Water Valley Church

After seeing very light snow for just a matter of minutes at the weekend, I knew that, if I was going to make myself drive north of the city, I had better do it straight away. So, yesterday, 28 October 2014, I plucked up courage and drove "to parts unknown". Actually, part of the drive was along familiar roads and the rest was exploring.

I had intended leaving home around 9:00 am, but it ended up being 11:00 am. I had only been driving maybe 40 minutes before I pulled over for the first thing. I couldn't take my eyes off one particular cloud - actually more like a stack of clouds. A car turned off along the gravel road shortly after me, and the young guy with his camera commented about the beautiful lenticular cloud. That is exactly what I had thought it might be, so I was really pleased. We don't get to see them very often. I've posted a photo of it this morning, taken using a special setting on my camera. I found that this setting showed the detail of the cloud better.

Continuing my drive north, I managed to get as far as the town of Didsbury before I knew I just had to turn around and head for home, coming back via Water Valley and Grand Valley Rd/Horse Creek Rd. Saw quite a few Magpies, three or four Crows and one Gray Jay, lol. Other than that - oh, and one Hawk perched high up on a power pole along a busy road - I saw no wildlife at all. That was fine, though, as this trip was more about looking for old barns.

This photo was a quick shot of the Christ the King Church, which is now a privately owned Events Centre, in Water Valley.

“This historic former church is located in the centre of picturesque Water Valley, Alberta. The church has been restored but retains all the character in the original windows and woodwork, choir loft, hardwood floors and glass door knobs.

Christ the King Church was built in 1936 and lovingly maintained as a catholic church until 2001.

Now this beautiful building has been restored to suit a wide variety of events for not only the community that built it,
but for anyone who wants a unique venue to host or celebrate with friends and family.

Water Valley Church Events Centre also welcomes birthday, holiday and cocktail parties, family reunions, photo shoots, art exhibits, antique markets and the amazing acoustics make this the perfect place for music of all kinds."

During the seven hours that I was out on the road, I did manage to find several barns, too, though not as spectacular as the red one in the photo I posted this morning. Total driving distance for the day was 322 km and this morning, my arms are feeling it! I also overslept by an hour and a half, and I have a volunteer shift to get ready for.