WINTER - SPRING MEMORIES.

 There was a time when in winter, and in the early spring, when we’d get in the car and travel to Killarney Provincial Park, Algonquin Provincial Park, or Awenda Provincial Park. We’d strap on our skiis and head out into the bush, explore frozen lakes, and on occasion travel out on the ice of nearby Georgian Bay. Of course, now, we no longer ski, but we still have the memories of the solitude, the sparkle of the sun on the snow and ice, and the sound of the wind as it swept through the trees. 

Memories, important as you become aged. So, if I might say, make lots of memories when you’re young, they’re prized when your old, and there’s no escaping it, one day you will become old.

Some days I pass the time leafing through old sketchbooks. Sketchbooks the kind that fit in your pocket are great to bring along when out skiing, or hiking. They don’t take up a lot of room, and together with a brush or pencil and a spit box of watercolours are all that is needed to capture a memory. 

Watercolour Spit Paintbox

Now, a note about sketching, don't think masterpiece, think memories. A scribble, a wash laid over a quick pencil sketch, all that's necessary to create a memory. And, remember, it's your memory.....all that's important. What someone else thinks about it, none of their business. It's a personal diary of sort, of a day, time well spent, experiencing your life.

4.25" X 6" pocket sketchbook

Here's a few of my winter - spring memories...

Lake Of Two Rivers, Algonquin - View From The Picnic Area in April

River - Track & Tower Trail  - Algonquin Spring

In the early spring with the snow melt this small creek turns into a raging river. I sat on a rock outcropping with my feet in the waters edge attempting to capture the moment.

A title isn't needed her as the sketchbook notations for this sketch and the one above say it all. fantastic day skiing this trail. Midway there's a log cabin with a blazing woodstove. 

Spring -- Tea Lake, Algonquin Pk.   Watercolour Sketch

Love this sketch. Sometimes a small sketch turns out to be more than a sketch. I recall sitting at the side of the road trying to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic, and sketching quickly while my fingers froze. 

Giant's Tomb - View from Awenda First Beach.  Watercolour Sketch

This sketch was made standing near to the ice that had piled up on the shore. We'd just skied down from the parking lot to the Bay. The weather was cold and overcast, and it began to snow as we arrived at the Bay. I made the sketch with frozen fingers, using a pencil and added watercolour when we returned home.

Snowshoer On Smoke Lake,  Winter Algonquin Pk.   Watercolour Sketch

One winter we did a day trip up to Algonquin Pk. We stopped at the Smoke Lake pull off and in looking out I observed a snowshoer out on the lake. No doubt a cottager on his, or her, way to check out the cottage. Pretty daring actually, as the lake is large and it's not always covered with thick ice.

There are many more memories. As I come across some of the sketches I'll continue to add some, however for now, enjoy, and if you should get a chance get out and make your own memories.