Blog text and images by Patricia Banks​©
 
Revelstoke!

The scenery in the Revelstoke area is magnificent. We camped at Williamson Lake and canoed around the lake while enjoying the warm evenings.
  
It was a 45 minute drive, with more than 18 hair pin turns, along the Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the top of Mt. Revelstoke. The last kilometre of roadway was closed to vehicles due to snow. So, we hiked the steep narrow road to the trails at the end of the road. We joined several like-minded tourists on our hike. The alpine snows were fast melting and the terrain was saturated with running water everywhere across the landscape. It was imperative to stay on the trails to avoid sinking into the quagmire.
 
These conditions brought out the worst in the hungry mosquitoes and large black and white hornets that constantly buzzed around our faces and heads, skillfully avoiding our flailing arms. Even with bug spray, they landed on us voraciously searching for a meal. Hiking uphill was a good workout at 6500 feet but the spectacular views and alpine scenery were worth the effort.

We'll do more painting next time when there are less bugs to contend with. 

​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published December 2016 in Nanaimo Magazine, Voyager Magazine & EyesOnBC Magazine

‘Tis the season for generosity, kindness and the sharing of good will to all life on our precious planet. I often think of the awesome things that could be accomplished if we all lived each day practicing these three qualities. Having a compelling purpose in life is a necessity. As Arthur Ashe said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
 
Doing something challenging, interesting or important; something that gets you up in the morning or puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step; helps to maintain a positive state of mind and a productive, authentic life! Helping others is the key to happiness and longevity. When gratitude is a daily offering, the basic values of humanity are not lost; they are alive and well in peace, love, and charity.
 
This year has been filled with hopes and dreams, plans and goals. I set out to see and absorb the wonders of Canada’s National and Provincial Parks. Under an umbrella of inspiration and discovery, my plein air painting expeditions were filled with opportunities to learn and grow as an artist, and to spend time outdoors in nature. The variety of wildlife across British Columbia and Alberta was very impressive to see in its natural habitat. I gained a new excitement for the challenge of painting some of the animals I had seen and photographed along the way.
 
For me, the days and months have flown by quickly. It is as if time, itself, is in a big hurry! Much has happened and there is still so much more to come. December is here and we will soon be closing chapter 2016 in the book of our lives. I look forward to painting, writing and inspiring you with new Art Adventures. To quote W. Clement Stone, “Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star”.  

All the best for you and your family.