Shore Walk, Medicine Hat, Alberta
The walk that would be the malecón, if this was the Caribbean. A shore walk is nothing to take for granted though, even if it is along a prairie river. Everyone is out today, with their dogs, kids, bicycles, motorcycles, kayaks, jet skis, and skateboards. Most people are good about keeping the social distance along the river walk, maintaining as wide a berth as possible when passing. Surprising to see three or four planes fly overhead - who is coming and going from Medicine Hat airport on a pandemic Sunday afternoon? Ending where I started, downtown at one of the beating hearts of this town, the Station Coffee Co.

Oldman River Valley, Lethbridge, Alberta
I have work to do, and painting to do, but I just can't focus. It seems to be a pandemic problem, this muddled tightness of mind. It seems also to be compounded by near-constant screen time. I set out for a walk in the sunny afternoon, with my mind so constricted it took a few blocks before I remembered to see what's in front of my eyes. Longer before I tuned in to sound and smell. Once I got to the dog park and started downhill into the river valley, everything loosened up. I am so thankful for this long, wide, swath of wild parkland that runs right through the city. So glad to see happy dogs. So happy to be able to walk. So grateful for the signs of wildlife, the trees, the river, the sky.