An older man travels over sea and land in quest of new adventures
Greenwood
Greenwood
Rotting decorative corners make a home for birds. Just a bit of fading former glory.
My recent peregrination along the most southerly highway in British Columbia offered many delights. I am fascinated with old farms, mines and towns along the back roads I love to travel. Bittersweet feelings fill my head at times about the tremendous industry which goes into building dreams that eventually fall into decay and ruin. I marvel at how all that effort is so easily abandoned. But then that has always happened with civilization and someday our endeavours will merely be another mound to be explored by future archaeologists.
Mainstreet Greenwood, Saturday afternoon. Park anywhere.Greenwood skylineMore skylineIt still worksWhat’s a Linely?A busy moment. Gringo parked in front of liquor store under the old Sears sign. Sears: the Amazon of the past.A social opportunityOn a main street store doorThe devil is in the detailsCity Hall and communal internetAcross the streetGood old growth woodA faded dignityThe original, still-functioning fire hall appears to be a fire hazard itselfLazier than flies on a warm tin doorPoor planning “Safety First”There’s a newer hose truck inside… I hopeOld Spokey
This blog is a simple photo essay on the town of Greenwood. Once a bustling wealthy mining center with a smelter it is now a quiet, remote community struggling to stay alive. Photos of Greenwood are usually of its smelter and huge hideous slag piles. I chose to share a few minutes on a Saturday afternoon strolling around the main blocks of its downtown, where people lived. It typifies a lot of small North American communities stubbornly clinging to a time which was very different and is rightfully cherished. Have a look, maybe find an ice cream and get a tattoo. Then drive on.
An old store on main street was filled with ancient electric stoves, toasters and appliances. an odd and interesting collection.Hot dog!Flip toasters row on rowOriginal boxesSigns of the timesBreakfast of ChampionsMeat DrawLook up.You’ve always wanted a sailing ship tattooed on your…!
“No child on earth was ever meant to be ordinary, and you can still see it in them, and they know it, too, but then the times get to them, and they wear out their brains learning what folks expect, and spend their strength trying to rise over those same folks.”
Fred is a slightly-past middle age sailor / writer / photographer with plenty of eclectic hands-on skills and experiences. Some would describe him as the old hippy who doesn't know the war is over. He is certainly reluctant to grow up and readily admits to being the eternal dreamer.
He has written several books including two novels, 'The Keeper' and 'Storm Ecstasy,' as well as 'The Water Rushing By', 'Sins Of The Fathers', 'The Magic Stick', as well as an extensive inventory of poetry, essays, short stories, anecdotes and photographs.
His first passion is the ocean, sailboats, voyaging and all those people who are similarly drawn to the sea. He lives aboard 'Seafire' the boat he is refitting to go voyaging, exploring new horizons both inner and outer. This blog is about that voyage and the preparations for it. In spite of the odds against it, the plan is to sail away this fall and lay a course southward. If you follow this blog your interest may provide some of the energy that helps fuel the journey.
Namaste
Contact him at svpaxboat@gmail.com
View all posts by Fred Bailey
3 thoughts on “Greenwood”
Enjoyed your visit around Greenwood Fred. One of my favorite BC towns. Hope you stopped in at the Bakery for a cinnamon roll and coffee.
Great photos again, Fred. Been there. Lots of history! Had the ice cream 🍦. Jim’s mom and dad used to stop there for lunch enroute Merritt to Kimberley.
Enjoyed your visit around Greenwood Fred. One of my favorite BC towns. Hope you stopped in at the Bakery for a cinnamon roll and coffee.
Wonderful images, Fred! And looks like you’re getting some decent weather too, like us – that’s good. Safe travels.
Great photos again, Fred. Been there. Lots of history! Had the ice cream 🍦. Jim’s mom and dad used to stop there for lunch enroute Merritt to Kimberley.