Day: April 3, 2013

April 3, 1917 Early Spring

There’s still lots of snow on the north side of the hills. That’s where I decided to go today.

‘Heading for the hills today.’ That’s what I told Shannon. He smiled because he knew that was a loaded phrase. I was talking to him about the Rockies at breakfast this morning saying it might be a good idea to go out there. One of the guests brought a book that had a good chapter on Jasper Park. The Grand Trunk Pacific was building hotels similar to what was already in Algonquin Park. I had been to Seattle and to Winnipeg, but never to the Rockies in Alberta. Jackson had already gone to the Rockies. I should have gone with him but I decided not to. Maybe this summer.

As for the hills, I walked up by Potter Creek, crossed the rail tracks by Canoe Lake Station, continued north along Joe Lake shore until I was almost at Tepee Lake. I found a nice ridge with birch trees (again) that were casting shadows on the snow and earth. What caught my eye were the colours of the shadows. They were a shade of deep blue. Behind I could see a sliver of frozen lake, which was really the connection between the two lakes – Joe Lake and Tepee Lake.

The snow was still deep, but the earth was showing through at the base of the trunks. I’d hardly call it snow anymore. It’s more like petrified ice, if there is such a thing.

When I finished, I felt good about this sketch. I liked it. I was happy to set this one out for display in the dining room.

I wrote a letter to Winnie last night. I made sure it was posted this morning. She should get it by Thursday before Easter. Friday is Good Friday. Nothing is running.