Wayne, AB

I read about Wayne, AB a while ago.

Deep in the heart of Alberta’s Badlands, ghost towners can find the tiny village of Wayne, once a thriving coal-mining town of more than 3,000. But now, the ghosts are knocking in Wayne, which has witnessed its population dwindle to about 40 diehard souls.Wayne is about 10 miles southeast of Drumheller, the main centre in the Alberta Badlands, and area of the province which is considered to hold the richest dinosaur fossil beds in the world. To get to village, visitors must get off the main highway six miles east of Drumheller and then drive four miles in a winding moon-like valley, crossing 11 one lane bridges, each with a wooden plank bed. 

Wayne was one community of several that sprang up after the Red Deer Coal Company introduced the area’s first mine in 1912. By 1932, the area, including Wayne, was booming, holding a population of more than 10,000. But the coal mines started closing down in 1932. And by 1957, the last mine closed, and each town in the valley started declining.

During its heyday, Wayne supported a school, hospital, theatre and several stores but today, with its Main Street barely visible, only the Rosedeer Hotel hangs on. The hotel, built in 1913 is the only structure remaining of the mining days.

To say I was disappointed wouldn't be far off the mark. I expected some old shacks or something that I could test my photography skills no but there was really nothing.

There were a few markers like this but nothing which you could stand beside, peer into, sneak around, etc. I was interesting though.

Drumheller, AB

Had a nice outing today with Lucy & Dad. Our main trip was to Wayne, AB a old mining ghost town. First quick stop was Drumheller. Going to have to come back here and spend some more time.

We drove to the cemetery and it took us forever to find Grandma's grave. Have to remember it is about 7 rows from the entrance and about 7 graves in from the large Spruce tree. Dad finally found it and the headstone is off but that is because the marker is sinking.

Dad's brother's grave site was easier to find.

Cops & Sky

With the construction going on between the buildings, some workers were working late tonight. People must have thought they were stealing stuff as the cops came a blazing to check out what was up. Everyone quickly disbursed. Good to know our men in black came quickly.

Thus sitting on the balcony I was watching the clouds and took a few shots.

This last picture has some birds flying the the "V" formation - click on it to make it larger and you should see them.

Rain Storm

Rain storm this evening and it was coming down as if it was snow. Tried to get some pictures but they don't do it justice.

Stampede 101

Jacki and I went to the Stampede today. It has been a few years since I've gone and I think even more for Jacki. We went after work and us old ladies were home by 8:30pm. Sigh. Here are some pictures from our Stampeding.

Stuffed animals were HUGE this year.

Talking tree

Food truck

Protesters

Beef Jerky truck beside protesters

Lost Dog

So I was walking home from dropping the car off for Jacki at her work. It is only about a half hour walk to our place. Close to home, on the busy intersection of Heritage Drive and Macleod Trail I see this dog running in the street. It crossed after almost getting hit - people didn't even bother to slow down. I whistled and the dog came up to me. I was able to grab her and thankfully I had an extra leash with me. I hooked her up and tried calling the number of the city tag - it said it was out of service! So I called 311 and spoke with a rep who suggested I go to the police station.

I walked to the station just to find it closed. Again I called 311 and while on the phone with a new rep the owner came up, frantic. His dog seemed to have started chasing a rabbit and then got confused. He was very grateful that I found her but wasn't really worried as she is microchipped. I suggested he get a tag with his number on it.

Good deed done for the day, dog returned to her owner.

6 Alarm Fire

Tonight there was a six alarm fire in the other building. It was amazing to see the number of people who did not evacuate the building. You would think when not one, two, or three fire trucks turned up, you might want to exit when six showed up! Geesh.

Luckily they weren't needed but it was a shame that these six trucks had to be called out for nothing, especially when the city is still under a state of emergency.

Trucks 1-4

Truck 4 - outside our balcony

Truck 5

Truck 6