We always catch glimpses of the power lines in this cut line through the forest. The power line runs North-South down the West side of Bunchberry and Tucker’s Field and stands in stark contrast to the nature displayed right next door.
Edward Burtynsky is a famous Canadian photographer and artist known for his large format photographs of industrial landscapes. Not that I would put myself anywhere close to his skill level. His photographs while beautifully composed are quite heartbreaking at the state man has let the planet deteriorate to.
We got a closer look at the power line, when we stepped aside at the junction of Tamarack and Aspen Parkland Trails to allow a group of 10 “elderly” hikers to pass (by elderly, I mean they were likely our age). We waved to each other from a distance and once they moved on in the direction from which we had just come, we were back on the trail.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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21 thoughts on “Industrial Nature”
I wonder how renewable energy will ultimately change landscapes. I know that solar power and wind power leaves its mark already
Yes, on our cross Canada drive in 2018, we passed huge solar and wind farms, a lot more obtrusive than the smaller wooden power lines, but likely akin to the giant high tension lines. The world needs to go cordless. Not sure how, but tech will catch up some day. Thanks for reading. Allan
Power lines are not very popular and one day they will disappear from the landscape. People will start to take an interest in the last ones as a reminder of days gone by. Allan, you are ahead of your time. Have a nice weekend.
They definitely blemish the landscape. The high tension lines are crazy big these days. There has to be a better way. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy weekend to you, as well. Allan
It is called insulation by isolation. Power lines are put there to avoid the expense and complexities of insulating them or burying them. Not a pretty sight though, and at one time people thought the electromagnetic fields might be harmful. It would be great if they could be replaced. Your photo compositions are always fun and interesting Allan. John
Hi John. The motto is “If it has worked for more than 100 years, why change it?” At least in our Alberta cities, most of the lines are buried. There are many cities and towns where the lines are all overhead and it does look a mess. The worst in our area is a 500 Kv line within 100-200 m of a major residential area. It is hideous and there are health issues related to being that close that size of line. Thanks for reading. Allan
No. And the saddest thing of all is that the electrical grid is not hardened against the dangers of an EMP. Cheap and ugly is not always the best solution. Thanks for reading Lynette.
I agree with the comment above — never would have thought to take a picture of something so ugly. Your photos and captions are excellent. In my area the power lines are all underground but the stupid towers for TV, Cell, etc are so annoying. Maybe I will try to frame them artistically like you have. Bernie
Thanks Bernie. There can be a certain beauty in utility lines, but I am not sure I could make a cell phone tower and broadcast repeaters pretty. And they are always on the highest point. Thanks for reading and commenting. Allan
You have made power lines look artistic Allan, well done! We have telegraph poles along our road as the houses are over a hundred years old and it is a conservation area but I think they are all redundant as although we have landlines hardly anyone uses them any more.
Thanks Marion. We are lucky that most urban areas have buried lines, but the cheapest way to get power to the rural areas is still to run surface. Thanks for reading and hope you are having a great weekend. Allan
It seems very bizzare and unnatural to come across something like power lines while out on the trail through the forest. It breaks my heart how little regard for the environment many politicians and corporations have. Once you cut down a tree or pave over a landscape, it becomes permanent in some ways. You can’t easily reverse that decision.
In fairness, the forest is on agricultural land, but I agree. Trouble is people still want to be acreage lifestyle properties and they need electricity. Thanks for reading Linda. Allan
I’m always intrigued when I see power lines running up mountains, they must’ve been difficult to assemble. I agree the world needs to go wireless, but I haven’t the slightest idea how.
I think a lot of mountain powerlines are assisted by helicopter. A lot of solutions will need to be sorted out, if we are to keep going on this Earth. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
Picture This 
I wonder how renewable energy will ultimately change landscapes. I know that solar power and wind power leaves its mark already
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Yes, on our cross Canada drive in 2018, we passed huge solar and wind farms, a lot more obtrusive than the smaller wooden power lines, but likely akin to the giant high tension lines. The world needs to go cordless. Not sure how, but tech will catch up some day. Thanks for reading. Allan
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That is true. I still remember what it was like before cordless computer mice. Now, I can’t live without them
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Power lines are not very popular and one day they will disappear from the landscape. People will start to take an interest in the last ones as a reminder of days gone by. Allan, you are ahead of your time. Have a nice weekend.
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They definitely blemish the landscape. The high tension lines are crazy big these days. There has to be a better way. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy weekend to you, as well. Allan
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It is called insulation by isolation. Power lines are put there to avoid the expense and complexities of insulating them or burying them. Not a pretty sight though, and at one time people thought the electromagnetic fields might be harmful. It would be great if they could be replaced. Your photo compositions are always fun and interesting Allan. John
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi John. The motto is “If it has worked for more than 100 years, why change it?” At least in our Alberta cities, most of the lines are buried. There are many cities and towns where the lines are all overhead and it does look a mess. The worst in our area is a 500 Kv line within 100-200 m of a major residential area. It is hideous and there are health issues related to being that close that size of line. Thanks for reading. Allan
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I agree, Allan. Heartbreaking what we have done, and this country certainly isn’t leading the way on alternatives.
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No. And the saddest thing of all is that the electrical grid is not hardened against the dangers of an EMP. Cheap and ugly is not always the best solution. Thanks for reading Lynette.
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I never thought that power lines could be artistic, but, after seeing your beautiful photos, I had to change my mind
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It is artistic for sure, but I would not want one in my backyard. Thanks for reading Luisa. Happy weekend. Allan
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I wouldn’t want one either
Happy weekend to you 🌹🌺🌹
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I agree with the comment above — never would have thought to take a picture of something so ugly. Your photos and captions are excellent. In my area the power lines are all underground but the stupid towers for TV, Cell, etc are so annoying. Maybe I will try to frame them artistically like you have. Bernie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bernie. There can be a certain beauty in utility lines, but I am not sure I could make a cell phone tower and broadcast repeaters pretty. And they are always on the highest point. Thanks for reading and commenting. Allan
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That’s why they are all out our way. They do look pretty cool with frost on them.Bernie
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You have made power lines look artistic Allan, well done! We have telegraph poles along our road as the houses are over a hundred years old and it is a conservation area but I think they are all redundant as although we have landlines hardly anyone uses them any more.
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Thanks Marion. We are lucky that most urban areas have buried lines, but the cheapest way to get power to the rural areas is still to run surface. Thanks for reading and hope you are having a great weekend. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems very bizzare and unnatural to come across something like power lines while out on the trail through the forest. It breaks my heart how little regard for the environment many politicians and corporations have. Once you cut down a tree or pave over a landscape, it becomes permanent in some ways. You can’t easily reverse that decision.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In fairness, the forest is on agricultural land, but I agree. Trouble is people still want to be acreage lifestyle properties and they need electricity. Thanks for reading Linda. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always intrigued when I see power lines running up mountains, they must’ve been difficult to assemble. I agree the world needs to go wireless, but I haven’t the slightest idea how.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think a lot of mountain powerlines are assisted by helicopter. A lot of solutions will need to be sorted out, if we are to keep going on this Earth. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person