I retired in the spring of 2002 after thirty-four wonderful and gratifying years in the RCMP. I did so only after a lot of focused thought and contemplation. Years before, perhaps best taught by the First Nations friends that I had come to know, I had been able to put my life’s priorities in order. Not measured in possessions, money or world ports visited, I came to know that the most important things in my life were HEALTH, FAMILY and FRIENDS. When given proper consideration, if one focuses on those priorities, everything else seems to fall into place.
In a happy and fortunate coincidence I came to know another retired RCMP member only a couple of years before I retired. Fred Stark, about 10 years my senior, had only recently moved to the Sunshine Coast. We both possess a common love for the out of doors, fishing and canoeing and as such we have come to share many treasured hours. In only a few short years we’ve experienced numerous excursions and adventures together. His strength, positive spirit and energy are an inspiration to me.
In the fall of 2002 we paid attention to a couple of our priorities. As friends, and certainly for our good health, we took time out to make our way up into the mountains above Sechelt. We trundled the dirt roads in Fred’s Jeep up to Carlson Lake and made a camp. On the way we collected wild Angel Wing mushrooms from the forest. Once our camp was established we managed to catch a small trout on the lake and Fred even shot a couple of grouse for our supper.
Two friends savoured all that nature offers that evening in camp. In a cast iron frying pan the grouse breast strips were sautéed in butter with the wild mushrooms. The trout would provide breakfast. Glass still, the lake was lit by the setting sun and the dead trees on the far shore glowed as though on fire. A determined beaver family has dammed the outflow of the lake and the water has risen over the years thus killing the trees around the lakeshore. What are greyed skeletons during the day, the stark trees of the shore become magical and mesmerizing torches as they reflect the setting sun in the evening. Reflected on the mirror of the lake, their light serves as a lantern for our camp in the darkening shadows of the forest.
My paintings always strive to capture the moment. I look for that peaceful “snapshot” that expresses in one composition what the day has provided. And so my painting of Carlson Lake does just that. It is in fact the view from our campsite as the sun set that glorious evening. It is a time and place on the planet that I will never forget. As is the case in many of my works, I was in just the right place at just the right time. The bonus of course is that I was able to share that place and moment with a good friend. It’s at times and places like this that I know I have my priorities set in the right order. I found that, and experienced that, as the sun set on two friends enjoying all that nature offers at CARLSON LAKE.
