Tag Archives: Evergreens

Photography

Follow The Shoreline

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My wife and I are packing for our trip into David Lake this week.I thought that I would do a short post before we leave.The above photo was taken on David Lake from my previous trip with my daughter.

This photo was taken in the same location   as the photo in my previous post Four Days in David Lake.I shot this one must tighter by going vertical.This allowed me to focus more on the rocks yet still show a beautiful reflection.The early morning light was superb.This photo was set up so that your eye follows the shoreline .

The fall colors are still in the early stages here .Having said that I may not get much in the way of Fall colors this week.

Well that is it till I return next week sometime so everyone have a good week.So for now happy trails.

Photography

The Right Lighting

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The sun was slowly creeping over the horizon behind me as I watched the play of light on the landscape.I always have enjoyed this part of photographing watching my surroundings as the various parts of the landscape begins to light up.It is interesting to watch the lighting paint the tree tops in front of you.The higher ground is the first to receive the morning sunlight.In this case the sunlight painted the top of the La Cloche Mountains.Then a strong beam of light lit up the trees on the left with paths of light touching the ground.Add to this to the beautiful reflections in the water can create a beautiful photo.The rocks reflecting in the calm water create geometric patterns that are intruding.

Now you will not get these effects every trip out.There are days when this will not happen.In most cases when you have this type of event it only occurs for a very short period.Be ready for it.It helps to know your surroundings and it may take many trips to achieve the desired results.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Setting The Mood

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As I was going through my files from the previous trip into David Lake in Killarney Provincial Park I came across this photo.When I process my files from a trip, it is usually the obvious photos that catch my eye that I will process. I will then will go back at a later date and go through the files looking for that hidden gem.

In the case of this photo I was really attracted by the cloud formation. With the dramatic lighting and the cloud structure available I took four exposures.The last exposure was taken to bring out the detail in the shoreline and island.The four photos of different exposures was processed in Photoshop using the HDR process. I use the HDR plug-in to open the shadows only then proceed to finish up in photoshop.

The above shot was taken at one of our campsites on David Lake. The wind was not co-operating and we were lounging around the campsite drinking hot chocolate.There was a good view of the sun going down.The cloud formation you see appeared with its  unique lighting.I was not long in setting up my tripod and camera. I was able to keep the island off – center and be able to keep the cloud formation in view.The sun was setting to the left so I purposely left it out.Due to the lighting on the trees I was able to keep the island from blending into the background.I think this is important as you can now create depth.

Well that is it for this post.I thought that I would share this very dynamic scene which shows the beauty that can be had in our Northern Ontario Forests.

Photography

Final Day – David Lake

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Saturday morning we continued exploring David Lake looking for the various campsites and decided that we would camp back at the upper end of the lake.Returning to our campsite we began packing our gear when three canoes rounded the point in front of the campsite.I hailed the gentlemen,asking if they would like our campsite for the night.They thanked us  and came a shore. We had a pleasant chat while loading up the camp equipment.These six gentleman were all from Southern Ontario on their yearly canoe trip.Guys the photo in the first post is where you campsite was.

So far we had been lucky with the weather,but that was about to change.We had paddled about half way up the lake when the rains started.It literally poured.Upon our arrival at the chosen campsite we quickly set up camp and crawled into the tent soaking wet.It was a miserable afternoon with heavy downpours along with thunder and lightning all around us.To make matters worse Maryjean’s tent had some bad leaks.

By evening the storm let up, allowing us to get a fire going. Everything that was wet we laid  out to dry by the fire.A nice hot supper and cup of tea sure hit the spot.

The next morning didn’t bring much in the way of photographing.We had a leisure breakfast as the skies cleared up.Once all was packed we started our journey home.It was an uneventful trip back out.We met folks coming in and ran into the six gentleman whom we had meet the day before.We finally returned to Killarney Kanoe on Bell Lake .It is always with regret that as we loaded the vehicle up for the drive home that it is sad to have to leave this beautiful Park.But at the same time we are looking forward to our next trip in.

So until next time happy trails.

 

Photography

David Lake Continued

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Friday at daylight was still windy.It looked like a nice day to come.A quick coffee and bannock for breakfast before heading out on the lake to explore.While we ate the same Common Merganser Hen with the nine babies returned to the same location as the night before.They proceeded to climb onto a log and began preening themselves. We spent a leisure morning exploring among the islands and various coves at the bottom end of David Lake.As we paddled a Loon was observed with a small chick on her back.This little one was probably a result of a second hatch.The first eggs may have been destroyed for what ever reason.

We soon came across other campsites along the way and decided to camp further down the lake for the night.The location is shown in the previous post.Dismantling the campsite we relocated to the chosen campsite without incidence and set everything up.It was a beautiful warm day.Wearing the life jackets, we went swimming  in front of campsite.Lazily floating on the water and splashing one another.

The evening did not produce much in the way of photographing other than a very nice sunset.The majority of our photographing this trip happened early  Saturday morning.Walking along the shoreline behind the campsite I captured the above photo with the three small rock islands that you see. The La Cloche Mountains can be observed in the upper right hand corner.

Photography

Four Days on David Lake

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Three of us embarked Thursday on a four day canoe trip into David Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.The party consisted of my daughter Maryjean and my grandson Coye,plus myself. We loaded up the Quebeco 17 canoe at Bell Lake.I opted to portage out of Bell Lake as oppose to hiking through the Clearsilver Lake area by way of Johnny Lake.

We arrived at the first portage where we met a couple and there teenage daughter and son.They were on there way home. We had a pleasant chat with these folks before hauling our gear and canoe over the 745 meter portage.

When Maryjean went back up the portage to retrieve some remaining gear she discovered that one of the sleeping bags had rolled down into the lake. Stripping she swam out and rescued the sleeping bag.When she met up with me I was informed of the incidence and we had a good laugh.

Before moving on we had some bannock that I had made up the day previous.Great for chewing on.Pushing off we paddled up this swamp lake towards the next portage.This portage was short,only 200 meters.There was a small waterfalls just off the trail so we went and had a look.

Upon entering David Lake we were faced with a good headwind.We did okay paddling up the lake.We located a nice sheltered campsite.Once we got the campsite set up a break was in order with a nice hot cup of coffee.

While we enjoyed a supper of baked rice and chicken breast a Common Merganser Hen with nine half grown babies were observed in a shallow cove by the campsite.They were splashing and diving in the shallows.

By now it was six p.m. and the wind was not calming down.Launching the canoe we headed out to explore the lake.As we paddled, I sighted the mergansers on a flat rock with her brood settled in for the night.The bottom end of David Lake consists of a large number of islands and many rocky points.As twilight approached we built up a fire where by we roasted hotdogs and had hot chocolate before turning in.There is something to be said about a wilderness setting at twilight as you sit by the water overlooking the lake. Off in the distance you hear the lonesome call of the loons as the night settles in.

The above shot was taken the next morning at daybreak.It always amazes me how these type of rocks look early in the morning or evening.Throw in the bonus color in the sky and you get a very rewarding photo.

The recipe that I used for bannock is as follows.

3 cups of flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

You then add raisins and nuts.

I also add what ever fruit is available.

Mix all this together and add water or milk.

Cook in a frying pan or wrap around a stick and hold over the fire.

I will continue the trip in a couple days so until next time happy trails

Photography

Nature’s Beauty

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As one emerges onto the shores of Ruth Roy Lake from the portage from Johnny Lake you are greeted by a scene of beauty and depth.There is a mystical feeling you get when you first gaze upon this hidden corner of the lake.

The clear turquoise blue water adds depth and mystery to the reflections on the water.It appears that the tree reflections are three dimensional when viewed.This little inlet is small in nature with the depth of the woods in the background.I composed this shot with the pink flowers in the foreground to add depth and rocks to offset the mainly green foliage.This is truly one of the pleasures of a wilderness adventure as one travels the waterways of Killarney Provincial Park

I will be heading back into the park this week so until then happy trails.

Photography

Along The Lakeshore

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I exited the apartment to beautiful clear skies with sparkling stars overhead.I picked up a Tim Horton’s coffee and bagel before heading South on Highway 69.Driving down the Killarney highway was uneventful other than two foxes.As I drove through Killarney Provincial Park at the main campground I noticed a few empty campsites along the way.I was told that there would be no campsites available during July and August so go figure.

I parked at the East end of the campgrounds on George Lake.There was wind gusting on the lake creating a ripple.I loaded up my camera gear and headed to A Y Jackson Lake.The first part of the trail is the hardest part as it is a fairly steep climb up,but after that it is a good go.

I arrived at A Y Jackson and to my surprise the lake was calm for the most part.The sun was now highlighting the trees on the hilltops so I got off a few shots.I continued along the trail going East and came upon Little Sheguiander Lake.I checked the campsite here and it was empty.By staying up on the ridges I was looking for different shooting angles.At one point I was checking out a location and when I turned to go back up the hill I noticed a doe standing not 30 feet from me.With ears forward and a alert look she eyed me for a moment and then bounded along the hillside before disappearing.

I captured the above photo in one of the locations I found.The problem here was that down in Little Sheguiander it was still heavy in shadow where as the upper part of the photo was quite bright from the early morning sun.By putting part of a rock face and a bent evergreen in the foreground to create depth with the La Cloche Mountains in the background you can create a very nice scenic.The reflections in the lake were right on along with the reddish orange of the rock faces.I shot this composition with a zoom setting of 28 mm to keep things tight and a shutter speed of 1/5 sec @ f22.

I continued along the hillside above the lake capturing more shots before making my way down to the George Lake shoreline. To my surprise I was able to get some really good shots as the water was fairly quiet.You had to shot between  the light wind gusts.I managed to get a really nice pano.

It was now 8:30 AM which in it self was remarkable in that the wind held off for the most part.I am usually finished photographing by 7:00 AM.By now canoes were gliding through the water heading to the portage at the East end of George Lake.The wind was picking up so I layed down on the flat rocks on the George Lake shoreline and had a nap.I awoke to the sound of water lapping up on the rocks and noted that the wind had picked up.

It was time to head out so I made my way up the hillside till I picked up the trail and headed back to the parking lot.Along the way I  stopped and chatted with two families with young children before continuing on.It was an excellent morning shot having picked up a number of good shots.It is always nice when Mother Nature co-operates and allows you to photograph her beauty.So until next time happy trails

 

Photography

Sunday Morning Hike

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4:00 A.M. Sunday morning,the streets are quiet and dark.I pick up my Tim Horton’s coffee,exit the city and drive South on a mainly empty highway.I turned off onto the Killarney road passing the usual assortment of wildlife along the way.The coffee sure tasted good.

I parked in my usual parking spot.I gathered up my camera gear and picked up the East trail to A Y Jackson. Due to the rain we had received in the past few days the rocks tended to be wet in spots.In the lower areas I encountered mud and water. I arrived at A Y Jackson shortly but kept on walking to Little sheguiandah Lake.The wind was once again a problem so I did not bother photographing.

I wanted to check out Wagon Road Lake so off I went.After a short hike I came upon Wagon Road Lake.To my surprise it looked swampy.I had studied the map earlier and I observed rock outcroppings on the far shore. Following the trail around the lake I would walk towards the lake looking for shooting locations.the East end of the lake was more open and I was able to get a nice panorama.

I continued walking on the trail and came upon a beaver dam that the trail crossed. Once I got across I entered a nice campsite and proceeded to photograph.There are two campsites available on this lake. I was now 8:30 A.M and the wind was holding off here..I also encountered nice side lighting as is evident in the above photo.What attracted me to this scene was the rock shapes as they reflect into the water,with a stately pine tree standing on the rock.I added the deadheads to give depth and interest.The color in the photo was beautiful and the side lighting really had a nice effect.You do not come across these type of opportunities very often so it is nice to be able to create this type of composition.

It was not long before the wind picked up and the sunlight was getting stronger.In affect losing the soft lighting.On my way in I had notice white lilies opening up so I went to check them out.It was now starting to get warm.I head back up the trail back to the main campgrounds to call it a day.It was an enjoyable morning.The bugs were not much of a problem.I was tired as I headed home so after arriving back at my son’s apartment I had a short nap.

i called my wife to let her know I was back and told her I would take her out for coffee.So until next time, happy trails.

Photography

Exploring A.Y. Jackson Lake

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I met Jan Withers at the four corners in Sudbury Ontario last SundayI had called him Saturday evening to see if he was interested in going for a hike.We picked up coffee at the Tim Hortons and drove to Killarney Provincial Park.We chatted away on the trip down as Jan and I had not seen each other since last Fall.

I wanted to explore around A.Y. Jackson Lake and hopefully get some photos.We gathered up our equipment and located the trail into Jackson Lake.The beginning of the trail is quite steep and there after easy going.Once over the first ridge you are walking in open woods.The trail is well defined.Upon reaching a y in the trail,the lake was visible. I stepped up on a rock and saw a spectacle scene before me.I saw before me a scene with the right lighting that would create a great panoramic.

Jan and I spent the day exploring around the lake looking for photo opportunities and waiting for the wind to stop blowing.The wind was quite strong that day and we waited until 7:30 to no avail. By that time we decided to call it a day.

I decided to hike back into Jackson Lake Monday morning early.This was a lake that was best photographed at daybreak.The sun sets at the far end of the lake.This would mean waiting for the sun to set first and then photograph.By shooting early morning the light would be behind you and slightly to your left creating even lighting. I hauled out of bed at 4:00 a.m.,picked up a Tim Horton’s coffee and bagel before heading for the park.

There was a slight breeze blowing.This meant that I was not going to have excellent conditions. I hiked up to Jackson Lake,but I was  not early enough.This meant I would have to get up earlier next time.The panoramic was a no go this time.The wind was creating ripples on the water before me.Fortunately The water was calm on the East side of the lake.

I composed the above photo with the zoom set at 47 mm and the shutter speed set to 1 sec @ f22.I placed a small rock point in the foreground and shot along the shoreline.The reflections and the stillness of the water creates a very peaceful setting.

Looking to my left I saw the above scene before me.he reflecsions were not perfect,but that is not always required.I find that a slight ripple on the water can give a painting effect.The reflections add depth to the photo.The early morning lighting was good, giving the color of the rocks good saturation.I shot this photo with a zoom setting of 135 mm and the shutter speed set at 2 sec f 22

The wind persisted all day and I finally left around 6:30 that evening without getting any more photos.I will have to wait another day to get that panoramic. So until next time happy trails