Westward Ho

 

As I packed the car, sticking canvases, paints and luggage into every available square inch of space I understood why we decided to drive to our artists' retreat on Vancouver Island. Flying would have been an impossibility.

We set out from High River after a night filled with more snow (and a lot of shovelling before we left). Snow and blowing snow were off an on part of our journey right through to Sicamous. At high elevations, particularly going through the Roger's Pass, recent snow accumulation was significant. As we came down into the valleys, signs of spring started to appear. 

We got a cheap motel room on the outskirts of Sicamous - about $135 a night - but perfect as we are travelling with Coco and Shay. After taking them through all of the Yukon last summer, it felt way more awkward when the hotel room was too fancy. A lower grade motel room takes the edge off.

Getting take away food is essential on these trips with the dogs. Heather stayed back with them as I beetled into town to grab some Thai dinner. 

We are heading to a small family fishing lodge near Coal Harbour on the north end of Vancouver Island. Three couples, local to the Okotoks area, have invested in the property and have invited us to stay and paint for a few days. The works that we create will stay behind when we pack up to go home.