Edmonton is so easy to escape from! In an hour or two one can be deep into rural scenery or in a quiet country town. Old machinery, deer, birds and prairie gophers are seen along country roads.

Andrew, Alberta is the home of the world's largest mallard duck!

If that is not exciting enough, Mundare is the home of the world's largest Ukrainian Sausage!! The Central Garage is in Lavoy.

I think that the sign explains everything except 'Why here?'. The sign says says:
"Republic of St. Paul (Stargate Alpha) / The areas under the world's first UFO Landing Pad was designated international by the Town of St. Paul as a symbol of our faith that mankind will maintain the universe free from nation wars and strife. That future travel in space will be safe all Intergalactic beings. All visitors from earth or otherwise are welcome to this territory and to the Town of St. Paul."

The guy in the blue outfit seemed to be doing some kind alien detoxification (unless of course he was just spraying for weeds).
As you can see Gizmo decided to help. The UFO landing pad is situated on the corner of Galaxy Way across the street from a Pool Hall and just down the street from a 7-11 if the aliens are hungry. The info centre and gift shop is closed on Mondays. (Official web site here)

Alberta has a booming economy producing oil, gas, wheat and money. Many of these towns have new grovery stores and service station. The larger centres have new McDonalds, Walmarts and Canadian Tire. But I would much rather take photos of the places that are old and largely forgotten.

Chauvin is a small Alberta town three hours southeast of Edmonton. It is close to the border with Saskatchewan. First two photos show some Main Street buildings.
Then I show looking east from the corner of the Main Street and Highway 610. (Some of these highways are very quiet).
Final two photos show the nearby Butze grain elevator.

Downtown Holden, Alberta on Highway 14. Pepsi Sign over operating cafe, John's Snooker Room for sale and closed drive-in restaurant on the highway.

Delph, Alberta is much, much smaller. You can find it at the corner of Range Rd 190 and Twp Rd 582. The street sign yhough reads New York Road.
Someone is taking good care of the store. It looks just about ready to reopen and start selling some more Star Weekly newspapers and Kik soda.