Showing posts with label Alberta Travel Photographer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alberta Travel Photographer. Show all posts

Nov 18, 2023

Midnight Madness & Kitschy Thrift Shop Finds

Last night was Midnight Madness in downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta, and over the last couple years, this has become one of my new favourite Christmas traditions. Mostly, it's an excuse to snack and shop, but in addition to a few great visuals (like the balloon glow) we've made a habit of using the event as an excuse to find thrifty treasures around downtown.

Midnight Madness Medicine Hat Alberta
If you're wondering where all of your grandparents' kitschy gems ended up - last night I bought 'em all! I am a sucker for vintage books, film, travel souvenirs, photography, etc.

A few of my finds included more VHS, 45s, and 8 tracks. I also found a handful of location-based glassware, your grandma's spoon collection from around North America, and a handful of vintage travel guides - including the official photo book of the torch relay from the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, the guidebook from the Tower of London gift shop, and a 1966 travel guide of Pompeii (100% in Italian). And what did my total come to for all of these incredibly rare historic artifacts? A whopping $18 for the night. It was a lot of fun.










 

Jul 19, 2023

Superwheel at the Calgary Stampede

The Superwheel (the largest travelling ferris wheel in the world) was back on the midway at the Calgary Stampede this year, but did you know they offer a VIP experience

We didn't either. 

The Superwheel has a single VIP capsule, and with upgraded seats and air conditioning, what you're really paying for is that it's the only capsule with a glass bottom. The perspective was cool, the air conditioning was appreciated, but the ride didn't last anywhere near long enough to justify the $25 per person ticket. Who am I kidding though, I'm easily swayed by a view. 

8/10 would go again lol. 

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede
Superwheel Calgary Stampede

 

Jul 18, 2023

Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys

I was really impressed by Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys set on the Coca Cola stage at the Calgary Stampede this year.

Jake Vaadeland Music


Some describe their sound as a mix of bluegrass and rockabilly, but as someone who's been particularly swept up in nostalgia on my latest documentary, what I really loved was that it was like stepping back into the Calgary Stampede in 1959 - right down to the deliberate ad reads on stage. I was pleased I got the chance to meet the guys and pick up a record afterwards.

Jake Vaadeland Calgary Stampede

Jake Vaadeland Vinyl Record


Jun 27, 2023

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

When you get a message asking if you'd like to witness one of the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortresses in the world come in to land and then have the opportunity to privately explore it, the correct response is, "I'm on my way". Here are a few behind the scenes snaps (including a few interiors) following yesterday's landing of "Sentimental Journey" at the Medicine Hat Airport.

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta


B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta

B17 Flying Fortress Medicine Hat Alberta


May 14, 2023

Finlay Bridge in Medicine Hat, Alberta

On May 14, 1908 Finlay Bridge officially opened. The green truss bridge that spans the South Saskatchewan River in Medicine Hat, Alberta is a locally recognized heritage site, and since it was completed over a century ago, it has remained a symbol of the city. At 277 metres long and 10 metres wide, it was the largest bridge in Western Canada when it was built. Few local landmarks have maintained their practical significance and usage for the entirety of their lifetimes, but Finlay Bridge remains an artery to Medicine Hat's downtown core to this day.

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta
Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta



Finlay Bridge was named after William T. Finlay who was one of Medicine Hat's early mayors from 1900-1902. Finlay was also Medicine Hat's first MLA when the province of Alberta was formed in 1905 and became Alberta's first Minister of Agriculture at that time.

Over the years Finlay Bridge has undergone refurbishment, including a complete deck and paint rehabilitation in 2009. The installation of brand new decorative LED lighting above the bridge and along the piers was also completed in 2011. Finlay Bridge is the support structure for the main Shaw Cross Canada fibre optic cable, proving that while the requirements for the bridge have evolved over the years, it is no less relevant today.

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta Construction
Construction of Finlay Bridge in 1908.

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta

Finlay Bridge Medicine Hat Alberta