I’ve been fortunate since 1997 to do canoe journeys each and every summer. Varying in length and locale, each journey is unique and special. But, there’s always one constant, we travel within the First Nations culture. For 6 to 10 days each year the PULLING TOGETHER canoe journeys work their reconciliation magic as we all experience life together, as one, no matter the difficulties, hardships or the good times that come our way.
The 2017 PULLING TOGETHER Canoe Journey took us all the way from Sechelt to Squamish, then down to finish the journey in Vancouver. It was the start of a long, dry summer as we plied the waters in early July. But wind would be the factor that we’ll all remember when recalling the journey of 2017. Wind prevented us paddling from Sechelt to Gibsons. So too, the winds swamped three canoes of our fleet as we approached Squamish. In the next few days wind played a roll in the journey in that it drove us from the water a couple of times. Yes, it was the journey of the wind. But, we’ll always remember this particular journey for one of the highlights. That fond memory will be of our time at Camp Potlatch. Located at the corner of the Sunshine Coast right at Howe Sound, it’s the point where the fleet would turn left to head north up to Squamish. Complete with a few rustic cabins, a cookhouse and flush toilet washrooms, we were in journeying heaven as we set up our tents for two nights. We’d have a full day of nothing but relaxing and enjoying where we were. It was a first for PULLING TOGETHER and it was special.
Just off to the side of Camp Potlatch is the creek that is its namesake – Potlatch Creek. Typical of many west coast streams, Potlatch Creek runs clear and cold with its mountain waters finding their way to the ocean. Its course is through a bed of scoured grey boulders and evidence of spring floods has littered the confluence of the stream with trees, stumps and branches. The water is probably no deeper than 4 or 5 feet at its deepest but so clear is the stream that you can actually see the small trout swimming in the deepest pools.
Most everyone took the opportunity in the heat of the day to take a dip in the waters, if only for a short time. The glacial water is cold enough to push most people out after only a few seconds. Like many though, I took the time to let my body acclimatize to the water. Then I could sit and relax and just be alone with my thoughts in this very special, and “spiritual” place. When I was finished my second of two baths in the frigid waters that day, I became acutely aware of my surroundings. That’s when I saw the painting I knew I’d have to do. I don’t know if I’ll ever make it back to Potlatch Creek again. If not, I know my painting of this very special place will always allow me to go back to – THE POOL AT POTLATCH CREEK.
