Photography

Shorelines

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On many of my trips into the interior of Killarney Provincial Park,I always enjoy walking the shorelines of a lake or islands.I am looking for something different and unique.This may be a rock with tremendous detail or pretty wildflowers.The trick is to put something together composition wise.

The evening lighting is a good time to do this.Maybe the wind has not settled down enough to do landscapes.So I will turn my attention to what I can find along shorelines.The above photo is such a creation.By using the beautiful textured rock in the foreground and placing the little Johnny Jump-ups in the upper right hand corner I created a contrast between the rock and flowers.It also puts things in prospective in the relationship between the flowers and the rocks.

Well that is it for this week.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

In Search of a Photo

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Paul Smith and I headed back down to Killarney Provincial Park on the past Monday.It was mid morning with clear sunny skies.The wind was light.After receiving our camp permits we loaded the canoe and launched into George Lake.One thing that we noticed was that the fire danger was set at low.

Reaching the East end of George Lake,we made a quick haul over to Freeman Lake.It was an uneventful trip to the Killarney Lake Portage.There were a few mosquitoes on the trail,but nothing serious.It is always a joy to canoe Killarney Lake with its clear turquoise colored  waters.As we paddled through the channel we spotted a female Common Merganser on a log, head tucked under a wing sound asleep.Our presence did not even disturb her.

Paul and I decided to set up camp at the first campsite on Killarney Lake.Quickly setting up camp, we soon were relaxing in our camp chairs.It is always a pleasure to just sit back to enjoy the beauty of what nature has to offer.

It was not long before I had a package of Uncle Ben’s rice cooking on the propane stove.I added cooked chicken breast pieces to give it body.This makes for a nice meal.I set up to make us a pot of tea and guess what.I had left the coffee and tea at home.Oh well we survived quite well without the caffeine.

The lake was calming down quite noticeable as even approached.We gathered our camera gear  and paddled back down to the portage.The first thing we noticed along the portage shoreline were large a large set of moose tracks that were not there when we first hauled over that afternoon.The above photo was the result of that evening of photographing.You can notice beautiful back lighting on the trees on the point to the left of the photo.I included  the deadheads standing to the right to add more interest to the composition.The reflections lead you into the center of the photo.

Paul and I returned to camp knowing that we had captured a pretty decent photo.We had always passed through this area at the wrong time of day on our way to other lakes in the Park.

The next evening was not so successful  as the wind never calmed down.As we sat by the shore we watched a Trumpeter Swan circle in front of us.A male Common Merganser went flying by us with two female Common Mergansers in pursuit just above the lake’s surface.A Black Cormorant landed on the far shore. Flocks of Canada Geese flew overhead.The Common Loon pair were always present drifting in front of us.Then towards dusk a Blue Huron passed by heading to its roost. A busy evening for bird life on the water.

We woke up at daybreak but there was to be no photographing.Packing up our gear we were soon on the water heading for home.The wind was light so we made good time.As we approached the George Lake portage a pair of Common Loons were spotted near the shore on Freeman Lake.Quietly paddling we were able to get within 15 feet and I let the canoe drift as the Loons followed the shoreline .Paul did the photographing and I kept the canoe on course.This went on for a good 10 minutes before the Loons dived and were soon too far ahead of us.In short order we reached the beach on George Lake.Loaded everything into my Explorer and another great trip in the bag.

Well that is it for this week so until next time happy trails.

Photography, Poetry

Streamside

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Sitting by a pool
Of a slow moving stream
Not a breath of air
Stirs amongst the trees
Wispy clouds floating overhead
A Swallow-tailed butterfly yellow and black
Skims the water’s surface
The mosquitoes and black flies
Are now abundant
With the approach of dusk
Sunlight filtering through the trees
Brush the stream side shrubs
With a touch of gold

The pool is now
Like a painter’s canvas
Reflecting the surrounding landscape
Of yellow and green
A scene of beauty and harmony
To be one with nature

My good friend Gerard Leduc and I traveled up the Westbranch behind Webbwood   a few days ago.It was a beautiful evening to be out.As we drove along the Wakanasin River,we noted the low water levels.Our first stop was Gordon Chutes to allow Gerard to do some photographing.

We continued our journey North.Every once in awhile a logging truck passed us in cloud of dust.This meant we had to pull over until there was visibility.Being early in the evening we were in no hurry and at about the 80 km mark we pulled over for supper.I always carry a cooler of food,thermos of tea and my camp chair.We had parked by a small lake.Spending a relaxing half hour here,we soon head back the way we came.

I had a location at a small stream that I was trying to get a good photo.The problems had always been  with the wind,water level too high or the lighting was  just bad .After a very short hike off the road we arrived at the said location.The water level was good allowing for a nice reflection.The wind was non exiting.The lighting was awesome.

The result was the above photo.By watching your lighting as the sun dips further to the horizon you can observe different effects as to what the lighting will do to the landscape.By taken many shots you can determine the composition you like best.This particular composition took 2 years to accomplish.Patience is the name of the game.

It was not long before we lost the lighting effects.Packing up our gear we headed back to the truck knowing that maybe we had some good photos to work with.

Well that is it for now.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

An Evening on O S A Lake

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As the evening faded to twilight the lake surface became mirror like,creating beautiful reflections.The lighting was wonderful creating highlights here and there.Clouds appeared to the North East.There was a cast of color on the Eastern horizon.

I added shoreline along with a Juniper bush to the foreground to add to the depth of the composition.As Paul Smith and I were photographing we observed two large flocks of Canada Geese flying overhead.We estimated that there was close to 175 geese in the two flocks.We were able to observe them morning and evening as they passed over the lake.

Dusk finally arrived.The mosquitoes were humming around us by now. It was time to retire for the night.Hopefully the wind will still be calm at daybreak.

Well that is it for this week.So until next time happy trails.

 

Photography

O S A Lake Spring

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Wednesday morning,clear blue sky and warm temperatures.I pulled into Paul Smith’s yard.Having loaded Paul’s gear in we were soon on the road.We stopped in Lively for gas and a Tim Horton‘s coffee and were soon driving down Hwy 69 to Killarney Provincial Park.

I pulled into the parking lot at the main entrance to the Park.Entering the Park office we were met by Kris Puhvel executive director for Friends of Killarney.We had a brief chat with Kris,then obtaining our camp permits we headed out.We were informed that there was a fire ban in effect.

We quickly loaded our gear into the canoe and were on our way to the East end of George Lake.As we approached the portage into Freeland Lake a yearling black bear was sitting on the shore among the grass observing us,minding his own business.Unloading the  canoe we proceeded to carry our gear over the short portage.As I was walking a good size water snake crossed in front of me into the water. On my return trip I spotted a male Hummingbird on the ground.I placed the colorful little fella in the palm of my hand and looking him over did not see any damage and he was alive.I  then placed him in the shade of a tree while Paul sprinkled water around him.We launched our canoe into Freeland Lake were we discovered our friend the young black bear was now rambling along the shoreline looking for food.

The portage over to Killarney Lake was soon accomplished.Here we met a young couple coming out.There were a few mosquitoes here to annoy you.But we soon left them behind as we made our way into beautiful Killarney Lake.The wind was light and before you know it we were at the O S A Lake portage.Here we were met by a pair of Canada Geese with six little goslings standing on shore. The geese entered the water as we pulled in and soon disappeared up the shoreline.

The portage into OSA Lake is one of my favorites with its open stands of large Maple trees.The sun filtering down from above  through the forage to dapple the forest floor.Here you can spot tracks of whitetail deer and enjoy the wild flowers such as Johnny Jump ups.Reloading the canoe Paul and I paddled West on OSA Lake to a campsite on a large island.Before long our campsite was in place and we sat down to relax and enjoy the surroundings.Exploring the island we discovered a  number of possible compositions.With luck the wind would calm down and we could do some photographing.

That evening our wishes came true and I captured the above scene.Early Spring the deciduous leaves are a nice yellow green in color.With the darker evergreen colors along with warm light you can achieve some very nice effects.The above composition is a result of this.The rock point in the foreground adds color and depth.The bit of forage on the rocks added to the scene as well.The reflections add a nice filler to tie everything in.

Well that is it for this week.I have not had time to read everyone’s blog so I apologize for that as I am very busy.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Grace Lake Part 2

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Daybreak, Tuesday morning I peeked out the tent door.The wind was blowing,the sky was blue but there would be no photographing that morning.I rolled over and went back to sleep.We awoke around 8:30 a.m.  We soon had the coffee pot going and enjoyed a breakfast of bagels and coffee.It is so nice to be able to sit there and enjoy the scenery.

Maryjean and I were soon out on the water exploring for possible photographic locations.There is an island at the West end of Grace Lake that consists of white quartz rock. We guided the canoe to the lee side of this island and pulled in.This was the island that A Y Jackson stood on when he produced the painting The Bent Tree back in 1948.You can watch a short video at this link by Jim Waddington discussing the painting.

http://www.groupofseven.ca/Adventures/Natural-Genius/Waddington-Adventure.aspx

We soon came to the conclusion that the most dramatic effects for landscape shots would be scenes facing East.All that was needed was for Mother Nature to co-operate.That did not come about until Thursday morning.Tuesday a cold front rolled in bringing cooler temperatures and stronger winds.

Maryjean and I continued our exploring around the lake and soon found the portage into Nellie Lake.We would leave that for another trip.Returning to camp we relaxed and checked out our immediate area.There were a profusion of wild violets or Johnny Jump-ups growing in the crevices and ledges among the quartz rock along the shoreline in front of our campsite.These little flowers are rather pretty.

I captured this shot of the violets as they were snuggled down in a crevice away from the blunt of the wind’

Wednesday there was no improvement in the weather so we just relaxed around the campsite reading and talking. After an early supper we paddled over to the portage and hiked down to Cranberry Lake.There we meet Paul Smith my photographic partner.He had came with his kayak.We helped him with his hear back to Grace Lake and then on to our campsite.We all turned in so that we could rise at sunrise.

Well that is it for this week.I have not had time to check everyone’s blog.I am getting ready for my next trip.So until next time happy trails
Photography

The Trail to Grace Lake

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This was our first trip into the Killarney Provincial Park interior 2012.I had booked 5 days into Grace Lake.This was one of the lakes that was popular with some members of the Group of Severn.I had spent the previous week packing and cooking for this trip that would consist of my daughter Maryjean and I.Monday morning arrived and off we went.The weather was excellent and the wind was light.

We drove West on hwy 17 to the Espanola turnoff,then onto hwy 6.We drove through the town of Espanola heading South.It was not long before we saw the sign for the Widgawa Lodge turnoff.We drove down a gravel road and were soon at the lodge.Widgawa Lodge is located on the West River which would take us into Charlton,Frood and Cranberry Lakes.The lodge is Ponderosa style with a very friendly atmosphere. We had a great time chatting with Cornelia and Joshhua owners of the Widgawa Lodge.These folks are very friendly and make you feel at home right away.If you are interested in making bookings here,by all means check out there website

http://www.widgawalodge.ca or contact them by email: info@widgawalodge.

Widgawa Lodge is also were you have to check in before heading into the West end of Killarney Provincial Park.

Once we obtained our camping permits we quickly unloaded the canoe and stored our gear required for the trip.We would not be coming out until Friday.Launching the canoe we made our way to the mouth of West River.There were painted turtles sunning themselves on the logs as we guided by.Hitting the open water we made our way to Willisville forty minutes away.At Willisville there is a narrow channel to pass through into Frood Lake.Reaching the South end of the channel we turned East and paddled through Frood Lake into Cranberry Lake.After 2 hours and 15 minutes of paddling we found the portage into Grace Lake at the end of Cranberry Lake.Upon unloading the canoe we donned our backpacks and started our trek of 1370 meters.This is getting close to a mile. This will be the longest portage I have done so far. As we moved along we soon discovered that this portage was up hill in a lot of places.It was not long before we crossed a pretty little crystal clear creek that ran over gravel and boulders. By  this time we were getting thirsty and hot.I love it when I can quench my thirst in clear cold water.This creek starts at Grace Lake and empties into Cranberry Bay.Picking up our packs we continued along the portage with a few blackflies looking for blood. There is a big boulder beside the trail about the half way mark, where one can take a breather.By putting my backsack on top of this rock I was able to lean against the boulder with the weight of the backpack off my shoulders.

One of the things I have always enjoyed traveling the various portages in the Park is the beautiful old trees you see.This portage was no exception.From towering Hemlock,majestic White Pine and Birch trees dotting the landscape.The portage into Grace Lake also has its share of old yellow birch that are solitary by nature.

By this time Maryjean and I were starting to feel the effects of all the climbing along with the warm weather.My legs were aching now.All of a sudden we burst out on to the shoreline of Grace Lake.I have to tell you there was a magnificent scene before us.The lake was dotted with islands and surrounded by the white quartz rocks of the La Cloche Mountains.

We took a short break, enjoying the vista before us before heading back down the trail to get the canoe.The good thing was that having no load to carry and mostly downhill travel we made good time back to Cranberry Lake.We proceeded back up the trail with the canoe.Maryjean and I took turns shouldering the canoe along the portage and by the time we returned to Grace Lake both of us were sore and stiff.The wost was over as we loaded up and canoed along the lake shore checking out the campsites.Grace Lake appears to be approximately 2 kilometers long with the East end being the widest and open water.There is quite a number of small islands locate on this lake.We chose the campsite North side of the lake about the middle.

Unpacking the gear,the tent was quick to go up and before long supper was heating up.The black flies were not that much of a problem as the wind was blowing.For that matter the wind never did cease that evening and we were not able to do any photographing.Being tired with lots of aching muscles we retired as darkness approached  for a good nights sleep.

I will continue my tale of photographing in Grace Lake at a latter date so until next time happy trails.

Photography

Pink Rocks

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Last Friday I took a late afternoon hike into Killarney Provincial Park.I parked at the East end of the campgrounds.There were a few campers camping here as I made my way to the hiking trail.First on the list is a fairly steep climb up a ridge and then walking down off of the same ridge.I arrived at the Eastern shorelines of A Y Jackson lake.This is one of my favorite lakes to photograph.It has all the components for an excellent composition.

I gazed up at the mountain sides in the distance and noticed that there was a lot of bare trees yet.It would be a few weeks before there was good color on the hillsides.I continued my trek and the next stop would be Little Shegelander Lake.I made my way down to the only campsite on this lake and a pretty location it is.As I looked around I counted 13 piles of Moose dropping around the campsite area.A moose had spent the winter here.

I walked back up the trail and continued East.I was heading for the East side of the lake.The walking was good and soon I left the trail and made my way back down to the lake.There is a wonderful view as you walk the trail above the lake.You can also view parts of George Lake.

While walking through the bush I spotted a small tree growing on the side of a cliff.The neat thing was the patterns that were created by the rocks.Also there was a section of pink granite running at an angle.In Killarney Provincial Park you will come across this type of granite in different locales.The wind was blowing,so reflections were out of the question.There was some vegetation on the opposite site of the pink granite.But as I set up my 7D Canon on my tripod The tree in the clevis was in shade.I sat down under a Pine Tree along the shore.The thing now was to wait and see how the lighting would be as time passed.After a half an hour or so the sunlight started to light up part of the little tree.I waited a little longer and there was more sunlight splashing on the tree.Also the vegetation located on the right hand side of the pink granite lit up from the sunlight.

Then something neat happen.The pink granite took on a different hue.I quickly took a number of shots at different settings.I looked at the sun behind me and saw no cloud cover,the sky was blue and I have no idea what changed the lighting.After a couple minutes the effect disappeared.I had captured a moment in time.

I soon finished up shooting here and moved on.The wind was not quieting down and there was a coolness on the evening breeze.I found a sunny nook out of the wind.I settled down among some rocks and eat my sandwich while I listened to the water gently lapping up on the rocks.

While that is it for this week.I thank everyone for there comments,much appreciated.I now have greeting cards available at the Killarney Provincial Park office.So until next week happy trails

Photography

This Child of Mind

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One of the nicest things about being a photographer is photographing young children.With there innocence and willingness to explore there surroundings in the outdoors.The little girl shown is my 11 month old granddaughter with whom I spend countless hours with when I am not out photographing wilderness scenes.I try at every opportunity to photograph my grand kids and just have fun.Whether going for walks or just being with them.

I placed Felicity on the lawn with new Spring grass and let her do her thing.That was to  crawl on her hands and knees,check out the flowers and to touch and see everything around her.I got down in the grass with her and started photographing with my Canon D7.Getting all the poses she would make.

It was a bright cloudy day so the lighting was even and I was able to use a decent shutter speed to capture the action.While that is it for this week.It will not be long now till I will be back photographing my wilderness scenes.The days are warming up and the trees are leafing out.So until next week happy trails.

Photography

Waterfalls,Black and White or Color

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Waterfalls have always interest me as a subject matter.In my part of the country I am blessed with a fair amount of these waterfalls due to the rocky terrain in Northern Ontario. The trick is to photograph these locations when the right amount of water is flowing over.By utilizing the rock structures and the path of the water flow you can come up with some interesting compositions.The above photo I was able to create a S curve with the water by getting in the right set up to compose the shot.The rock structure was high in detail and the sun was filtering through the trees at the top left.The time is late evening.

In most cases I do a fair amount of climbing up and down rock and boulders to get the best shot.I will not do it on a wet days.The rocks can be quite slippery.

 

The photo above is the same as the black and white but in color.Looking at this one you with easily pick up the lighting effects at various locations.This is what helps make that extra detail in a composition.

That is it for this week.I had problems with my internet this past week, so was not able to check out all the postings of my fellow bloggers.Thank you very much for your comments.Much appreciated.So until next week happy trails.