The Rockies: a consolation prize or a cancellation prize? When Volcano Iceland swiped London & Paris from the calendar, we stole a few days in the Rockies instead. Here’s what I saw – or at least what the end of my brush saw!

Sketched from Lakeview Lounge at Fairmont Chateau overlooking Lake Louise, while savoring a bowl of hot corn and crab chowder and a Grasshopper ale. Definitely warmer inside than out.Beehive Mountain dared me. “Ditch that pencil, drop the pen, grab your brush. Don’t you dare pussyfoot around me with your fine and fancy brush strokes. I am a mountain and dang proud of it!” Who was I to argue?

Banff Springs Hotel. Winding outside stairway. Easy place to lose your way.

The Rockies and Friends. Painted from Chalet #5 Baker Creek near Lake Louise.

Great place to stay – even had its own ‘resident’ grizzly while we were there.