Lake O'Hara 2018

 

Lake O'Hara viewed from Sargent's Point, September 6th, 2018

Lake O'Hara never disappoints. We paint the same vistas and hike the same trails because they are all just so incredibly beautiful. Although I haven't been on all her expeditions this was the 12th year running that Patti Dyment arranged a painters/hikers trip to O'Hara. With the increasing numbers wishing to visit the area combined with Parks Canada's lottery system (to keep the area protected from over use) it has become increasingly difficult to arrange a stay at the Alpine Club of Canada's, Elizabeth Parker Hut. This year, Patti was given seven spots for three nights, September 6th to 9th.

On day one, five of us set to painting the classic viewpoint at Sargent's Point, again. Dave and Sharon Williams arrived the following day.

 

Pat and Bob Alin created watercolour /pen and ink sketches

Ralph Temple joined us for the first time and worked in oils

Patti and I painted in oils

 

We so enjoy working together!

 

Patti's oil from Sargent's Point, 12" x 16", is likely framed and hanging in a gallery somewhere ...

... while my oil from Sargent's Point, 12" x 12", remains unfinished languishing on a shelf!

Day two, we set off on the Oesa Trail with Victoria Lake and Falls as our destination.

Mount Odaray reflected in Lake O'Hara

With Pat on top of Sargent's Rock with Mount Odaray as backdrop

Our lunch spot, Victoria Lake and Ringrose Peak

Victoria Falls, just below Victoria Lake, is a particular favourite with all of us!

Ralph had his own adventure hauling all his oil painting gear, up to Victoria Falls, but ultimately caught up to us. We crammed into what little space there is, at this point along the Oesa Trail, to paint the Falls. Patti, Pat, Bob and I brought our watercolours for  their manageable size and weight. Here I made the worst painting of my entire life. No, you can't see it, my pride won't let me post it. Times like these are needed to keep me humble!

  

With Pat and Ralph at Victoria Falls. Even with my wretched painting I'm thrilled just to be there

Coming down from Victoria Falls, Pat spied this solitary mountain goat

Day three, was cooler, the clouds rolled in and the wind came up but the rain held off. It eventually cleared off entirely. Everyone, except Ralph who opted to paint from the shore of Lake O'Hara, hiked up onto the Opabin Plateau.



On the West Opabin Trail Pat is along side my favourite trees. Mary Lake below and Cathedral Mountain in the background

Pat, myself, Sharon, Dave, Bob and Patti at one of the many pools on the Opabin Plateau

While the rest of us hiked, the keeners (Sharon and Patti) painted.  The larches were just beginning to turn

A larch tree well on it's way to it's spectacular autumn colour

The O'Hara Lodge dock with canoes perfectly posed, on our return from Opabin

Day four dawned rainy and gloomy with no prospect of the weather improving so most of us called the expedition a wrap and caught the 11am bus out. As is always the case, it was a wonderful time leaving us with delightful memories.

I'm over a month late with this post because there was another trip, immediately on the on the heels of Lake O'Hara that presented something quite undesirable. Stay tuned.