Winter Hodge Podge

Hello! I am sitting here watching light fluffy snow falling outside my window and dreaming of warmer weather, and cruising the back roads. Also Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!

This post is a hot hodge podge of random winter shots I've taken recently. Enjoy and stay safe and warm!

Pretty sunrise and hoar frost. 

Obligatory lighthouse photo.

Sunset on the Lake.

Another pretty sunset!

This fiery sunrise was amazing!

Spooky fog ahead!

I realized these are mostly sunrise and sunset photos but that's when I am going to and from work, I miss long days and sunlight!

A Foggy Day in Sylvan Town

Morning Fog 

I took these photos on September 22nd (except the top photo). Hard to believe this was the First Day of Fall. Welcome to Alberta.

Not much else to say here, the fog and mist over the lake caught my eye so I stopped for some photos. The water level has gone down considerably at the lake, so I was able to walk/run along the sand bars as I tried to stir up the seagulls for what I was picturing in my mind as a REALLY COOL PHOTO. Instead the lazy gulls just flapped over to a new spot without gaining much height. I also probably looked like a crazy person. Maybe I needed an umbrella...

Not Iceland.

Update on the Stone Castle of Sylvan Lake

Well, September has ended. October has started with another full day of snow. Maybe Fall really isn't coming to Alberta!

Anyway! One of my early blog posts was about the few remaining historical buildings in Sylvan Lake, AB. The town I now call home. Of note was my favourite building, referred to as the Stone Castle or just The Castle. Read my previous post here.

I am sad to report that last week fire gutted the inside of the castle. It has been vacant and boarded up for years, but it seemed to be common knowledge that people had found a way in and were hanging out inside. I think I can safely say that a person was responsible for the fire whether accidental or not. I have read that the owner, who does not live here, has not been cooperative or interested in talking about starting the process to have the building declared historic. It also does not seem to me to be a priority for the town.

On the night of the fire, I was driving home when I saw the smoke, I drove towards it and saw  several cars pulled over and people watching the fire from the back of the property, the volunteer fire department was already on the scene in the front. People seemed shocked to see that it was the Castle. I stood and watched and chatted with strangers about the castle. It was a somber atmosphere, punctuated by the sirens and sparks from a power line that went down as we watched the castle smolder.

No one knows what will happen to that castle now, the stone structure is still standing but the insides and roof are charred and beyond repair. Sadly, I never saw the inside.

Some more photos here: https://www.facebook.com/Sylvan-Lake-Stone-Castle-1598203890457925/

Here are a couple that I took:

Sept 26th - Side of the castle, hard to tell but there is more back in the trees

Sept 27 - Front of the Castle the day after the fire

I will catch up with everyone's blogs over the next few days!! I have missed being able to read them daily.

Here is a photo from today in Central Alberta....hope things are nicer where you are!

Happy First Day of October!

Scenes of Sylvan

I got accepted to be part of a small photography exhibition at our local library called 'Scenes of Sylvan'. Sylvan being Sylvan Lake, Alberta. The town I now call home.

I am by no means a professional photographer....I'm not unprofessional, maybe an amateur or hobby photographer at best. But I enjoy it and I think that's what matters.

Most of my photos seem to be of the lake, as it is always different and beautiful. I have put together a few of my favourite images. Some of these may be on display. The only thing I do differently is I transfer my photos onto wood. You can see them here or on Instagram @ingrained_images.

In no particular order, some scenes in and around Sylvan Lake.

An example of the previous photo on wood!

If you find yourself in Sylvan Lake on August 18-19th, please stop by the photography show and from there it's only a couple blocks to the real lake!

Sylvan Lake Historic Buildings

Sylvan Lake CNR Train Station - courtesy Sylvan Lake Archives

I have lived in Alberta my whole life and I can say with certainty that there is no other place in the province like Sylvan Lake. It's more than just the beach, the lake and nice vacation homes. There is a rich history here including a few interesting historic buildings left from the early days of Sylvan Lake. My 2 favourites are the Stone Castle and the Stone House, both are a block or 2 from the lake (a stones throw you could say!).

Stone Castle 

The Stone Castle was built in 1912 by the Archambault brothers, who were part of a group of French settlers to the area. They built the castle by hauling stones from the lake. Raymond Archambault built the castle for his bride Eugenie.  It's said that she was homesick and it was made to resemble a smaller version of her family home in Southern France.   The flat roof was used to keep goats and sheep before a barn was built. The Archambaults didn't live here long and Raymond passed away in 1918 while they were living in Montreal.  It stands empty today but has been lived in and rented out over the years.  A couple of local ladies plant flowers and a wreath has been left on the door.  Here's hoping the current owner doesn't just let it go to ruin. I always said if I win the lottery I'd buy a castle. This would be a like a starter castle, but a castle nonetheless.

Stone House

The Stone House, also built in 1912, is closer to the lake and was originally a residence and then various businesses over the years, but it is currently vacant and for sale. (I'm looking for investors, I think it would make a great tea house/book store!) At one point in 1980 it was condemned due to the old wiring but the family raised the money to have it replaced. I saw inside briefly last year and was glad to see some original woodwork and other details. The narrow steep staircase to the upper floor made me wonder how any furniture ever made it up there. It also has a dirt basement accessible from the back yard.  I spoke to a lady who worked there when it was a spa and she told me that it is haunted. She experienced strange things there that can't be explained.  The rumored spirit is a little girl who drowned years ago in the lake.  When I was there I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, it was just very empty and quiet.

Ozarks Cabin  today

These 2 stone buildings plus Holbrook Cottage, Loiselle House, Ozarks Cabin (the first cabin built), and Dingwalls Boarding House (which is currently Hazzard County Bar & Grill) have been mentioned for historical designation.

Next time you are in Sylvan Lake, take the time to visit these places and to read the plaques along Lakeshore Drive, the path by the lake and various other places around town. They have a wealth of historical information and photos from the archives, My kinda thing....I'll even show you around and finish the tour with a drink at the old Dingwalls Boarding House. Cheers!

Stone Castle and Holbrook Cottage - Sylvan Lake Archives

Courtesy of the Sylvan Lake Archives

Dingwalls Boarding House, now Hazzard County Bar & Grill

Special thanks to the Sylvan Lake Archives who answered my questions and provided me with photos and information.  Oh to have seen some of these places..especially the Dance Halls!
Cool photos and more history can be found through these links:
https://www.facebook.com/marion.thompson.167/?ref=br_tf
http://www.sylvanlake.ca/family-a-community/seniors/21-government/25-history.html

January 9th, 2016 **UPDATE**
The Stone House is now home to a new business called Crafted for the Home.  They sell art and craft items from local vendors.  Yours truly might have something in store soon! Stay tuned!
https://www.facebook.com/craftedforthehome/?fref=ts