The Monday past I stopped in at the Killarney Provincial Park office to book a campsite at Topaz Lake.My partner was sick, so seeing that I was already packed and ready to go I decided to venture alone.It is about a four hour hike to Topaz Lake. I had full gear and did not know what kind of shape I was in.I picked up the trail at the South end of George Lake and proceeded to hike into the interior.This is a well used and defined trail.

Paul Smith and I had previously hiked into Lumsden Lake so I was familiar with this part of the trail.It was a hot day around 28 C and the bugs were about.The going was pretty good so far and in a short while I came upon Acid Lake.The hiking trail traversed around the lake for a distance before heading North.

Acid Lake is a pretty lake and I will camp here in the future.The backdrop of the La Cloche Mountains coming down to the far shore line is pleasing.As I was resting on the rocks along the shoreline a pair of Loons came to investigate me.The Loons must have a nest here somewhere.

I was now starting to feel the effects of the heat and the weight of my pack as I hiked along the trail.The trail was getting more rugged with more and more up and downs.My legs were also starting to feel like rubber.The biggest problem was that I was not in shape for doing this type of hiking.I hiked for another hour and finally came to the conclusion that I was not going to make it to Topaz Lake.I checked my GPS and noted that Cave Lake was just ahead.I figured that I had better stop off here and pitch the tent.I still had another hour of walking and I new that was too far.It would have to wait another day.

I followed the signs into Cave Lake.This trail had fallen trees on it so there were a couple detours to be taken here.When I arrive at Cave Lake I immediately set up the tent and crawled inside to have a nap.After a short rest I explored my surrounding I was quite surprised at what was around me.There would be photo opportunities here.There was a island at the bottom end of the lake.The La Cloche mountains came down to the shoreline heavy covered with forest.There was a sparse showing of white rock to be seen.At the East end of the lake was some rock formations that looked good.It was at the West end that there was large rock formations that appear in the above panoramic. I set up the stove and boiled water for tea and heated my supper.There is something about being in a place like this sitting on a rock overlooking a wilderness lake.It is a great feeling.

The evening shooting was not good as the wind was not co-operating very well and the blackflies were bad.I returned to the tent and had a peaceful sleep that night.I awoke about five the next morning and was able to get a number of shots.I must tell you I was feeling the effects of yesterday as my legs were stiff and sore.

The above panoramic was taken that morning.It consists of three overlapping photos.I created depth by placing the foreground to the right and leading the eye into the depth of the lake with the placement of the island.The island was now lit by the morning sun.I set the zoom to 85 mm and the shutter speed was 2.5 sec @f22

By seven I had everything packed and ready to go.The misquitoes were bad that morning and I wanted to get out early while it was still cool.I also realized that there would be a lot of  uphill walking to Acid Lake. An hour later I came to Acid Lake where I took a half hour break.I was already feeling the physical effects from yesterday.Once again the loons appeared to check me out.

I was back at the truck by ten that morning.My legs were pretty stiff and sore though.All in all it was a pretty good little adventure and I enjoyed myself immensely.I just need to get in better shape.So until next time happy trails.