2208, Juanita Bellavance, Chestatee 28, From the Chestatee River portfolio, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 inches copy

From the riverbank, there was a lot of raw growth along the organically trudged path. Across the way was a forest of trees. Soon we can go kayaking on the river. I've never been down the Chestatee but I'm definitely interested in giving it a try. If you know about river rafting you know rivers are given levels based on their difficulty for rafters. My guess is the Chestatee is probably level 3. The Nantahala where we've rafted before is level 4.

The river rafting as a family started when my daughter was in high school and went to Camp Winshape as a camp counselor for a week. It's a Christian camp held by Chic-fil-a owners. At the camp, she learned to canoe on the river so when we picked her up I was all excited about learning also. Except I have no desire at all to paddle a canoe since I see them as unpredictable.

As we paddled our way down the river in inflated single duckies, I was enthralled with the experience of being surrounded by trees and water only. It was a glorious three hours, as well as a little scary of course. I was definitely not going to fall out into the dangerous water for sure.

I guess you could say that's where my love for the river was born. These paintings have taken me back there in my heart and soul.