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

As Gray Creek widens toward its lower reaches, the holes get deeper — and home to really big fish, according to Doug's son, who wandered past with his fishing gear as I sat painting this. Doug wasn't far behind him and stopped for a chat. The conversation turned, as it does in bear country, to bear spray.

"So you got bear spray?" Doug asked.

"Yeah, someone gave me some — but I never bring it," I said. "I prefer to act on my instincts in the moment."

Doug considered this. "So you take your chances, ha. I see your point Karl, but I don't know about you — I don't like the thought of a bear gnawing on my femur."

I couldn't argue with that.