Year - 2023 · Size - 23 x 30 cm / 9 x 11¾ in · Medium - Ink and watercolour on paper

Following a path through charred forest deeper into the Kootenays on an impromptu journey that was making up the ending as it went. I had no idea where I was going but the Simpson River kept popping in and out of view, so I figured I'd end up back on its banks eventually. My instincts were right — and as the trail and river converged again I met a couple of hikers coming the other way with big packs on their backs.

"Do you know where this trail goes?" I asked.

They told me if I kept walking for an hour or so I'd reach a hut upstream where they'd stayed the previous night. The last thing they said was "keep a look out for grizzlies" — a mother and her cub had been spotted nearby by another hiker earlier that day.

I continued along the trail, eyes considerably more observant than before, and started noticing fresh bear scat. Aware of my time limitations I left the trail and followed the river until I found a spot to paint. This was the result.