The search for Piney Ridge

 As our family reunion approached, my cousin Ann Marie asked me to gather pictures of Piney Ridge, near Beazer, Alberta. It was a place steeped in meaning for our family—our Beazer ancestors first came into the valley by crossing over Piney Ridge. Just the thought of it stirred something deep in me, and I knew I wanted to capture more than just a photo.

In my search, I reached out to my friend Amanda Shaw, and true to form, she and her husband Jeff welcomed us with open arms. They invited us out for an evening ride, and of course we jumped at the chance. We always LOVED riding with them—there was something about being on horseback, out in the open, that slowed the world down and made us breathe a little deeper.

That evening was stunning. The light, the land, the rhythm of the horses’ hooves—it all came together in such a peaceful, grounding way. As we rode across the ridge, I couldn’t help but feel connected not just to the beauty around me, but to my ancestors who had once crossed that same land. Their journey, their courage, and their sacrifices suddenly felt more tangible, more real.

It wasn’t just about getting a picture for the reunion—it was about honoring the past, experiencing the present, and carrying that heritage forward. And for me, that ride was a reminder of how deeply blessed I was to have roots in such a place.