.

The very first Stampede Dream Home from 1958 still exists (SW Calgary), but it’s been altered. This post has us wondering, however, if we shouldn’t seek out others, from the 1960s-1970s period to see if any still look as they did when new. That’s an era we love for its often kitschy and over-the-top designs. Do we even have the time?

Thanks goes out to Bob Clovis for sharing the Dream Home brochure and we so enjoyed browsing it.

Know more (new tabs): Calgary Stampede Dream Homes.

They’re saying…

“Great stories and great photos. A glimpse into the soul of Alberta…” Norman Weatherly (we go into BC and SK too).

Did someone say Stampede…
Calgary Stampede 2020: Cancelled! – with Mr Fabulous!

Silly fun…
Alone in the Gulch – Fun and adventure in Trail BC.
New Horizon Mall is Strange!
Goin’ Waydowntown.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventure: May, 2022.
Location(s): Calgary, AB.
Article references and thanks: Eduard S, the Calgary Stampede, Bob Clovis and the Medicine Hat & District Genealogical Society.

The 1959 Stampede Dream Home (Calgary AB).

It’s the second oldest and little changed on the outside.

The brochure.

$30.000 Stampede Give-away home.

The post 1959 Calgary Stampede Dream Home first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Morning 1-1) A relic from another time and do you remember renting movies? Yeah, of course you do, and those places did a good business too. It wasn’t that long ago you did the daily ritual – drop off in the morning, pick another selection in the evening, rinse and repeat. The good stuff was checked out by four and at beginning of each day, a traffic jam formed out front with everyone jostling to reach the “slot”.

Three Hills (Alberta) @ Dawn: damn it was cold! Frozen fingers and frozen toes with Chris Doering & Connie Biggart (BIGDoer/Synd)

Video Hut lasted longer than most, even with the onslaught of streaming services, and only closed perhaps five or six years back. Guess you don’t have to worry about returning that Johnny Mnemonic DVD now.

Morning 1-2) There’s was a little dusting of snow overnight and it crunched noisily underfoot, but otherwise think total silence. Snow has a way of muffling any noise and makes for a peaceful scene. Downtown Three Hills is a mix of new buildings and a smattering of older structures.

Morning 1-3) The town is home to two old grain elevators, not far away and down by the tracks. The blue-green building in the foreground in the relatively modern wood prairie sentinel and dates from the 1960s. Built for the Alberta Wheat Pool, and still wearing company colours (albeit very faded), it’s now privately owned.

The second in back is much older (built late 1910s, but steel bins are a newer addition) and while it too still wears the markings of a former owner (Parrish and Heimbecker), it’s presently not in use. Is it just another rural town structure with an uncertain future? There used to be many other grain elevators here in Three Hills, but they’re all a distance memory now and demolished years back. More history: Prairie Sentinels – Three Hills Alberta.

Now if only a train would show, but that’s wishful thinking here along this line – it’s not a busy one. Three Hills is a bit odd in that elevators were located on both sides of the tracks and not on one as was more typical. It must have seemed to trains crews that they’re going through a tunnel.

Morning 1-4) The former Alberta Government Telephones exchange building. Many small towns had similar structures, built to a fairly common design, and it would have been a base for the local operator, was where you paid your phone bill and it housed the switch gear. These were mostly put in during the 1920s and this example is still owned by AGT’s successor Telus to house what ever equipment is needed to serve the local population.

Morning 1-5 & 6) This could be a street scene in any small prairie town and it’s made up of a rag-tag row of old buildings, home to various small (and no doubt struggling) businesses. These old places have seen many winters and no doubt many tenants over the many decades that have passed. That old laundromat sign has been witness to a lot of change, but it’s as it was.

Morning 2-1) The former east gym once connected to the the Prairie Bible Institute (now Prairie College) and it’s clearly been a while since this old building last saw use. A sign out front speaks of its doom and the land is shown as available for redevelopment. This college had and continuities to have a big presence in Three Hills and their complex takes up several square blocks (and used to be even bigger). The sky displayed those soft pink tones for but a moment and the scene that much more magic as a result.

Morning 2-2) Alleys treasures: it’s two mid-1950s Ford products waiting for warmer weather no doubt. The left example is an early cab-over model and a rather strange looking beast if you were to ask us. Look at the hoar frost on the one tree in behind. This AM was even colder and more biting than the first.

Morning 2-3 & 4) Business in the front and party in the back. Someone had too much time on their hands and this odd Frankenstein-mobile the offspring of a deranged mind. It’s a Dodge pickup from the early 1990s and with a GMC or Chevrolet van body from roughly the same era grafted on, but with a Dodge badging on the door. Confusing to say the least and to those fanboys of one marque or the other (and you can’t love both), perhaps something a bit sacrilegious.

It doesn’t appear all that badly done, in the sense that things seems to fit and line up well enough, but still. We know…”what were they thinking…how much beer was involved…or was this done on a bet?” We applaud weird creativity and this vehicle displays it proudly, so we say throw caution to the wind.

Morning 2-5) Rounding out the morning and near the limits what we could take of the cold, it’s a look at this 1930s era Ford Truck. I think we ran into this same vehicle about ten years ago in this same alley, and if so, it’s little changed (we checked old photos), but with the frame shortened. A stalled resto-project or parts supply for another? That lawn mower won’t be needed anytime soon.

It was hoped a train would show so we could get it in the photo, and you can see the tracks right there in behind, but no such luck. They don’t run too often on this line, recall, and anyway conditions were no good for waiting around.

Three Hills dates back to the 1910s and present day home to about three thousand permanent residents and hundreds more temporary or transient in nature attending college. We were in town just because and when we’ve had our fill of Calgary, we simply point in a direction, pick a community, find a cheap dive motel and spend a weekend exploring. Simple as that and it’s always just the medicine needed.

Know more: (new tab): Three Hills Alberta.

Stop by often for new and interesting content posted regularly.

They’re saying…

“Thank you so much for your fantastic articles and photos. Alberta and BC are dear to my heart (ed: we visit SK too). I could spend 24/7 here with you!…” Joanne Winchester Honer.

That small town vibe…
Random Olds Alberta.
Red Deer River Valley Wanderings.
Wandering Cranbrook BC.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventure: February, 2022.
Location(s): Three Hills, AB.
Article references and thanks: Town of Three Hills, Prairie College and Jim Pearson’s book, Vanishing Sentinels.

Early Morning 1-1) Closed forever.

Morning 1-2) All quiet in Three Hills and damn was it cold!

Morning 1-3) Two old grain elevators down by the tracks.

Morning 1-4) A former AGT telephone exchange building.

Morning 1-5) It could be any small prairie town.

Morning 1-6) This vintage sign.

Morning 2-1) Former east gym of the Prairie Bible Institute.

Morning 2-2) The things you find in alleys.

Morning 2-3) Business in the front…

Morning 2-4) Party in the back.

Morning 2-5) Now I can’t feel my fingers…

The post Three Hills (Alberta) @ Dawn first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

This venerable street warrior still belongs to Calgary Transit and brought out from time to time for charters and the like. Dating from 1980, it was part of an order for seventy five and one hundreds and hundreds of GM Fishbowls CTS owned over the years, built from the early ’60s to early ’80s. The Fishbowl name comes from that great expanse of angular front glass.

Fishnbowls were surprisingly long lasting in CTS service, with some on the road into 2013 (see: They Live! Calgary Transit GMC Fishbowls in 2013). We last spotted #1046 out in the wild in 2011, but it may have lasted a bit longer. After 2009 it held honour as the last in service bus still in the old colours and as such stood out among its contemporaries. Other transit systems similarly held onto their Fishbowls for longer than typical.

Hope on board for the Calgary Transit #1046 Fantrip.

Officially Fishbowls were called New Look by the manufacturer and this example is a sub-model T6H-5307N. T=transit, 6H=six cylinder engine (from Detroit Diesel) and hydraulic (automatic style) transmission, 53=nominal seating capacity (but it could vary), 07 is a series number and further tells us the bus is 40ft (or 12.2m) long and 102in (or 2.59m) wide; and finally N means no air conditioning. These were ovens in summer, but the CTS evidently felt this feature unnecessary at the time. You monsters!

This bus was made at General Motor’s (then) newly opened factory in Quebec but Canadian Fishbowls from years before came from the GM locomotive complex in Ontario. By 1986, GM Canada had finally transitioned to a new model (the Classic), but for a time built both concurrently.

Made by the tens of thousands (via a US factory too) the Fishbowl was an extremely popular design and certainly in appearance the most iconic transit bus ever. Everyone remembers riding one of these and that distinctive look made them stand out.

US production spanned the years 1959-1977 and in Canada from 1961-1986. After American production ceased, some operators across the border started purchasing Canadian made examples, much to the chagrin of GM in the US who was hoping to sell them on a new model down there (the RTS). The RTS was never accepted up north and this one reason why they continued production of the older design up here. GM got out of the bus business later in the 1980s but their former factory in Quebec is still at it, as NovaBus. Calgary Transit is an operator and has a fairly large fleet of their LFS series.

Fishbowls and all buses of that era were of the high floor variety, so steps had to be negotiated to get in or out. This was not a terribly convenient arrangement for folks with mobility issues or those with tots in carriages and lead to the current low floor designs. Easy curb level entry and exit.

Unit #1046 and its brethren came new with programmable destination signs, introduced by CTS only the year before, where as older buses used traditional roll signs. The seating is made from that thick vinyl stuff, industrial strength and nearly indestructible, but hardly comfortable. You’d burn your butt on that fabric come summer and freeze it off later in the year. You could not win and bare skin would stick to it as though held in a vise.

Looking over that interior photo brings back so many memories. All you Calgarians of old must remember buses like this, in that two tone blue interior scheme and maybe even rode this very one long ago. Those sideways seats in back was were where you’d always find long-legged me. Couldn’t fit in the others.

The fun begins at the Whitehorn LRT Station and the bus soon packed and on the road. The click of cameras sometimes drowns all else and let’s just say there were a lot of shots taken this evening. The ride lasted about six hours and visited all quadrants of the city.

Stoney Garage is an early stop and this visit included a drive by of the bus barn shops where heavy maintenance and repairs are performed. CTS buses put on a huge number of miles and are beaten to death by the challenging roads and conditions, so breakdowns are just part of doing business. When something goes wrong, they bring it here.

Old and new at the Stoney Garage.

Due to a double booking mix-up (doh!) this became a solo trip for Connie. Well, she was among friends, but the other half of Team BIGDoer was nowhere to be seen and instead out on assignment (here: Great Beater Challenge 2021). This spitting of gear unfortunately left her using one of our small hiking cameras, which is burdened with a slow as molasses kit lens that’s less than ideal for the tough conditions to be encountered. This shoot was for casual fun, however, so it really doesn’t matter. Still, bright lights became ugly haloed blobs and that’s a little bothersome, as is the noise from cranking the up ISO.

This event happened almost a full year ago, incidentally, and speaks of a huge backlog here. Just thought we’d mention it and just accept that we’ll never be timely in our postings. Ever.

Out on the apron at Stoney Garage #1046 is parked next to one of Calgary Transit’s newest buses (a NovaBus – remember them – LFS on Natural Gas) and it’s #8385 from 2019. The difference between the two is night and day, yet they are kin.

The 66th Avenue/Ranchview Link NW Transit Bypass ducks under Sarcee Trail while connecting the neighbourhoods of Ranchlands and Dalhousie. It’s for buses only and made a stop along the way.

There’s some nice shots to be had of #1046 from the pedestrian bridge over Bow Trail, with downtown seen prominently in back. Later they’d head that way and use the LRT right of way in the core. In the time #1046 was in service it no doubt visited all corners of Calgary, but likely spent a fair bit of time downtown as well. Could 7th Avenue, along the LRT tracks, be its old old stomping grounds? Probably.

A trip to the airport, via that big road tunnel, happens later. Let the funny looks begin and no doubt anyone paying attention there, and along the entire route for that matter, must have been surprised to see such an old bus out on the road. Are we seeing things? There were more than a few over-the-shoulder double takes witnessed. A time shift, maybe? Nope, just a bunch folks out for a ride in something historic and having a good time.

There were countless other stops along the way (thirteen in total) and had we shared photos from each, it’d have turned this post into a big bloated mess. More so than usual that is.

Back where the tour started, a special and unexpected visitor makes an appearance. Everyone wondered why that one guy had to suddenly leave the group while grinning as he was, and now we know he was up to something. Here’s CTS #1130, a Fishbowl belonging to collector Nick B*. It’s slightly newer than #1046 and one of sixty nine buses from an order delivered in 1982 (from CTS’ last order of this model).

Deep inside where heavy maintenance is done.

This newer Fishbowl is painted in the more recent white with stripes scheme in use from the early 1990s to 2007. Now they colour them white with a big swooping red stripe, although buses in this older scheme can still be found in service.

Note how the sign programming on #1046 changed as the trip progressed and you might as well have some fun with it. Each stop they dialed in a new one and some of them reflected historic routes. Look at that, it’s 11pm and the ride is over. It’s a quick goodbye and then a little basking in the afterglow. The day’s done.

*There are people that collect and restore old transit buses, strange as it might seem to someone on the outside. They tell us once you catch the bug, you’re done for, but only then could you ever understand. We know a couple of these folks – for example, here: TDH-3501 and here: The Big Red Bus.

Know more: (new tabs): Calgary Transit #1046 Fantrip (lots of nice pics to browse) and GM Fishbowl Buses.

Stay tuned for new and interesting content posted regularly.

They’re saying…

”If you grew up on the prairies, (or even if you didn’t) you are going to love what Chris and Connie do. Part urban explorers, part historians, part documentarians, and intrepid travellers, (they) make this site interesting, educational, and addicting. Highly addicting.” James Churchill. (aw shucks).

Posts where Fishbowls make an appearance…
Edmonton Transit: 95th Street – Fishbowl Trolleybus!
Calgary Then & Now: Ogden Bus Loop – DinnerInABucketInAMinute!
They Live! Calgary Transit GMC Fishbowls in 2013 – The final year.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: contact us!

Date of Adventure: August, 2021.
Location: Calgary, AB.
Article references and thanks: Nicholas Blonski, Calgary Transit, Canadian Public Transit Discussion Board and all the nice folks on this trip.

Dipping under Sarcee Trail on a bus-only lane.

From the pedestrian bridge over Bow Trail.

Flashback moment!

Once in a while we get a nice sunset in Calgary.

Many photos were shot…

#1046 has been on he road since 1980.

Downtown along the LRT right of way.

A courteous driver…

#1046 is still owned by CTS.

Visiting the airport.

Airport tunnel

What’s this now?

It’s a surprise visitor, CTS #1130 belonging to a collector.

The post Calgary Transit #1046 Fantrip first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

It’s no race, but a crazy adventure and treasure hunt of sorts – we’ll fill you in soon enough. We shadowed this motley parade, some forty cars in total and it was AWESOME! The great plains of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan were the backdrop along with villages that dotted the route – some are still recovering. There’s ghost towns too and once we reached the land of living skies, many historic grain elevators.

Each year’s route is different, as is theme and the latter in this case was in honour of our friends from Saskatchewan and the event titled “Flatland Fails”. We’ll always remember this nutty weekend and the characters who participated. We can’t wait to show you, so let’s hit the road. It’s going to be a BIG one and perhaps the longest-winded piece we’ve ever posted.

Day 1

1 Lethbridge) It’ begins and first up, it’s Brother’s Beer Wagon, a 1982 Ford LTD. 140hp baby! Multiple spare tires were a just in case measure and recommended by organizers given the remote places to be travelled. Cars were mostly driven by teams (here three siblings) and the extra person (or people) were for support and encouragement. Or so they were told, but in reality were there to help push the car when it calved or to do the grunt work changing a tire.

1) The Great Beater Challenge 2021 is about to begin!

BTW, roadworthy skins were mandatory and the car had to be mechanically sound in critical areas (brakes for example), but cosmetically nothing mattered. The uglier, the better!

2 Lethbridge) Goldmember is a 1983 Dodge 400 convertible and the tattered state of the cloth gives new meaning to the term “ragtop”. Up or down, you were still out in the open. The devil on our shoulder hoped for rain and the fun spectacle that’d come of it, but no such luck. Still the team had to contend with all the dust and by the end of the Beater Challenge needed a good hosing down. This is one of about ten thousand convertible Dodge 400s made and production only spanned two years.

Decorating a car was encouraged and resulted in bonus points being awarded. While many chose a Saskatchewan theme (Rider or Pilsner adornments were popular), these guys went their own way. That’s Beater Challenge organizer Peter Brook in back, basking in glow that is the absurdity of it all. Feel the buzz.

3 Lethbridge) If participants added certain Saskatchewan accoutrements, so running boards or as seen here, clearance lights, they gained additional points. The game was not just about getting there but looking ridiculous doing it and the points that come with it. This has to be the most half-baked attempt ever, but it’s in keeping with the general theme.

4 Lethbridge) Here’s a 1960 Plymouth Valiant and other than here at the start, it was never seen again. Surprisingly, most cars made the journey, but for some like Buzzin’ Half Dozen here, it was to be for naught. One of the more interesting cars at the event and one of the oldest, it’s too bad it tanked so early.

5 Lethbridge) This is Canadians in an Acadian, a 1979 Pontiac Acadian (rebadged Chevrolet Chevette). Those who know us will understand why we were secretly rooting for this one. The rules of the event state no car should be worth more than $700 and meeting that criteria was not a problem here.

6 Lethbridge) Be proud of it! Already Disqualified is a 1981 Buick LeSabre and interesting story (bro) your author owner one just like it for years (two door though), in two-tone green none the less. You could not kill that thing, in spite of efforts to do so and with that in mind, we suspected this team would do okay.

7 Lethbridge) There were several free ice cream/free hug vans participating and this was one of the drivers. Thanks for the disturbing mental image. Anyone seen Pennywise?

8 Lethbridge) Team Y’allternative drives this 1984 AMC Eagle. This was an early CUV and quite capable for the time, but never made in huge numbers. AMC – remember them? Into the 1980s they were an also-ran compared to the Big Three (GM, Ford, Chrysler) and few years after this example was made, folded in the latter firm. This car appeared to randomly stall at times, but made it home.

9 Lethbridge) At the driver briefing. Teams were told what to expect, reminded to follow the rules of the road and so on. Or else!

10 Lethbridge) Here’s the mascot for the The Dog House, a 1990 Oldsmobile Delta 88. The sign’s a joke of course. We we’re witness to this car breaking down later in the Beater Challenge, but they got it going again and it finished.

11 Lethbridge) Event organizer Peter goes over the rules and for those who don’t follow them to the letter, it’s the firing squad. Or so a driver told me. That Peter doesn’t mess around.

12 Lethbridge) Those golden locks are fabulous and this is Saskatchewan hockey hair if we’ve ever seen it. Play for the Broncos? For those who don the skates out in those small prairie communities and battle, this type of do has never gone out of style.

13 On the road) With vast stretches of nothingness, it was recommended participants carry extra gas and many found creative ways to carry them. This is 989 or Bust a 1997 Mercedes-Benz C230, which finished I guess, but we never saw them again after this encounter.

14 Foremost Alberta) The Flatland Fails guidebook tells you everything you need to know. It not only details the route, but gives hints in regards to hidden treasures to be found along the way or describes the fun little tasks to completed. Both add to your points total and it’s not just about finishing the trip but making it an adventure.

15 Foremost Alberta) Our Buick friends were loaded down.

16 Foremost Alberta) This 1951 Hudson Hornet, belonging to Roy Marko’s Garage was the oldest car in the group and that’s the 1930s built Leismeister Garage as backdrop. On a previous visit to Foremost we shot a Then & Now from about this position, but looking the opposite direction, and you can see it here: Then & Now: Foremost Alberta.

17 Etzikom Alberta) Another challenge stop taking place at the Etzikom Museum. Certain tasks were worth more than others and the one here was particularly valuable – to find a little plaque attached to an exhibit. You had to submit photos of finds as proof and these points could make or break a team’s odds of winning. Nice Oldsmobile Cutlass – another cool story (bro) and our oldest boy had one like this as a teenager.

18 Etzikom Alberta) One of many windmills at the Etzikom Museum and while we’ve never visited the place before, we hope to one day.

19 Etzikom Alberta) This 2001 Saturn is Soup and those oversized mirrors are sure to be appreciated in Saskatchewan. “Ohhh, nice!” – some old farmer we passed. They made a makeshift pickup box of the back seat and trunk and placed a motorcycle there. Something to get them home if the car tanks? They made it back, as it turned out, but the participant behind (Space XXX, a 1990 Isuzu Space Cab), did not.

20 Manyberries Alberta) The railway is a memory but the old train station remains in town and was some years converted to a home. We visited it once: Manyberries Alberta railway station.

21 Manyberries Alberta) In downtown and there’s not much going on. The Southern Ranchmen’s Hotel has been closed for a while, but in the past we stopped by a for beer. Here: Beer stop. Team Protege, driving a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier is seen passing and by Manyberries standards this counts as gridlock. One more cool story (no more, I promise) a few BIGDoer-mobiles back we owned a Cavalier just like this. Please don’t mock us. Same exact colour, same year, but we know it’s not this one as it went to the great scrap yard in the sky after a t-bone inncident.

22 Lost in SE Alberta) The loneliest stretch of highway ever and this gravel road is the storied #501 (#13 once in Saskatchewan). It’s like the Bermuda Triangle of roads and cars go in, but don’t always come out. Other than our convoy, we saw no one else and you’d have to be nuts to drive this alone. Doubly so in winter. There’s no towns, no farms or ranches out this way and just the expansive prairie. You might as well be on the moon.

23 Highway #501) Breakdowns were inevitable but there were a number of truck/trailers belonging to F.A.R.T. (the Fast Action Recovery Team) shadowing the convoy if help was needed. A good push and the Dog House is on, then later after repairs was back on the road.

24 Consul Saskatchewan) One of these things is not like the others. Someone set up this display in front of their business and both Poor Man’s ‘Vette, a 1986 Chevrolet Chevette Scooter and the Chevy pickup called Frank (totally lacking creativity but lame efforts are what it’s all about) posed together for a photo. Both vehicles completed the trip.

25 Robsart Saskatchewan) Participants were encouraged to sight-see as time permitted and here it’s a quick stop in this almost ghost town. That’s the former Robsart Hospital, over a century old and empty for most of that time. You’re looking at Team Premier Klein’s 1988 Ford Crown Victoria, a big V8 land barge and every times it’s filled up there’s localized gas shortages.

26) Cadillac Saskatchewan) This was the turn around point and everyone overnighted in the town campground. Hold on Cadillac it’s going to get rowdy! Byline: A vintage Cadillac was supposed to participate in the Beater Challenge, but no-showed I guess. The town’s name is not in reference to the car, but still wouldn’t have it been cool? The entourage was well spread out by this point and stragglers arrived well into the night.

27 Cadillac Saskatchewan) Team BIGDoer was hanging with DanOCan (linkie-poo to see a video of the event: DanOCan Great Beater Challenge) and here’s our view that evening. Spectacular! If you want to learn more about that grain elevator in back, go here: Prairie Sentinels – Cadillac Saskatchewan.

28 Cadillac Saskatchewan) Everyone knows Pilsner is the official cold beverage of Saskatchewan, and it’s revered with an almost religious fervour. Here we went a little outlaw, but were not too obvious about it. Just drinking a Kokanee here could get you a butt-whooping.

29 Cadillac Saskatchewan) Give this one a wide berth. If this Chevrolet van is “Vandits” on the entry list, I guess it didn’t finish. With so much going on, and participants often well spread out, it became hard to keep tabs on everything and sometimes we lost track of certain teams.

Day 2

30 Cadillac Saskatchewan) Morning greets the group. That’s Ice Scream, a 1996 GMC Safari and in the end, they finished second in points. Gotta love that hillbilly set up – an old lazy-boy and van seat? That’s priceless! Saskatchewan is the land of living skies.

31 Val Marie Saskatchewan) A stop at the 1927 built grain elevator, which has been restored and an attraction in town.

32 Climax Saskatchewan) Okay, let’s get the jokes over with…how long did it take to reach Climax? More than a day…and we were exhausted…and we slept through part of it too! Here’s a “you know you’re in Saskatchewan when” photo if there ever was one. A good Climax quip, recorded on video and with the elevator as backdrop, was worth forty bonus points to teams.

33 Climax Saskatchewan) This became the only time we saw this 1955 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 and the log shows they didn’t complete the challenge. Taxi! We did a railway speeder tour out of Climax a few tears back and you can see it here: Riding the Rails in SW Saskatchewan – Part One and here: Riding the Rails in SW Saskatchewan – Part Two.

34 Frontier Saskatchewan) The only problem doing the Beater Challenge in Saskatchewan is that it was sometimes hard to separate the players from locals. This old farm truck was not participating but would have fit right in. With all these digs, those Saskatchewan boys are going to have our asses next time we’re there. It’s all in fun and we have roots there, but quite honestly what’s the fascination with that football team…oopps.

35 Near Divide Saskatchewan) Along another gravel highway at a remote crossroad community centre and cemetery, we see the Beer Wagon is going strong. By the way, we tended to see more of certain participants than others – with the group sometimes well spread out it was bound to happen – and in particular saw a lot of this car and that Dodge convertible.

36 Cypress Hills Saskatchewan) At every stop, we were witness to a similar hoods-up displays. It was not odd to see some car up on jacks and being worked on either and that’s the nature of the beast. There’s always something needing attention in a Beater, be it a leaking hose, questionable electricals or that odd clunk that has no definable source yet persists. Most teams carried a full compliment of tools, spare parts, and of course fire extinguishers just in case.

That is a microwave oven on the roof of the one car. Road popcorn?

37 Cypress Hills Saskatchewan) A break from the road…to hit the road in a series of go-cart deathwatches to end all…or maybe just for fun. Bonus: 100 challenge points!

38) Trans Canada Highway) Cruising with the top down (not that they had a choice) and in style. In spite of the tattered cloth roof, this old car wasn’t in bad shape and seemed to be rather problem free that we saw.

39-40 Medicine Hat Alberta) At the world’s biggest Tepee (or is that Teepee or Tipi – no one seems to agree) this is Fast Junk, a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. All things considered, it was one of the best looking cars in the Beater Challenge and seemed to be running well enough. Gas cans: good idea. Chain steering wheel: too cool! Some kind of dance video was being filmed in back…but I didn’t say good dance video. Tik Tok stuff no doubt.

41 Bow Island Alberta) Breakdowns were a regular occurrence for many teams, but we can’t seem to find these guys in the entry list. Maybe regular travellers not in the challenge and with a bit of bad luck? In the chaos we noted this as a participants photo, but we might be wrong there.

42 Bow Island Alberta) A photo of Pinto McBean got you thirty points and isn’t he a cute little legume?

43 Lethbridge) At the finish line, where it all started the day before – we call these folks survivors. No warriors! Interestingly of of thirty nine entries that started the challenge, thirty two completed. Given the poor state of the cars participating, that comes close to being a miracle.

44 Lethbridge) We never saw more than brief glances of the the winner (the aced it by a large margin) and the honour of King Beater goes to “Festering Festiva”, a 1992 model made into a pickup. They were just too quick for us most of the time I guess. The car’s looking a little worse for wear, but then again, what else would you expect. Go Riders! One those plates is like a free pass in the province and will open doors.

Going to need a little bug-off there.

45 Lethbridge) Teams Premier Klein, seen earlier, and Team Harlequin, the latter driving this colourful 1995 VW Golf. They came from the factory like that. Note the look of complete satisfaction on those guys….or is it relief?

46 Lethbridge) Fitting with the theme…

47 Lethbridge) Nice doggie.

48 Lethbridge) The start and finish was at a casino in Lethbridge, at the little used furthest parking lot. Got to wonder what the people in that rolling mansion though when surrounded? They were lounging in the shade when the convoy started arriving but soon retreated inside and were not seen again. Don’t look them dear…they’re hillbillies…and rednecks…and probably married to their cousins.

Collectively, we could take all the cars in Beater Challenge, add up their value and they wouldn’t equal the cost of replacement windshield wipers on that rig. Quite the opulent home on wheels, it came a Cadillac SUV trailing behind.

That’s B21, a 1992 Ford Mustang with the rare factory “trailer park package”. The spoiler is fabulous! Bonus points for putting in the least effort possible and while normally this might be a disparaging comment, here we applaud and cheer.

49 Lethbridge) In keeping with the cheap-o theme, here’s one of the trophies (third place winner here). Their rig was Hobo Holiday, a 1989 GMC Pickup. By the way, our friends in Goldmember (Dodge 400 convertible) came in second. We looked at their team photo at the Great Beater Challenge website…electrical tape nipple covers are a nice touch.

Afterglow

How the Challenge works: It’s been running for a number of years, save for 2020 (thank you Covid) and is more than just point A to point B thing. It’s not that, but a fully immersive let’s thrown caution to the wind and have a grand time kind of experience. You’ll remember it forever.

Sure surviving is important but it’s thinking person’s game too. Consider this: older cars start off with more points. Ditto if the car or maker has a less than stellar reputation for reliably. There’s points for creativity, costumes, how far you came to participate, how you applied the theme and so on. It pays to go all in and plan the attack. There’s honour at stake, bragging rights and a crappy trophy!

Here’s examples of how points are awarded….

A British car (is anyone so brave?): 125pts. Defunct automaker: 100pts or more, most likely to fail: up to 200 awesome points, vehicles purchased from community bulletin board and not the internet: 100pts. How about a field rescue for 100pts? If ad read “ran when parked”: 20pts. Sleeping in or on your car: 200pts. This years feature car (Chevy Cavalier): 150pt or fifty more if a convertible.

Then there’s the Saskatchewan theme. Running boards: 100pts, clearance lights: 50pts and Rider memorabilia, 50pts. Nothing for a mullet though.

Random thoughts: To twenty year old me these would have been nice rides. At least one participant mentioned having the police called on them. Don’t know why – there’s nothing at all suspicious looking about any of these cars. Even if we didn’t show you every car in this post, we did photograph all but a few.

If anyone was nervous doing the Flatland Fails editions, it didn’t show. We see a few participants of this Beater Challenge are doing 2022’s race. Gluttons for punishment or something?

Best moment ever: watching that AMC Eagle stalling multiple times even before the event started. We saw this and knew right away the Beater Challenge was going to be something amazing.

2) Giving rag-top a whole new meaning.

Lastly: Great: “Of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average.” Beater: ”A dilapidated but serviceable car.” Challenge: “A task or situation that tests someone’s abilities”. (All Oxford Dictionary.)

The Great Better Challenge tagline reads: “Stupid Cars, Stupid Cheap, Stupid Fun.”

Yeah, and it’s sure a good time.

Know more (new tab): Great Beater Challenge and to see a video of the event capture by a friend, go here: DanOCan Great Beater Challenge.

Drop by often for an endless stream of new and interesting content being post regularly.

They’re saying…

”Chris and Connie’s posts are among the best of the blogs out there. In fact this is my go to guide for where to explore in the summer. I like how well organized it is which allows a person to select from epic hikes to nearly forgotten history. Last year we did the Dakota crash site hike that I saw here first. It was challenging but very rewarding, especially for photographs. Another challenge for us is to find places that Chris & Connie haven’t been yet.” Glen Bowe.

More fun adventures…
River City Classics @ Eamon’s Garage – Classic cars and an iconic gas station.
YEGPIN 2018 – Vintage pinballs and vids!
Riding the Rails in SW Saskatchewan – Part One and Riding the Rails in SW Saskatchewan – Part Two – two days of burning down the track.

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventure: August 2021.
Location(s): Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Article references and thanks: Peter Brooks and all the participants of the Great Beater Challenge Flatland Fails edition.

3) Extra points awarded for clearance lights!

4) The last we saw of it.

5) We were secretly rooting for this one!

6) Ready for the highway.

7) Not creepy at all.

8) This one had a little stalling problem.

9) Saskatchewan bound.

10) The car, not the dog…

11) Organizer Peter gives a briefing.

12) His hair is perfect.

13) Carrying extra gas was a wise idea.

14) “Flatland Fails.”

15) Loaded down.

16) The oldest car participating was this ’51 Hudson Hornet.

17) A challenge stop along the way.

18) At the Etzikom Museum.

19) Here comes Soup.

20) This former Railway Station is now a private residence.

21) In downtown Manyberries Alberta.

22) This is the middle of nowhere you’ve heard about.

23) F.A.R.T. trucks shadowed the convoy.

24) Photo-op stop!

25) Ghost towns were sometimes a backdrop.

26) Overnighting it.

27) Good evening from Cadillac Saskatchewan.

28) Illegal and smuggled in.

29) Free hugs!

30) The convoy greets the morning.

31) A points stop in Val Marie.

32) You know you’re in Saskatchewan when…

33) This one mostly eluded our cameras.

34) It was sometimes hard to tell locals from participants.

35) Down a remote and dusty road.

36) At every stop it was a scene like this.

37) Time out for a little go-cart fun.

38) Cruising in style.

39) In the Hat.

40) While some kind of dance video is filmed in back.

41) A regular occurrence.

42) Pinto McBean in Bow Island.

43) Made it!

44) A little worse for wear…

45) We call them survivors.

46) Nice touch.

47) Good doggie…

48) The rolling mansion is surrounded!

49) An el-cheapo trophy in keeping with the theme.

The post Great Beater Challenge 2021 first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

This is just a stupid little photo-tour captured during a leisurely stroll and nothing too serious. We might have to come back and do something with more meat another time, so think of this as an introduction to the Gulch for both of us. The more we looked around the more we fell in love, so we have to come back. We simply wandered about to see what there was to see to post here and then babble on endlessly as we often do. Enjoy.

The city of Trail is known for is sprawling smelter complex and that giant stack is hard to miss. It looms over town and taller than anything around. The city dates back to the 1890s and the Gulch established about that time. Our subject community sits in a narrow draw – the whole town has no level sections and if you go out for a walk in Trail you’ll give the glutes a good workout. That’s not a stairway to heaven over there, but to Binns Street (so almost heaven I guess – we smell BBQ up there).

Welcome to the Gulch in Trail BC – smelter stack in back.

A good number of people living here have connections to Italy, and one need only look up and down the street for that to be obvious. There’s Star Grocery, selling old country specialties and Colombo Lodge (Societa Cristoforo Colombo di Mutuo Soccorso Italiana, Loggia #1 according to their website) home to an Italian-Canadian society. The Catholic Church is also a dead-giveaway, although it looks like St Anthony’s might not function as such anymore. Being turned into a house?

Clearly, most of the buildings in the Gulch date back to the early days (1900-1930 period). Included is the Trail Hotel, home to the Smelter Pub, a building shut down on our visit and for sale. Another Covid casualty? We shot this during the pandemic, so it’s possible. Or perhaps its time was up regardless…and there we were hankering for a cold one and with no one to help.

We’re not sure if Trail is a particularly quiet community or if the then ongoing health crisis was responsible for the deserted streets. If we were betting types, we’d pick the latter. Anyway, it was just us walking the streets, there on Rossland Avenue, the connecting road between the city and surrounding towns of Warfield and Rossland, and it was eerily calm and quiet.

Incidentally, it’s quite the climb up once you’re on that road and it has an unrelenting grade for some ten kilometres, while gaining over six hundred metres before reaching Rossland. With all the hills around here the brake shop must do a killer business.

Trail has transit, and given the precipitous nature of roads in the area, their buses must be part mountain goat. Not only are there insanely steep grades to contend with, but sharp bends and narrow streets are likewise par for the course. The bus drivers of Trail are fearless heroes! Trail is very terraced.

There’s a number of business in the Gulch, but it appears just as many buildings are vacant or used in other capacities. Like for storage or perhaps as homes. There’s one that stands out, and it’s lit up like a pinball machine. We’re speaking of the Gulch General Store. It says they’re open 24hrs, but we thought the sign in error since it clearly looked closed and dark inside. But I guess you call on the intercom and someone will come down and open up for you. The owners reside upstairs and this tied-to-work arrangement must consume their entire lives.

The Gulch General Store is eclectic as all hell and seems to sell or offer a little bit of everything. A short list: general groceries, smokes, smoker’s paraphernalia, movie rentals & sales, there’s a candy counter, a pizza joint inside and a coffee bar. Yum, crispy chicken too. But wait, now it gets interesting. Plumbing parts? Dry cleaning? Jewellery? Custom signs and a printing service? A floor cleaning service? They rent rooms upstairs? This is epic!

They go on to say: “We buy, sell, trade everything from electronics to video games, movies and more!”

This little gem is from their website: “OPEN 24 HOURS means we are available on a 24 basis. Please follow instructions on the main store door. First, knock on door. If no one lets you in then use the intercom on the upper left side of the door. Press talk then speak, then release the talk button. If no one answers then please call XXX-XXX-XXXX and we will either meet you at the store or set a time to meet you there, as we could be out on a delivery. WE VALUE EVERY CUSTOMERS BUSINESS!” These guys, if anything, are some ambitious dudes, chaotic and all over the map, but admirable in their drive.

All the preceding quotes and info all comes first hand from their website.

The Google reviews are in: “There’s a lot I can say about this place about being an eyesore/public nuisance with their gaudy signs, and sketchy business practices; what really gets me is that their clock isn’t even close to displaying the right time.” – Graeme Salmon. This person’s biggest beef is a faulty timepiece and we find that funny. The Gulch General Store is a treasure to be celebrated and they get an A for effort.

The response: “Dear Sir, we don’t know you and have never served you. Sorry you don’t like our business, but we don’t know you. I do invite you to come by and see us in action cause none of your comments match our store and service we provide thank you.” Touché!

Then there’s this exchange: “Constantly playing music at night on loud outdoor speakers, annoying eye sore of a store.” -Sierra Sharks. Response: “Sorry you feel that way, our radio is small we can turn it down.”

There’s many good ones too but these struck us as most out there. We just have to come back here and spend a day with these guys and shoot a few frames.

Sorry, got on a tangent there.

Smoke from distant forest fires (in the States and elsewhere in BC) painted the sky these incredible oranges and reds. Or maybe it’s fallout from the smelter – did I just say that – kidding – kidding! They cleaned up the town years ago and got rid of the five-legged dogs.

This post nuclear-esque setting upped the Omega Man quotient and on a weird scale this walkabout rates a pegged needle. It’s gloriously strange and twilight zone-ish and we were thrilled to be in the middle of it. Now which way to the trailer park? Oh wait, it’s at our motel!

Life is good and we’re some happy campers at our home for a couple days, the Ray Lyn. Such nice folks and very accommodating. That poor AC was struggling to keep up and at times its sound was indistinguishable from a heavily loaded train tackling Warfield Hill (they pass just behind the motel and it’s the steepest railway line around), but if you had to work as hard, you’d make noise too. It was 35-40c each day and the nights “cool” at 25-30c. Damn near melted into a pile of goo and it made for some brutal outdoor exploring (recall the BIGDoer-mobile has hillbilly AC – drive fast with the windows down).

Trail is home to about eight thousand people and seems to be a breeding ground for successful hockey players. A list of notable folks from town includes a disproportionate number of those who’ve played pro.

They are: Ed Cristofoli, former NHL player, Craig Cunningham, former NHL Player, Adam Deadmarsh, former NHL player, Dallas Drake, former NHL player, Landon Ferraro, current NHL player, Ray Ferraro, former NHL player, Shawn Horcoff former NHL player, Barret Jackman, former NHL player, Hal Jones, Hockey World Championship player, Richard Kromm, former NHL player, Cesare Maniago, former NHL player, Seth Martin, former NHL player, Mike Matteucci, former NHL player, Steve McCarthy, current AHL player and former NHL player, Tom McVie, former professional hockey player and NHL Coach and current hockey scout, Garth Rizzuto, former NHL player and lastly Steve Tambellini, former NHL player & former GM of the Edmonton Oilers (courtesy Wikipedia). Now take a breath.

There must be something in the water.

One of the newest buildings here houses offices of the regional district and a fire hall. That’s some fine fire fighting rigs inside. The structure might be modern but has design elements that let it fit in well with all the older structures here.

The eclectic Gulch General Store.

Look at that, over an hour has passed and we’ve been held mesmerized by the Gulch the whole time. It’s strange character is hard to resist and we’re going to have to come back and do something more in depth. There’s just too much here and a first date was not enough. We write, we photograph, and more than anything love to soak up the local vibe…and we’re itching for more.

We’ll see you again Gulch and the weird, wonderful historic thing that you are.

Know more (new tabs): Historic Gulch Trail BC and Gulch General Store Trail BC.

There’s always new content being posted, so be sure to drop by often!

They’re saying…

”Off the Beaten Path web page is a great discovery resource I’ve referred to over the years…” Chinook Canine.

More like this…
This is Champion Alberta.
Red Deer River Valley Wanderings.
Wandering Cranbrook

If you wish more information on what’s seen here, don’t hesitate to: contact us!

Date of Adventure: July, 2021.
Location(s): Trail, BC.
Article references and thanks: City of Trail, Fred Romano and Roland Perri of the Gulch Map Project, plus The Gulch General Store, just for being there.

It’s perhaps the strangest business collective ever.

We’re along Rossland Avenue.

You’ll work the glutes if you walk in Trail.

Columbo Lodge left – everything’s shoehorned into a narrow valley.

Road heads to Warfield and Rosssland.

Specular skies are thanks to forest fires elsewhere.

Newer building houses the fire hall, among other things.

The Smelter Pub, housed in an old hotel, was up for sale.

A fine fire fighting rig.

We’re just strolling about and soaking up the character.

The Gulch dates back to the 1890s.

Trail has transit and the buses are part mountain goat.

Many of the buildings date back to the early days.

Notice the lack of cars or people about.

Lit up like a pinball.

Out of nowhere, a house.

Old St Anthony’s Church.

Star Grocery caters to the large Italian population.

Our home – the Ray Lyn Motel and Trailer Park.

The post Alone in the Gulch first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

This camera comes from a lesser known make, one we’ve heard of in passing at some point, but never seen in person. Until now. It’s Petri 7s 35mm (coupled) Rangefinder from the 1960s, a rig that has a faithful following among film street photographers today. We can see why and it’s quite capable – more in a moment. Rangefinder? Thought you’d never ask and it’s a focusing mechanism that uses a second viewfinder for this purpose. You merge two images on the screen and you’re good too go.

Still, even using the touted “Green-o-Matic” (foolproof focusing) system offered by the camera, we still botched more than a few photos and some when viewed are a bit soft. Then some parallax errors came into play when close focusing, but let’s not talk about that stupid oversight, okay? Of course you don’t know there’s been errors until the film’s developed. The feedback loop in this genre of photography is a big one.

We assumed the built in exposure meter was working fine and it seemed to pass a basic test, but it turns out something was a bit off (weak shutter perhaps?) and the photos as a result a little dark. Now we know to compensate for next time.

The camera has a fixed lens of 45mm @ f2.8 and when in proper focus (so when used by someone who actually knows what they’re doing – not us), it does appears quite sharp. Shutter speeds go up to 1/500 which for the time was pretty quick. The aperture ring has no hard stops so you can go between for fine tuning of the exposure.

The light meter (the “Circle Eye System”) uses no battery and instead powered by a selenium cell, a simple solar device. Overall it was and remains a pretty well rounded enthusiast-level rig and we’ll be bringing it out once in a while for shoots at the museum and elsewhere. It’s a joy to use.

In the mid-1960s when new, this camera would run you about eighty bucks (according to an Eaton’s catalogue of the era), a fair sum back in the day. That’s about $750 in 2022 dollars. Then add in accessories and such and you’ve eaten up a week’s wages for the time.

Petri, from Japan, was in the camera business into the 1970s before giving up the market. Never a volume producer compared to the big names, it seems they designed and built this one right. It’s hard to complete as a smaller manufacturer, so making an innovative and well built product becomes about the only option.

It only seems natural the first shot taken should be of the (looking a little run down) Irricana Hotel. The camera’s home is the museum in this town and we know the fellow who owned it is similarly from here, so why not? One of those Dymo-label things was stuck to the inside of the case telling us his name.

We just wandered the town and snap away – an old car, that ugly water town, downtown, that smug horse and the grain elevator playset. Then we head over to Pioneer Acres (closed for the season) and shoot through the fence style. The lens is just a little smaller than a chain link and so the Long House becomes our subject. Then there’s a photo of a photographer taking a photo of a photographer taking a photo of a photographer.

There’s no award winning images here, just some simple snaps and since most were some real stinkers we didn’t share many. For the first time in eons it was out being used as the camera gods intended and that’s what makes it special. Not the images that came of it, but instead the experience. Our group photo was out of focus (of course) – the self timer works though. What we learned here will be applied next time and the photos will rock. That’s a promise.

Our friend Byron joined us for the adventure and together we roamed the town unimpeded while terrorizing the populace. Or something like that. If not for Byron’s help this ongoing film project could not have happened, so let’s all thank him for his generous contributions.

You get thirty six pictures on a roll and soon we’re done. We wonder the outcome – remember, they have to be processed first and the anticipation almost killed us. There’s no instant gratification in film photography! Will they stink (probably), will they show a total lack of compositional and technical mastery (likely), but was it fun (most definitely). Till the next time we break out Murray’s Camera, enjoy the photos.

Stay tuned for more articles (and even events) stemming from the camera display Team BIGDoer built at Pioneer Acres Museum. The party’s just begun and now that Covid’s behind us we can really jump in.

Go further: (new tabs): Petri 7s Camera and Pioneer Acres Museum Irricana.

There’s always new content being posted, so drop by often!

They’re saying…

”I enjoy your pictures and write ups so much. They bring back a touch of nostalgia for things we used to know, or didn’t even know about. It’s all about keeping our history alive and vibrant. It’s about where we came from, and about the people that made today’s world possible. Today’s world is so fast paced and so focused on the future, which is all well and good, but it’s nice to remember too, how it was not so very long ago. Thank you Chris &. Connie.” Jan Cooper.

More museum fun…
Hanna Pioneer Village & Museum.
Wandering the Alberta Railway Museum.
Museum Tour: Viking Alberta.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: contact us!

Date of Adventure: April, 2021.
Location: Irricana, AB.
Article references and thanks: Shelly @ Pioneer Acres Museum Irricana, Camerapedia.Fandom.com and of course, our dear friend Byron.

Murray’s Camera comes out of retirement – that smug horse.

Byron setting up for a group shot (that didn’t turn out).

Shooting the Long House at Pioneer Acres Museum.

Shot on film…and look for the BIGDoer-mobile to make an appearance.

The first shot from the “Irricana” Camera.

A grain elevator themed playground.

A thing of beauty…or maybe not so much.

The downtown view and there’s that car!

Old metal.

Old metal, front view.

Photographing a photographer.

Soft focus through the fence.

The post Murray’s Camera first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

This structure similarly supports trains and while not as visually appealing, it’s still impressive in its own right. It spans a deep canyon that must have caught railways builders by surprise and just appears out of nowhere. Train crews have quite the view crossing over and if you’re not a fan of heights, the look down must get the mind racing.

“What if the train derails? Do you realize all that’s keeping us from tumbling over the edge, and certain death, is a little metal lip an inch or so deep on each wheel? That’s it!”

Trains tiptoe across, slowly, carefully and not because of any present danger, but rather for operational reasons. It’s just outside an area of congestion and limited visibility which necessitates lower operating speeds.

We’re in a little place called Tadanac and in the shadow of the Trail BC Smelter, an industrial complex of such size as to be mind-blowing. That stack! The area’s economy relies on this complex and always has, and it’s hard to miss as it’s just that huge. You think Trail and you think smelter – the two are forever linked.

Tadanac was once it’s own town, but now a community in Trail. Tadanac: Canada backwards plus T for Trail.

Unlike the other Stoney Creek Bridge (both support Canadian Pacific Trains, incidentally), this one’s easy to view thanks to a public road crossing right out front. There’s no grizzlies either.

Had we spun around (which would require work and thought) we could have shown you the Trail yard, inside the smelter property. It’s behind a fence and train crews have to open a gate when coming or going. From the bridge angle, it’s hard to see the goings on inside, and the property so big that there’s little to see anyway, so no loss there.

We’ve not found any data mentioning when the structure was built, but we did see photos of it going as far back at the 1930s. It could be older, however. One image showed a steam powered passenger train crossing and even back then it looked the same. Railways build things to last and change for them slow.

This railway line dead-ends in Trail and sees perhaps a couple trains per day, so it’s not terribly busy. It was put in during the 1890s and most of the traffic on the line has always been in some way connected to the Trail Smelter. They have a satellite plant nearby (at the very end of the CPR branch in Warfield) that process by-products of the smelting process.

That nuclear glow is caused by smoke coming from various North American forest fires. Damn, it was hot on this visit and our notes mention it being 35c when these photos were shot. That’s in the evening when things were cooler and during the day it felt like the whole world was going to burn up.

We shot a lot of stuff in the Trail area this adventure and the smelter is so huge that it became a backdrop for many of our photos. Search “Trail BC” on this site to see what we were up to this time and from previous visits. We like that area and hope to return again, as we’ve just scratched the surface.

*Don’t do it! Reports we’ve read suggest getting there requires some serious trespassing on railway property and that’s not a good idea.

Go further: (new tab): Stoney Creek Bridge (the one that’s more well known) and Trail BC Smelter .

There’s always more coming down the track, so don’t go away.

They’re saying…

”I only know Chris, great guy (ed: that has been confirm by Connie). I sure enjoy reading about their travels” James Churchill.

Silly stuff…
No Vacancy – Not on Expedia.
Red Deer River Valley Wanderings – Just because.
Pinball Art – Boobs sell.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: contact us!

Date of Adventure: July, 2021.
Location: Tadanac (Trail), BC.

We’re in Tadanac (Trail) BC…

…And this is the other Stoney Creek Bridge.

Nuclear glow is from forest fire smoke.

This street cut across the track right before the bridge.

The post The Other Stoney Creek Bridge first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Our new friend did not appear to be the chatty type, so we didn’t ask if they knew the history. Anyway, we enjoy the research phase and given the type of business, knew it would be easy to find a bit of backstory. Old phone books, here we come! We’ve known of this place for a long time, but never searched out the owners, so this chance happening came as a blessing.

Funny how it plays out – there we were heading back from a snack run, minding our business and with exploring the last thing on our minds, then out of nowhere, opportunity knocks. Our proper gear was at the crash pad (another “dive*” motel in town), so while unprepared, we say what the heck.

Here’s what we know, thanks to AGT and later Telus.

The motel first makes mention about 1965. At the time, it’s listed as having five units but a couple years later that number doubled and soon after, doubled again. Ten units are still used today, on the other side of the property, and by the numbers must be the final ones built.

For most of the ’60s and ’70s their ads read: “Fully modern with TV & Radio”. That’s not much of a come on, but with only one local competitor (at the time – an old hotel, still in business), perhaps they didn’t have to try hard. They were not far off the highway and given how everything’s laid out, were the first accommodations you’d pass if heading into town.

In the mid-1970s they advertised new owners and their tag line went like this: “20 modern units with TVs and some with kitchen. Comfortable and reasonable.” We’re sold! By the 1980s it changed: “20 modern units. Colour TV – Telephones – Kitchens.” Colour TV? The future is now!

In the mid 1980s they were under new management again and advertised the following: “20 modern units, AC, satellite & colour TVs, kitchenettes and launderette.” In the early 1990s they offered “Bachelorettes (the room, not the party), plus weekly and monthly rates.”

That they were touting long term rentals at this point, tells us they’re were courting the non-tourist trade. You know, transient workers and it’s likely the units were also used for social housing. Taking on these roles became a fate that befell many old motels and the section still in use sort of continues along these lines.

The motel operated under one name for most of its history, but has had several owners as you’ve seen. In the early to mid-2010s they closed this section and at this time, the combined office/manager’s house on the property was torn down and business then handled remotely from elsewhere in town. You want a room? You have to call and wait for the key-master to show up.

Photos of the cabins taken near the end (found on an old travel site), show them looking rather run-down (as they are today) and not terribly welcoming. Local contacts in our circle tell us it was a no-tell motel at the time and with a questionable reputation.

Reviews speak of its seedy character: “Cheap, cheap, cheap…Keep repeating to yourself: at least it’s cheap…overlook the smelly carpet, the bare wiring…at least it’s cheap.” You get the picture. For the continental breakfast you got a toaster, a loaf of Wonder Bread and jug of Tang and if you use your Bates Motel chain reward card, you get a free night’s stay every third visit. If you survive! We’ll get your room ready as soon as we remove the police tape.

The section that remains in operation still has that old-school vibe and given the name of the business changed a few years back suggests new owners once again. While it’s no Fairmont Banff Springs, it serves a need and not as bad as some places we’ve stayed at. We’re forced to travel cheap and have no choice in the matter.

Are these cabins no longer used due to lack of demand or that they needed some serious work? Hard to say for certain, but the latter seems more likely as it’s clear they’re not in great shape. Still everything here seems intact, albeit faded, cracked and weathered. We’re not sure the purpose of the A-frame building seen, but maybe it’s the laundry(?).

Unprepared as were meant we knew the photos would turn out pretty ugly. It happens when you push it hard. No wait, that raw and gritty feel…it’s an artistic statement. You know, edgy and of extreme contrast, a reflection of man’s internal struggle with self. Yeah, something deep. That’s it!

Extreme ISOs were the rule this evening, and the grain that comes with it begrudgingly accepted. Finally an excuse to crank it to 12.8k! Full power captain and with the sensor glowing red hot we could only ask for more. Most of the photos were no good, due the low light, but so be it. Truth is, it’s about the fun and memories that come of these adventures and not the photos (shhh, don’t tell anyone).

The cool reception given us by our host had us thinking brevity as the best option, so after a few snaps we hightailed it out. We say our thanks on leaving, a greeting barely acknowledged, and while they go back to rooting through their car, lit by flashlight (dome light busted?), we drive off.

We wish we had more time and better light, but we’ll take what we can get. Maybe we’ll try again another day…

*Dive: an endearing term for old motels of character.

Stay tuned for more fun and adventure!

They’re saying…

”They have no fear when it comes to searching in remote areas, and they have an artistic eye for picture taking. It’s a very enjoyable site.” James Robinson.

Hotels and motels…
Bluebird Motel Claresholm – That retro vibe.
Ymir, Friday Nights – Karaoke night @ the Ymir!
Crowsnest Pass then and now – Chinook Motel – A decades apart comparison.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: contact us!

Date of Adventure: August, 2020.
Location: Small Town, AB.
Article references and thanks: Old phone books at the Calgary Public Library and the Medicine Hat & District Genealogical Society.

No Vacancy!

It’s the closed section of a small town motel.

These cabins date back to the 1960s.

The post No Vacancy first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

The town: Foremost sits a remote corner of Southeastern Alberta, and with a population of about five hundred and fifty, is the largest community in the general area. This is farming and ranching country, but I’m being Captain Obvious here given most of the southern half of this huge province could be so described. And we all know it.

Foremost came to be on account of the railway, a Canadian Pacific branch that came through in the early 1910s, that today operates as 40 Mile Rail. The trains and the towns came concurrent back then and this was how it played out during the settlement phase. 40 Mile = the name for the county, in case you’re curious. The track runs west from here to a point south of Lethbridge but not much was going on the time of our visit with the line mostly being used for tanker storage.

When the trains run into town, they usually haul out grain and for a period brought in turbines for a local wind-farm. Freights are short and infrequent at the best to times and surplus rail car storage (given the shortage of available spaces) is a profitable side-gig when nothing else is happening.

The grain elevators: There’s three in Foremost (there used to be more) and these date back to the 1910s (the grey one – altered much over the years), the 1950s (first photo) and the 1980s (in the distance with a blue oval half way up).

Only the latter structure, we believe, is still used to ship out grain. It’s an interesting experimental design and only three were made, with two still standing today. We visited the other one a while back, in a little community called Lyalata, and spent the day. Here: Buffalo 2000. We got to go inside and look at the (for the time) cutting edge inner-workings.

Interestingly, we’ve never documented the Foremost grain elevators before in any formal fashion, but think in 2022 might have to come back and take a closer look. It’s always been a time thing, or lack thereof, but perhaps we’ve put it off too long. It’s not like they’re getting any younger.

The trucks: There’s a couple here and both quite are interesting. One’s a Canadian Kenworth LW series – we think mid-1970s example (corrections welcomed) – used as a farm hauler. This heavy duty model was made in the 1960s-1980s period and were popular as vocational trucks (loggers, dumps and extreme service tractors). This example is a wide-hood model with a huge capacity radiator, so there’s no aerodynamics going on here.

What’s with that fire truck? Well, a local walking by said it’s sometimes seen with the ladder up and against one of the grain elevators (which, we failed to ask). It sounds plausible and suggests it’s being used in a maintenance capacity of some sort. A make-shift man-lift? If you know more, you know what to do, or if it’s yours….just saying…invite us for a closer look (wink-wink).

This truck earlier belonged to the Vancouver British Columbia Fire Department, last as as Ladder 22, before coming here. A firm called Anderson made it, out of Langley BC and they were a smaller manufacturer in business from the 1970s into about 2000. This example is from 1994 and a quint model, that is it functions in many capacities, including that of a pumper and aerial truck. Wikipedia defines it like this: “Quintuple refers to the five functions that a quint provides – pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders.” Think of it as a Swiss Army Knife of fire trucks.

That cable seen between the truck and tracks was for moving railcars at the grain elevator in back.

The road calls: These piece was born out a busy day and here’s where we came from before stopping in Foremost (Ghost Towning with Radio Canada’s Vincent Bonnay), and here’s that building we spoke of earlier, an historic grain elevator, to which we were headed (Ogilvie’s Wrentham). There’s no sitting still when you’re a volunteer.

We had no plans to share these photos, as they don’t really provide an in-depth look, but on reviewing them recently liked how they turned out, so here you go. We shoot a lot just for us and are not always sure if others would find them interesting, but sometimes on second thought, end up posting them anyway.

Know more about the town: (new tab): Foremost Alberta

They’re saying…

”The photos made by Chris and Connie are exceptionally good. Their research is very well done and they are happy to share their work with others. They are preserving our visual history. I highly recommend “Off the Beaten Path”…” Marion Kelch.

Random fun…
Nelson and Fort Sheppard in Under a Minute – A little railway, end to end .
Sonic Prospector – Pinball time!
Fossil Prospecting @ Dino Provincial Park – There’s bones everywhere!

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Date of Adventure: June, 2020.
Location: Foremost, AB.
Article references and thanks: Alberta Register of Historic Places (Hermis.Alberta.ca), the Village of Foremost and Fire.Fandom.com.

A few minutes in Foremost (Alberta).

That’s a Buffalo 2000 back there.

Ex-Vancouver (BC) Fire Department.

The pump controls.

The big question – what’s it doing here?

Old grain elevator…old farm truck.

The post A Few Minutes in Foremost first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

Covid – maybe you’ve heard of it – and the resultant rolling lockdowns had the economy in the toilet, so our odds were made a little worse. Not many freights were running, but even though a crap shoot it’s better than sitting at home. A day by the tracks is a good one.

Things have mostly returned to normal at the railway but in early 2020, when these photos were captured, nothing much moved. Usually it’s an endless parade and seeing it so quiet was bizarre.

We don’t often share photos from these outings, because they’re not really all that interesting (well, they are to us). This time, however, the sky was just so spectacular so we had to. Pink and purple! This is a fun little post, so we won’t drone on as usual and much like our time in Ogdentown, you’ll be in and out in a flash. Enjoy!

What we usually do on arriving is find a nice view of the railway and wait. Simple and to the point, eh? No scanners for us and it’s just fingers crossed, a hit or miss strategy if there ever was one, but we like surprises. Still, we might just check any line side signals in view to see if a green is displayed, to indicate an approaching train, but otherwise we’re in the dark.

Passing through the industrial park on the way in, it’s a curious railcar parked on a siding and photographed from a grade crossing. Here’s what the manufacturer has to say about it…

“The Plasser 09-16 DYNACAT is a heavy-duty, high speed, and continuous-action switch and production track-tamping machine with an integral dynamic track stabilizer.” Plasser American Corporation. Sounds awesome and now we all want one!

So in Railway Track Maintenance for Dummies terms it makes for a nice smooth track, the machine doing it all in one pass and with minimal fuss. Simply, it tamps the ballast under the rails and that gives them a good solid base. It’s a complex looking beast and would be interesting to see in motion.

Finding ourselves at the oddly vacant parking lot of the Glenmore Inn and attached strip mall (lockdowns ‘r’ us), we stake out the tracks down by the canal just as a train arrives. It’s the first and only one we’d see, but then again with time being short, it’s about all we could expect.

It’s a fast moving and long double stack that’s soon gone. The eerie silence returns and with our own clock ticking there’s no point waiting around for another. Not that we’re sure if another is due anyway, given the how few were running at the height of this first Covid wave. We lucked out and timed it right I guess.

With the sky alive with strange, vibrant colours and not a soul about it’s both beautiful and creepy. The hotel looks empty and any eateries in the complex are closed up tight as though the world has come to an end. There’s no activity at all, just us in this dystopian setting and even on nearby Glenmore Trail the traffic is light. It’s never quiet on that busy thoroughfare. Ever!

This is about the time, that border between day and night, when the zombies come out of the woodwork – so the movies tell us! It’s time to get out while the getting’s good…they’re coming…the Family’s coming!

This was a good few minutes wasted and we’ve done it many times before in Ogden and many since. It seems we never tire of watching passing trains and yes, perhaps that’s a bit out there.

Coming very soon to BIGDoer.com it’s more abandoned stuff and some fun Then & Nows, so keep an eye on this website.

They’re saying…

”These two are amazing !! I love following their adventures and the photography is…jaw dropping…I’m looking forward to living vicariously!” Dayna Kent.

Keeping the theme…
A Few Minutes in Ogden – An earlier visit.
A Few Minutes in Pincher Station.
Trainspotting – Field BC edition.

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Date of Adventure: May, 2020.
Location: Calgary, Alberta.
Article references: Plasser American Corporation.

Ogden = trains.

What’s this curious thing?

The evening’s train count stands at one.

A through the fence view.

Fifty five max.

Just us…

The post A Few More Minutes in Ogden first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.

The N&FS line dates back to the 1890s and the section still in use runs between Fruitvale and Columbia Gardens not far from the city of Trail. Each round trip covers about sixteen clicks and trains happen every couple days or so. At the time of our visit there was only one customer on the line, Atco Wood Products in Fruitvale, a firm that makes veneers used in the manufacture of plywood. Atco also owns the railway.

Trains are short, as dictated by the limited space at the mill loading dock which can hold about eight cars. The N&FS has only one outside rail connection, at the interchange point in Columbia Gardens with a line that then heads south into the US. The border at this point is a mere stone’s throw away.

Want to know more about the Nelson and Fort Sheppard? Of course you do! We did a good length photo-piece and write up on the operation that you can find here: The Railway.

The trip: What you’ll see shows the line, an adventure of a couple hours, but with time sped up it’s over in the blink of an eye. It’s loads out and empties back and a small but vital link for the Atco mill. It’s all because of little flat sheets of wood that the trains run.

Take in the curves and trestles (one over a spectacular waterfall) – some scenic country here – and before you know it, the ride’s over. After some shuffling of cars, that is…at both ends. Since the locomotive is not turned, the return leg has you looking backwards but it’s an interesting view too.

Extra boxcars are dropped at the storage siding just down from the mill where as the remainder are spotted at the loading dock. Mere minutes later crews are seen busily filling them with bundles of veneer and in no time one is already completely loaded. Over the next day or two, the rest will soon follow.

The old locomotive gets bedded down and with that the journey, and this video, ends. This train trip, an earlier visit to the timber harvesting area and finally a tour of the Atco mill were also part of this adventure (links a few paragraphs down), a multi-part piece done for trade paper publisher.

The time lapse rig: This was an early production Garmin Virb X we only had for a short time, and while quite capable, it failed soon after this trip. We’ve chatted with others who got to test one like it and many tell of a similar story. That’s a hmmm moment and we haven’t really dabbled in the action-cam field ever since.

Hope you enjoyed the ride (we sure did – lots of reminiscing when viewing the footage) and stay tuned for more adventures coming soon.

Officially it appears the railway uses an ampersand in its name (this–> &) instead of “and”, but we like to mix it up so used both.

*Truth is, we toyed with the idea early on, but being unsure of an approach shelved the idea.

If you’re still curious about the N&FS (new tab): Nelson and Fort Sheppard Railway

They’re saying…

”Chris and Connie are the real deal – their adventures are truly interesting and fun!” Justine Cooke.

One busy weekend at Atco Wood Products…
The Woods – How it’s harvested.
The Mill – How it’s made.
The Railway – How it’s shipped.

Something to say and no one to say it to? Go here: contact us!

Date of Adventure: July, 2016.
Location: Fruitvale, BC.
Article references and thanks: The Nelson & Fort Sheppard Railway and Atco Wood Products.

This is the rig that recorded it all.

This is our subject, the Nelson and Fort Sheppard Railway.

And this is the reason the trains run.

The post Nelson and Fort Sheppard in Under a Minute first appeared on Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie.