“An anticipated sight to many who travel along Hwy 17 is a glimpse of Old Woman Bay on Lake Superior. The road begins to climb just north of the beach turnoff, lifting the viewer to a momentary vista that includes the sheer face of the "Old Woman". On the afternoon that I began my climb, with writer James Smedley accompanying me, snowshoes were the mode of transportation, and the rise was much steeper.

I was looking for my own "vista", one that offered an inspiring winter view seen by the few who travel the trails at this time of year. After some considerable effort, including a few ice slicks and a pack full of painting gear, I found myself spoiled with this incredible scene shared also by James and the local ravens. I worked until the light of day withdrew from the landscape and plunged the thermometer into the –20 degree Celsius range. Turning back I found that James had made an inviting fire to defrost by. We sipped hot chocolate and thawed for a while before heading back from this piece of winter heaven. A moonlit hike back down the trail topped off a great evening of painting and camaraderie."