Local author publishes first book, ‘Dirt Trails and Back Roads’

By Rob Vogt

You don’t have to go too far to experience the beauty and history in this region.
To help you with that, local author Rob Steel has published his first book, “Dirt Trails and Back Roads” that takes the reader on a journey through the west through a series of vignettes.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” said the former mayor and editor of the Claresholm Local Press. “I’ve always liked going out and taking pictures in my travels.”
So he decided to consolidate all those photos in a book filled with breathtaking images he liked, accompanied by Steel’s descriptions of each one.
“One of the ones I like the best is the first one,” Steel said.
It is a picture of an old homestead.
“It’s a great building to photograph,” Steel said.
The photo captures not only the building, but a grain field and the great Alberta sky.
In fact, this photo piqued Steel’s interest to do “Dirt Trails and Back Roads”.
“It sets the tone for the whole book,” Steel said.
More than what is in each photo, Steel has tried to provide history and education to accompany each picture, while also being a bit irreverent.
The sites are all in the region as well.
Steel points to the roadside stops that have signs filled with information.
“I’m the guy who stops at all those,” he said. “To me that’s really fascinating.”
One example is a picture of a sign demarcating the Old Macleod Trail.
Steel said it may be a sign, but the story talks about the importance of the trail in settling the West.
Another example is the Majorville Medicine Wheel, which Steel learned is as old or older than Stonehenge in England.
He noted that clearly the medicine wheel is one of the oldest religious monuments in the world – and it’s in Vulcan County.
Steel dedicated “Dirt Trails and Back Roads” to the memory of his mother Margaret Steel, who was a lifelong reader.
Before she passed, he told her about “Dirt Trails and Back Roads”.
“She was super supportive and delighted I was writing a book,” Steel said.
His mother was also part of a book club, and its members are buying 10 copies of “Dirt Trails and Back Roads”.
After writing all the descriptions and taking all the pictures, Steel decided he wanted to design the book himself.
He consulted with various people including his son Adam and wife Carmelle, who are both talented designers, then found a program online called “Bookwright”.
Steel spent hours teaching himself how to use the program, ultimately designing the book.
He then uploaded it to Blurb Books who printed “Dirt Trails and Back Roads”.
“It was a really neat experience,” Steel said. “I think it turned out pretty good.”
Anyone interested in more information or a copy of the book, retailing for $20, can contact Rob Steel at 403-682-7617 or by e-mail at rasteel@shaw.ca.
Copies are also available at The Hive in Claresholm and Tap Town Books in Nanton.