As I was driving South to Killarney Provincial Park late yesterday morning,I decided to hike the Cranberry Bog trail.As I was making my way along the Killarney highway a black bear  dashed across the highway,disappearing into the bush.

Entering the Park I drove down to the parking lot at George Lake.The parking spaces are at a premium at this time of year,but I managed to get my vehicle parked.Being near lunch time I grabbed a sandwich and bottle of water and sat at a picnic table on the beach.

The Cranberry Bog trail is a 4 km loop trail that is about 2.5 hours in duration.I decided to start at the hike by going up to A Y Jackson Lake.As I approached A Y Jackson Lake I noticed a couple sitting on a rock enjoying the afternoon scenery.Continuing on I turned off onto the left trail.A ruffed grouse ran across the trail ahead of me.The neck feathers were ruffled out,so this may have been a male.I was soon going uphill again.This end of the trail is the most rugged to traverse.The forest here is covered with large White Pine,Maple,Birch and oak.Another couple was hiking towards me and I was asked if I had seen any deer.They informed me that they would like to see a deer.After further discussion I continued on.As I was walking along I noticed acorns on top of flat rocks now and then.There was an abundance of chipmunks to be seen along the trail.The acorns were broken into pieces.Another critter that was quite common this day were half inch or smaller frogs hopping to the side of the trail.All told I must have seen four or five of them.

The trail was now skirting the Cranberry Bog.This is a very large wetland.The first thing I noticed was the beautiful Granite rock outcroppings situated here and there.This would be a great place in the Fall for fall colors.The North side of the bog is pretty much all Oak and Maple.You can also see a bit of the La Clothe Mountains in the background.

Following the trail I came across two ladies from Hamilton sitting on a rock outcrop painting.After a brief chat I continued on until I came upon a small wooden bridge running parallel to a beaver dam.The scene before me is what you see above.But taken in the evening.Heading back out the trail was easy going.I spotted a clump of mushrooms growing at the base of of White Pine.I setup the camera and tripod and produced a series of photos.

The trail exited near campsite 103 of the main campgrounds.It was now 3:00 pm.With time on my hands till evening I headed into the town of Killarney for a coffee.There is a restaurant on the waterfront that serves good coffee and fresh cinnamon buns.Returning to the park I set up my chair on the beach and read my novel

By early evening I was heading back into the Cranberry Bog.I went in by campsite 103.Upon arrival at the bridge I set up to take the above photo.There was heavy cloud cover moving in and the wind as not letting up yet.As I waited lily pads started moving in front of me.There was something moving underwater.I was able to follow its movement by watching the disturbed lily pads.Then in a small opening among the pads I made out the form of a turtle.I could just make out the moving feet.You never know what you will see.Around 8:00 pm I had a window of about 20 minutes to work with.With that said I set up and composed the above photo.The bridge is to my left out of sight.As you come up to the bog there is a rise of rock which I used for may foreground.Some of the beaver dam is seen on the left.This is a very nice rock structure here.It had caught my eye when I was first here.The wind was soon causing problems and it was time to head home.

While that is it for this week.I will be setting up my art work at the French River Provincial Park for two days this weekend.If you have time come for a visit.That is it for this week so happy trails.