The carving called Caudillo Marlin E + Two (hereinafter CME2) was taken on its first journey with S.L. shortly after the "watershed" provincial election in Alberta, 2015. Leader, or "caudillo" in Spanish, is a word that weighed heavily upon the minds of voters in Alberta during the weeks before the election and the issue of leadership continued to be a concern within the larger Canadian political landscape during the months that followed. Conservative Alberta ("ruled" by the Progressive Conservative Party seemingly since time immemorial) shocked political commentators throughout Canada when voters gave the "social-democrat" N.D.P. a majority in the Provincial Legislature with Rachel Notley at its head as the new Premier of Alberta.

A serious Edmonton voter, seasoned veteran of the Service Industry, and an equally judicious student of History, S.L. provides both personal and historical insight into the election while CME2 helps mark memories into some significant landmarks and buildings associated with government, and indeed, leadership in Canada. At least three of the buildings found in the images within this opening chapter of vignettes no longer serve their original purpose, and one, the Provincial Museum, was facing possible demolition as part of the apparent commitment to "creative destruction" and the completion of a new facility buttressing the City's Downtown core. This feature of the urban landscape of Edmonton might also seem evident to older inhabitants of the Capital City in the next image since it includes the former federal Post Office building on Whyte Avenue with the carving balanced on what was formerly known as a "Parking Meter".

Stratchona Public Building, Whyte Avenue: 53°31′4.4″N 113°30′2.9″W
4:35 PM May 7, 2015 13°C

Recently emancipated from the Henry Marshall Tory building, CME2 used his new found freedom to reflect on the recent election and its historical significance. The Strathcona Public building served as the perfect back drop for this introspection. Designed by David Ewart and built between 1911 and 1913 in an Edwardian Classical Free style, around the time when Strathcona was being amalgamated into Edmonton. This former post office has been witness to only three parties governing the Province in its entire history, thus lending credence to the notion that it was indeed time for change.

Government House: 53.541579°N 113.544039°W
2:10PM March 15, 2015 Sunny, 16°C

After a few days of reflection, CME2 decided to visit the site where Alberta’s past Lieutenant governors resided. Designed and constructed by R. P. Blakey in 1912, Government house is an example of the Edwardian Tudor revival /Jacobian style and has seen many uses since Premier William Aberheart evicted Lt. Governor John C. Bowen in 1937, (for refusing royal consent to three controversial bills passed through the legislative assembly) notably, it housed U.S. airmen during the second world war and served as a home for convalescing veterans after the war. Days after these photos were taken, Premier Rachel Notley introduced her new government on the front steps, the first new government for Alberta in 44 years. CME2 also thought it was fitting that after the people of Alberta had voted for change, to take the time to visit a statue dedicated to “Pioneer immigrants who have contributed to the growth and p prosperity of Alberta”. (Dated March 27th 1976, this statue is no longer in this location).

Weary from all of the excitement stemming from the momentous change in leadership in Alberta, S.L. embarked a second journey towards the origins of the North Saskatchewan River, a journey familiar to many leading inhabitants, past and present. The moving images, along with the corresponding narrative, undoubtedly give pause for memorable reflection and seem to beckon future visitors to read the letter found on the plaque encountered below.

Siffleur Falls and Environs: 52°01′27″N 116°22′11″W
8:01PM July 14 and 12:37PM July 15 2015 Sunny, 15°C

After spending time in Edmonton, CME2 decided a trip to the source of the N. Saskatchewan River would be a good way to decompress after the hectic and exciting month that followed the election. Siffleur Falls are a series of three separate waterfalls on the Siffleur River, an early tributary of the North Saskatchewan River located in the Siffleur Falls wilderness area 65km west of Nordegg AB. Located near the trail head is a suspension bridge dedicated to the memory of Corporal Frederick George Topham, V.C. (1917-74), as well as a plaque in the parking area explaining his contribution during the Second World War. The plaque has an excerpt from the letter that awarded the Victoria Cross to Cpl. Topham.