Good day everyone.
The idea of “hitting the road” has become oh-so-appealing these days; especially when heading to those places less travelled. From Calgary, most people head West, into the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise and to places in British Columbia. . . and who could blame them? Nature’s beauty and splendour is on display everywhere you look.
Or they travel South, colliding with the beauty and wonder that is Waterton National Park.
But, not many travelers head East from Calgary, so that’s where we want to explore!
Lately, I’ve been enthralled with the idea of finding standing ghost towns: you know, the little mining towns where one day, it seems like everyone living there just up and left. They’ve left behind their homes and barns and their way of life. I admit. . . I find it fascinating and unfathomable.
Last week, after doing a google search, we headed out of town towards Wayne, Alberta. The google searches listed Wayne as an Albertan ghost town, so I was eager to get a look at it. We drove through Drumheller and continued East a very short distance where, after crossing an extraordinary number of train bridges, we found Wayne. Disappointed, it turns out, Wayne is NOT a ghost town.
There are people living there. There’s a functioning hotel with attached saloon. People were outside working on their cars and buildings. Wayne is NOT a ghost town.
Driving on, in the rolling hills and beautiful landscape of Eastern Alberta, we did unearth a hidden gem; a space encompassed by hoodoo’s. It was just an old barn-like structure leaning toward the middle of an enclave of old, picked-apart cars. But, it was such a peaceful space, it really was beautiful.
Running parallel to this abandoned space, it was obvious that the train used to run right by the old barn. Following the path of the tracks left in the dirt, we happened upon a train bridge built over the creek.
Walking on the old, wooden slats of the bridge made me feel a little uneasy. There was quite a bit of space left between the boards.
It’s likely a little odd to feel this way, but we loved this place! And no one was there.
Take care of yourselves.
Kim
You should look into a town called Rowley Alberta. (About 20 minutes north of Drumheller on Highway 56) Again there are people that still live there but most of the down town they gave turned into museums. They used to have a community Pizza night one weekend a month and Sams Saloon will be open and the town is full
But since Covid I think that has had to be put on hold A very interesting little village/ghost town
I’ve read about Rowley, Judy. It will likely be my next stop. Thank you so much for the great information and for your comment. Kim
Beautiful photographs!
Thank you Nicole. Very much appreciated. Kim
Your photos of this area are terrific – it’s so beautiful there. I share your fascination and enjoyment of these “lonesome” places, as I call them. I like considering the lives of the people who lived there, you know?
Thanks so much for sharing!
Elizabeth! That’s such a poignant comment. My husband feels exactly the same way. . . that these places are lonesome places. Thank you so very much for reading my post. I really appreciate it. Kim
Thanks for a neat tour of the Wayne area! Wayne is one of my favorite towns to visit…or should I say the Last Chance Saloon in the Hotel! The beer is served in Quart sealer jars, There are many different types of currency nailed, pinned or stapled to the ceiling! They have a vintage big band box that is one of 2 that are still in existence and operational… on a good day you might find paleontologists hanging out over a brew singing a rowdy round of Barrett’s Privateers! I’m highly recommending that you stop next time at is not so ghostly town and have lunch or dinner at the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne Alberta!
Are you kidding me? You know where everything is Ann! That’s amazing. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, as always. I’m going to visit the Last Chance Saloon with my brother Darren one of these days soon. Kim