Turner Valley – Black Diamond

There’s a nice little paved pathway connecting Turner Valley to Black Diamond called the Friendship Trail. It affords one an easy stroll taking it in these two towns, which are not terribly far apart. While sometimes six clicks is enough of a walk (round trip), more often for us it’s not and when we do it, we usually add a bit at each end. As was done here. These two loop additions pretty much double that distance and of course add interest.

This route makes a great winter hike, one we do often when we need to get out and keep conditioned at that time of year. It’s not far from the big city either (Calgary, we do love you, but sometimes need space). Do it in reverse order, mix it up other ways, lengthen or shorten it and do what you choose. It’ll be fun and keep you healthy no matter the approach. “Just do it”, as some shoes were heard to say.

We started almost at the end of Edward Avenue near a small wooded area. Here’s where it all begins. Take the pathway that heads west into the trees soon emerging on Royal Avenue where your turn left. At George Street go right and in four blocks it’s left again on Sunset Boulevard (aka Highway #546). What’s this strange thing…an old school clothes line? That’s how they did back then – interesting tidbit BIGDoer HQ still has one. And a milk chute too.

At one house, a very handsome International B Series pickup (circa 1959-1960). Soon after there’s something rather unique, even if not revered or celebrated, a late model Chevrolet Caprice Wagon. Built from 1991-1996, this model, along with a re-badged Buick version, were the last American full sized station wagons produced. Big V-8 power, rear wheel drive, three row seating and even old school fake wood side panels were all the order of the day. Styling cues came from a partly melted brick of cheese. Bulbous is a word that comes to mind.

Next door, what was a movie/game’s rental place and I think snack store. It was in business longer than most, in what has been long a dying industry, closing only a year or two ago. Photo bomb! Us or our shadow makes inclusion into far too many of our photos.

Across the street, there’s a fine breakfast place, which we worked to avoid this day. It’s good food but not for our heart. Cross Main Street (also Highway #22) and pass an homage to Turner Valley’s ties to the petroleum business. There’s a wooden derrick sort of like the ones used in the old days and a more modern mini-pump jack. Gas was found in the immediate area in the 1910s and for decades drove the local economy and to an extent still does, although things are much quieter now. At the peak, it was a wild boom town. Turner Valley’s pretty “new” and dates from about 1930.

Join up with the Friendship Trail, which in winter is plowed. It parallels the highway and in places was the old highway and takes a meandering line, trending this way and that following the lay of the land. Just before leaving Turner Valley, look south at the historic gas plant (too far away for a good pic). We visited it years ago, here: Turner Valley gave us gas! Clever title, eh? Come on! No? Really? Awe crap, it sucks.

Where the trail and a little-used side road merge for a time, to the left, it’s the location of Hell’s Half Acre, once marked by a sign. It’s here where the most productive gas wells were found back in the day. Now there’s houses on this land. We ponder how many old well casings they found digging basements?

To the right, it’s a pond down in the trees, further on the highway and river and to the left, a steep hillside with interesting rock formations. In no time, enter Black Diamond, named after coal which was found in the area. There are mine workings right below you just before crossing the Sheep. Retro RV spotted…and old Triple E. That firm also made a Boler-like trailers, something called a Surfside. Now you know. At Third Street Black Diamond, turn right.

The town is one year older than Turner Valley and likewise is tied to the oil and gas industries, and as mentioned before there was coal too. Black Diamond and Turner Valley are sister towns. At Third Avenue turn left, then at right at First Street, left at Fifth Avenue and finally left again at Government Road (more of Highway #22 aka the “Cowboy Trail). Boler! That colour – never seen it before – big points! The Cowboy Trail Motel reminds us of the many dive crash-pads (a term of fondness) that the Team has stayed at. We do things on a tight budget. Old cars command some attention.

Come to downtown Black Diamond.

There’s plenty of options nearby if you’re looking for a bite to eat. The Black Diamond Hotel is always a good choice and has fine food and everyone’s favourite vices, beer and VLTs. There goes a car payment. Marv’s Burger Joint just around the corner is also good – for next time. Back on the road continue west down Highway #22. At a convenience store our gambling addition appeased…for now. And you know, had we won we would have shared it all with you readers. Honestly. But we can up empty.

Now it’s back on the Friendship Trail path retracing your steps. At the edge of Turner Valley, a herd of (camera shy) deer are seen. They stood there motionless but as soon as the camera was brought out, bolted. Doh! Note all the signs speaking of the many pipeline underfoot. I know, it’s a dirty word in 2020. Some are marked abandoned. There’s a literal maze of them below. The wells and infrastructure around here change hands so often that each time we pass these signs they speak of new owners.

Turn right on Main (also northbound #22), then it’s left on Edward Avenue. Soon after arrive at your car. Twelve kilometres…felt like less.

This hike was done mere months after Connie’s mastectomy. Kudos to her for fighting through the pain and discomfort while recuperating. This has resulted in a set back, quite honestly for both of us, in regards to us getting out and hiking. That’s something we’re working to fix, but it’s a long hard road. Maybe soon we’ll be back to firing on all cylinders and the mountains will be again be our destination more often.

Till the next outing, Happy Trails…

More small town hikes…
Three Sisters Pathway Canmore – in the shadow mountains.
Vulcan Alberta “Trek” – fascinating!
High River Loop – a perennial go to.

If you wish more information about this route, by all means contact us!

Date of adventure: January, 2019
Location: Turner Valley & Black Diamond AB.
Distance: 12km loop.
Height gain maximum: Negligible.
Height gain cumulative: Negligible.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate.
Technical stuff and notes: Hurricanes, wild animals, earthquakes, strife.

The start of a wonderful walk.

Barbed-wire & tree become one.

This strange thing!

A nice International B Series.

End of an era.

RIP Rizzo’s.

Turner Valley’s tied to the petroleum biz.

Welcome to the Friendship Trail!

It’s nicely paved and in winter plowed.

We watched & watched & saw none.

Approaching Black Diamond.

Crossing the Sheep.

Retro RV spotted.

Kermit’s cousin.

Boler!

An old gate for framing.

Weekly or monthly.

Some nice old rides.

With an early automatic transmission.

A go anywhere camper.

All the best vices @ the Black Diamond Hotel.

The song goes “Pink Cadillac” not pink Chevy.

Meanwhile, back in Paris…

Next visit, it’ll be burger time here.

They used to mine coal around here.

Guess what…we didn’t win!

The coal mine workings are below this field.

Do not move!

Pipelines are a touchy subject.

Turner Valley, incorporated 1930.

Break out the camera and the deer vanish.

There’s many abandoned ones around here.

Little Jack.

Something green and alien?

Oh wait, it’s the BIGDoer-mobile!

Twelve clicks (of fun) by this route.