Ken Bell Photography - Saskatchewan

Neudorf and area

Neudorf is where Mom was born. Uncle Anton was the last surviving family member to live in the village. I was quite surprised at the topography of the area. There were grain fields covering rolling hills, wood lots and rows of trees surrounding the fields, and small sloughs that offered shelter for birds and wildlife. It seemed like there were sloughs every kilometer between Neudorf and Melville. Driving in the evening was great as there was a golden glow covering abandoned buildings and grain fields. Finally, driving back toward Regina on highway 1, I witnessed this incredible sunset that spanned both sides of the highway.

Southern Saskatchewan

South of Regina is the little village of Rouleau, where the hit television show Corner Gas was shot. When I stopped there I talked to a producer who was overseeing renovations to the Corner Gas set. Unfortunately the Ruby sign was not back on the restaurant when I was there. In town the police station, Howler newspaper office and Dog River Hotel are still evident. It was fun to visit where this fictional series had been shot. Driving west to Maple Creek I drove north on highway 21toward the Great Sand Hills. Along the way I encoutered several antelope that were not the least bit afraid of me. It was exciting to get that close to them!

I drove to Sceptre (gateway to the Sand Hills) to see if the museum was open. It was not so I drove back south again until I entered the cummunal pasture where the most exposed dunes are located. I climbed a 13 meter high grass covered dune to get a view of how vast they are. They cover around 1900 square kilometers in all. I could look southeast toward Swift Current and they stretched to the horizon. All evening I explored these magnificent dunes, and I had the whole place to myself! My only company were three coyotes, one that was relatively close and two that were further off to the north and the east.

Southwest of Maple Creek are the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Parks, which are located in both Saskatchewan and Alberta. From on top of the hills it is easy to see over 40 Km to the north, past Maple Creek. The topography is distinctly different than the surrounding praries. This unique ecosystem supports varied wildlife including deer, elk, cormorants and wild turkeys.

Within the Cypress Hills is Fort Walsh, perhaps the most significant North West Mounted Police outpost in the history of Canada. This historic national site is nestled in a pretty valley and is very well preserved. Old friend and interpreter Omar Murray showed us through the site, demonstrating and discussing the many skills required by the men who were stationed there. The fort is a bit challenging to get to but is well worth the trip!

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