Howdy Folks,
As September is upon us, so is the farmers and their fall harvesting across the prairies and beyond. As I ventured over to our daughter Amy’s home in Consort, Alberta with Bruce and Bonnie a couple of weeks ago, we fully enjoyed our journey. I shared just a few photos on my last blog, and decided I needed to share some more of the great photos that were captured. I always like to say, a picture is worth a thousand words and more.
Our arrival at the long driveway, was a sign we could not miss. When travelling in new areas, some sort of landmark is always a good thing. Coy, our grandson was very excited to see us and show us around. But not until we enjoyed a delicious good home cooked meal with the kids and Amy’s in-laws.
“Awesome!” Come Along with Me
As Consort sits approximately 62 km west of the Saskatchewan border, the lay of the land is fairly flat with rolling hills for miles and miles. The area has had very, very warm temperatures for the last month or so, and this has put a twist on the harvesting of the crops.
Paths Along the Fields
We began our journey driving side-by-sides across the fields to the paths that follow along the edges of the quarters. This area is quite different from central Alberta. Many huge power towers scatter over the landscape, continuing on in the distance for miles.
“Doe Alert”
Off and Running
Wildlife is everywhere you go when traveling this great world of ours and here was no different. We came upon this doe grazing in the field. She never saw, heard or smelled us right away, as the wind was blowing in a different direction for this. But when she spotted us, there was a very still look, and then away she went not wasting any time heading south to safety.
The Long Wooden Fence
On Top of the World
We continued on, enjoying the warmth of the day, along with the breeze, and the dusty o’l trail. By the look of things, some of the fence lines have been around for a good long while, giving them character in the distance. All the farmers in the area have picked many rocks from the fields over time, and continue as the land gets worked up year after year. We passed by a few large rock piles along the way of the beautiful golden fields.
Golden Treasures
Some of the back roads were pretty much built of dirt. I’m pretty sure they would be impassable when the rains come down.
Long Long Road
The views from the top of the hills were amazing as we could see for miles abroad.
The Old Wooden Tree
As we traveled from field to field, there were clumps of trees here and there. Some were just a few bushes gathered together, and others were small little water sloughs with several different types of birds enjoying a swim.
Long Forgottern
We happened to spy this old combine that was pushed to the side and hidden away. I often ponder on what it was like for the folks who purchased this piece so long ago, what it cost, how excited they were to have it, and all the work that it completed on their life on the farm.
“Which Way Now?”
It seemed like out in the middle of nowhere, these co-ordinate signs were posted. I believe that they have only been putting these out in the country areas for the last 10 – 15 years or so.
Progress in the Distance
A Golden View
When I was taking photos that day, I decided to try out the black and white look, along with the color. I really like how both options describe the scenes, as they really give a different flavor to the photo.
A Full Load
Checking the Field
Even though the day was hot, and it wasn’t just right to combine yet, the bales could still be loaded and brought back to the Ranch. A Farmers work is never done. These were some of my favorite photos that I shot. They really do tell a story.
A Farmers Classic
When we reached the crew, we stopped and chatted and reminisced about the farming in the area, how the crops were doing and what they foresee in the future to come.
Checking Things Out
Our Grandson Coy, is one special little guy. His love for life around him shines through beyond measures. Throughout his first few years of growing up in Wetaskiwin with us, Coy and Amy’s bond with our relatives, Bruce and Bonnie grew close right from when he was born. Bruce and Coy, have this relationship that is quite special and will be for a very long time to come. I put together this little slide show in the field. And as you watch it, you can just see what I mean when I say they have a bond. Even though you might not know them, it is very easy to tell.
“Thanks for Coming Along.”
All in all, we had a fabulous day. Memories were made, and will be cherished and remembered forever.
Buried Treasures
From the Travelin Trailer…………..
Till Next Time
Sue
P.S. Enjoy the little things in life for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.
Sue, I have been following your blog for two summers now and just want you to know how much I enjoy reading about your lives on the summer Chuckwagon Race circuit as well as your journeys throughout the rest of the year.
My husband and I were married 31 years before he passed away in April 2015. We watched the races at the Calgary Stampede on TV each July and always cheered for Team 23… I still do but sure miss my husband by my side. I run our farm in Southern Alberta so can really relate to your lifestyle and I especially loved this one on the beauty of the Fall harvest.
Wishing all of you the very best for the rest of 2017 and I look forward to hearing about Team 23’s travels in 2018!
Hello Donna. Thanks for the kind message. I enjoy writing and the Photography helps me tell a story. So glad you enjoyed my journey on the chuckwagon trail. It all started with emailing a friend back home when we lived in Grande Prairie. And it has transpired into something much bigger than I ever thought. Glad you enjoyed. Sorry to hear about your loss, but always remember the good times that you had and cherish each and everyone of them.
Cheers
Sue
Great pics. Brings back memories to this farm girl. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sue , Love your pictures there beautiful thank you Tom
Enjoyed those pictures. Sue Ive never been in that area, beautiful .
Hello Carol
Was an awesome adventure that day. Great to see Amy’s new home with her new husband. They are setting in quite well.
Cheers
Sue
Thank you for the beautiful pictures!! You are amazing with your imagination. I really enjoy receiving your emails. Have a wonderful Fall season!!!
Thank you Lynda. The weather was amazing that day and it was a great adventure out east to our daughters new home.
Cheers
Sue
Priceless slide show. Thanks for sharing
What a lovely post Sue! Thank you so much for giving everybody a little glimpse into your family’s ongoing life with all your posts. I’m so very happy for Amy and Coy. I absolutely love the country they are now living in. It reminds me a bit of the Douglas lake hills.
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Hello Holly
I just had to make another post with these photos. They were so beautiful and so much to tell coming from the farm. They are quite happy and settling in. An adjustment for them and me too. I was in kid withdrawals this past weekend. One more week and they’ll be here for Coys 8th birthday. So looking forward to it.
Cheers and hello to the family!
Sue
These pictures are sooo great. The fields with crop are good but LOVE pictures of Coy and Bruce.
I have followed your blogs through all the stampedes and when you are on the farm over the past 3 or 4 years and I love them. You are so intuitive to life and I appreciate all the words of wisdom you attach at the bottom or your blogs. I so look forward to them every year. But I am also so very impressed with your photography–you should be showing your work in galleries across Canada. I realize your pictures have a lot of coverage via e-mails but your work is exceptional. I look forward to the coming year and news of the Travellin’ Trailer..
Hello Nila
First off, thank you so much for following along my journey. It’s always great to hear from folks like you. I enjoy writing, and it’s the photos that take that make the story. I have so much to learn in the photography end of things, yet I really enjoy when photos turn out well. Just like anything in life…..we can always learn so much more. We just need to be open to it.
Cheers to you
Sue
i am turning 11 on September 20
I turn 11 on Wednesday September 20
Happy 11th Birthday Tylin! Hope your day was super duper!!! 🎂🍦