Rather fine old barn

So many of the old wooden barns and homesteads that scatter the prairies are in such a bad state, unfortunately. This one was photographed SE of Calgary, on 14 April 2014, when I went driving the backroads for the day with my youngest daughter. Some of the roads were familiar to me, but others were new territory, which gave us a chance to discover some different abandoned barns. We knew where our destination was going to be (Mossleigh), more or less, though it was disappointing that the heat distortion was just too great to get distant, zoomed photos. Unfortunately, it was quite a hazy day, which really didn't help. Once we got really close, the problem thankfully went away.

This homestead is in better shape than many you see. Seems such a pity that some work on the outside of this rather attractive structure can't be done, before it falls into a heap of old planks. Who knows why old barns and homesteads are left to crumble? Farmers are very busy people and probably not too concerned about an old, rotting building on their land. Most are no doubt living on a tight budget, too. I'm just happy that I have an occasional chance to photograph a few of these wonderful old barns and homesteads - I can think of at least three that have disappeared since being photographed, which is always a sad feeling, I find.

There was a sign by the road that said:

"Buck for Wildlife.
Abandoned Farmstead Project.
This privately owned land is being managed as wildlife habitat by the Landowner, in cooperation with the Alberta Conservation Association.
protecting habitat ....
protects wildlife"

You see so many photos taken inside some old homestead buildings (I never go inside any of them, as they are always on private land and I won't trespass). The wonderful old treasures that are covered in dirt and strewn all over the place are breathtaking. Seems so sad that so many things aren't saved and cared for. What an interesting task that would be!