Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Yesterday’s ride took us out along a loop to the historic hamlet of Water Valley, a small community in Mountain View County nestled in the southern Alberta foothills. Pop. – 800
Prairie Farm Life – Seems Idyllic, doesn’t it? Blue skies, golden harvests, happy families, friendly neighbors, sunshine and independence.
Owing to the region’s comparatively dry, grassy landscape, I imagine many of the early homesteaders found their land better suited for cattle ranching than farming and founded a thriving Albertan beef industry that continues to this day.
My wife stops to admire the view of the mountain ranges in the distance.
A flash of white tails. One just never knows what might cross your path on a ride in the countryside.
@RabH should be referred to as the resident sheep whisperer judging by his stellar photos of these creatures. I couldn’t seem to get these woolly critters to stop and pose let alone give me the slightest glance. Run away....run away!
I do admire how people decorate the entries to the front of their properties. Each one is done differently but the recurring themes seem to be either antlers or rustic vehicles.
The Water Valley Church. Established in 1936 and privately owned, it’s known more as a venue for wedding events now. One can only presume that it’s mini version garners just as much attention.
The Water Valley General Store. Circa 1935. Glad to see this establishment open its doors once again after it briefly closed due to slow business. Places like this in small communities can make a real impact on the daily lives of its residents. There was also a hardware store next door though I’m not sure of the age of the building.
…and what would a tiny town be without its own local watering hole.
The Heritage Center was hard to miss on the outskirts of Cremona. The charming homestead dates back to 1915 and the 1908 barn behind it was resurrected to its present-day glory through the vision of its current owners. It plays host to events including summer, fall and Christmas markets. Original build plans for the home were apparently ordered and drawn up through the Eaton's Catalogue.
We mistakenly took a wrong turn at one of the range roads leading back to Madden and ended up riding on loose gravel. Thankfully it was only a 6.5km stretch until we found ourselves back on paved roads.
Prairie Farm Life – Seems Idyllic, doesn’t it? Blue skies, golden harvests, happy families, friendly neighbors, sunshine and independence.
Owing to the region’s comparatively dry, grassy landscape, I imagine many of the early homesteaders found their land better suited for cattle ranching than farming and founded a thriving Albertan beef industry that continues to this day.
My wife stops to admire the view of the mountain ranges in the distance.
A flash of white tails. One just never knows what might cross your path on a ride in the countryside.
@RabH should be referred to as the resident sheep whisperer judging by his stellar photos of these creatures. I couldn’t seem to get these woolly critters to stop and pose let alone give me the slightest glance. Run away....run away!
I do admire how people decorate the entries to the front of their properties. Each one is done differently but the recurring themes seem to be either antlers or rustic vehicles.
The Water Valley Church. Established in 1936 and privately owned, it’s known more as a venue for wedding events now. One can only presume that it’s mini version garners just as much attention.
The Water Valley General Store. Circa 1935. Glad to see this establishment open its doors once again after it briefly closed due to slow business. Places like this in small communities can make a real impact on the daily lives of its residents. There was also a hardware store next door though I’m not sure of the age of the building.
…and what would a tiny town be without its own local watering hole.
The Heritage Center was hard to miss on the outskirts of Cremona. The charming homestead dates back to 1915 and the 1908 barn behind it was resurrected to its present-day glory through the vision of its current owners. It plays host to events including summer, fall and Christmas markets. Original build plans for the home were apparently ordered and drawn up through the Eaton's Catalogue.
We mistakenly took a wrong turn at one of the range roads leading back to Madden and ended up riding on loose gravel. Thankfully it was only a 6.5km stretch until we found ourselves back on paved roads.
It looks like they were just being a bit sheepish!
