The CPR’s Lacombe Subdivision parallels Highway #12 for a fair distance east of the QE11. This track begins in its namesake community (with a connection to the firm’s N/S mainline) and terminates in Stettler where it connects with Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions (the Stettler to Big Valley tour train). A sleepy little branch it see a few movements per week but a giant new grain terminal built put in after these photos were captured should result in an increase in traffic.
On our visit, the odds of randomly capturing a train on the line were pretty slim so imagine our surprise when off in the distance it’s a headlight approaching. There we were driving home and boom. Slam on the brakes, jump out like a madman, fire up the camera, and seconds later it arrives. It’s a short one and so quickly gone.
A horse and donkey take interest in us, briefly, then it’s back to munching grass. Not clearly seen in the photos, due to the distance, a dog greeted the train and its enthusiasm suggested it does this with each one that passes. It was barking wildly and running this way and that out there in the field.
This stretch of track dates back to the early 1900s and once went all the way into Saskatchewan. Present day, traffic is a mix of petroleum related and agriculture products mostly and it’s also the tour train’s only connection to the outside world.
This may seem like a nothing event, but given the timing needed for it to happen, it was made something special. We’ve seen another train on the line, years back, but given how many times we’ve been beside it, that’s all. With that new grain traffic perhaps it’ll happen more and since we’re often in the area we look forward to more Lacombe Subdivision action.
Short Subjects: reports that are short and sweet in nature. It’s stuff interesting enough in itself, but not deserved of the full on BIGDoer.com treatment. Think silly little snippets, vignettes and likewise things of that sort and you’ll be in and out in no time.
Yes, that’ll change everything. Word on the street says the grain trains should be running soon or maybe they already have. We were watching them upgrade the track last time we were in the area and they put in some heavy rail. Quite the contrast to what was!
It’s actually quite scenic in places, more so than many prairie branchlines. With that new grain terminal near Stettler coming on line, it should be busier now. They can run the big power now that they’ve put in heaver rail.
(A long read) After twelve years it's time to put a face to the name and come clean on something. That's rarely-seen Chris in the photo, one half of Team BIGDoer, my best friend for almost thirty years and orchestrator of everything you see here. For his entire adult life, he's battled a deep depression.
Mostly it's manageable, but there are extended bouts where it's crippling and his life comes to a grinding halt. Sometimes there are days or weeks where he's lost. Sleep does not come easy at this time and further aggravates the issue. As he ages, it's worsening and seems intent on destroying him from the inside.
If you see a lack of posts here, or ones poorly worded, confusing or simply off, it's from one of these periods.
Through all this, he remains as kind, thoughtful and loving as ever, but is somewhere else. To the family, it's just Chris and accepted as it should be. The kids and grandkids adore him no less. Until today, however, this has been hidden from the outside world, although closer friends and some readers were probably already suspect of his condition. I hope admitting this does not break the site.
He finds clarity when we're out and doing things, hiking or documenting something historic and it's only THE reason this page and our website exists. It's therapy. Then he's a new and passionate person, but the monster as he calls it always returns. The Beer Parlour Project has brought out a side I've never seen and when out in the field he's never been so on point and confident.
This post is not for sympathy but to inform. Just so you know where he is and here's what you can do to help (a last ditch request)...
If you see a missed comma or oddly worded sentence in a post, please be kind. You'll probably see his uncertainty when he's off and be nice there too. But if you like what you see, even if the write up could be presented better, post your encouragement. Say something and say it loud...it's important and will keep him sharing. Help Chris get better by cheering him on.
Other than some photos that are mine, everything else comes from him. All the tiring research and the writing (he admits he's NOT a writer), are his.
Chris puts every dollar he makes into this "project of a lifetime", and it's supplemented by donations from readers who enjoy the content. If you want to help...
Admittedly he was not thrilled with the idea of posting this but agrees it probably should be said, even if it makes him uneasy. He doesn't like appearing in photos either. He's so shy, thinks he looks goofy and hates his husky eyes. I love them and they're windows into a wonderful, complex and quiet, but tortured soul. It breaks my heart when he's in a bad space.
This image comes thanks to photographer Arturo Pianzola and was captured while exploring the historic Riverview Mental Hospital in Coquitlam BC. Chris thought since he was in the area last year, he'd stop by to visit with a grandfather he never really knew, who spent his last years at the facility and is buried on the grounds.
Thanks for listening and your understanding. Hopefully we'll see you next week. Johanna (Connie).
Journey of Natty Gann (Disney 1985) and the same location in the Crowsnest Pass 2014. We're visiting the Pass over the new year, as we often do, and this time we'll be staying at a house that appears (briefly) in the film. How cool, eh? Chris has decided it's time on this visit to reshoot this and other Natty Gann comparison shots we did from ten years ago. Stay tuned!
This scene was shot in historic downtown Coleman and shows the former Holyk's Grocery. It was built in the early 1900s and the store closed in the '60s. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Johanna (Connie).
From 2015. Rob Pohl and his strange old-style view camera joined us in documenting the Laing House (with permission). Head down to the comments to see an amazing coincidence with something I found inside.
From the Crossley slides, it's an undated view of Towers School, out near Cluny Alberta. It was originally called Swastika School but that's before the word and symbol were ruined by negative connotations. Built 1922. Gone? _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
The same alley in downtown Calgary's west end, in the 1970s & today. You have to look hard to see the connection! The area was quite run down back then and is in stark contrast to all the shiny condo towers seen present day. Calgary Place West, an apartment block, appears in both images although it's barely a sliver in ours. Check the comments for more info.
Photo credit: James Tworow collection. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
Lost highways (2022): a section of old #93 in Southeastern BC. That BIGDoer-mobile is gone now but quite famous and had a following of its own. Old mine roads, cow paths, 4x4ing across fields - no problem and people would recognize us out in remote areas just by this car. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
That dog was so excited to see the train!
I can relate.
With that new grain terminal trains on the line should be more frequent and longer.
Yes, that’ll change everything. Word on the street says the grain trains should be running soon or maybe they already have. We were watching them upgrade the track last time we were in the area and they put in some heavy rail. Quite the contrast to what was!
Nice! Looks like an interesting line to railfan!
It’s actually quite scenic in places, more so than many prairie branchlines. With that new grain terminal near Stettler coming on line, it should be busier now. They can run the big power now that they’ve put in heaver rail.