North Vancouver Island is blessed with a variety of beautiful little lakes that delight the eye and gladden the heart of fly fishermen. They are scattered everywhere, some so small that they are little more than ponds, while others are big enough to warrant a boat and motor.

Some years ago I was doing a commission of Ellison Lake and made a number of trips into it to finish the painting on the spot. Traveling down the logging Main one day, out of curiosity, I ducked into a side road to see what I could see. To my delight found a delicious little lake seemingly untouched by the woodsmen. It was early morning and the sun was streaming down the valley behind the nearest trees to touch the hills with gold.

Long ago I learned that when you are blessed with seeing this kind of light, it’s not the sketchbook you reach for. You nail down the passing moment with your camera so that you can use it for reference in painting later. The other day, running across some sketches I had done during that day, I frantically searched for the accompanying slides I had taken. These were pre-digital days and I found but two slides. The result of my search manifested itself into this acrylic painting, but I felt I had to visit the little lake again to re-live the magic.

Today the decision was made to paint yet another painting of the delicious little lake. The road taken was Cabin Main, the day was filled with rain showers, and the search, after three hours of driving proved fruitless. Time and logging had altered everything, but I did stumble upon something unexpected just two km’s down Cabin Main. A road, no longer used for logging, takes off to the right and winds its way up the mountainside, exposing a number of spectacular views. In one grand panorama you can see Alert Bay off to the right, Sointula, Rough Bay and behind Malcolm Island the waters of Queen Charlotte Strait and the Coast Range. Farther to the left Pulteney Point and beyond to the Masterman Islands ends the vista.

I set up to paint but the rain chased me off the mountain and suspended my search for the illusive little gem that I had previously painted. When I find it, I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, enjoy this blast from the past.