Tag Archives: Evergreens
Shakwa Lake
With a 3 hour drive over logging roads behind us a dream was realized. For me it has been at least 40 years that I had been on Shakwa Lake. For my partner Ron Sirkka it has been 7 years. With great anticipation we loaded the boat. The boat we were using was Ron’s 14 foot aluminum. With a strong north wind at our back, Ron headed for the first narrows. High on a hill stood the fire tower. The first sign of change was low water in these narrows and abundance of weeds. We slowly steered the boat through the deeper water. Then came an old beaver dam with very little water over it. Jumping overboard we dragged the boat over with little difficulty. Both of us now had wet feet. Oh well. Moving on through the channel brought us to another obstacle. Small stones with an inch of water flowing over. Ron suggested gathering pieces of wood to use as rollers. Ron and I dragged the boat over the improvised rollers into deeper water. I ended up to my waist in water at one point. Finally we were clear of the channel. Moving on brought us to the next channel.
The next channel was easier to negotiate. Ron had to clean off the propeller a number of times. The weeds would foul up on the prop. Forty years ago there was a lot more water in these channels. Using paddles to make quick adjustments in direction, we were through. The last channel was filled with stumps hence known as stump narrows. I had to get out of boat to get through a number of spots. The boat was soon moving through open water.
Shakwa Lake is a long narrow lake opening into larger bodies of water. It has quite a number of islands spread out over its length. Surrounded by dense forest and hills. A very scenic location. Home to the Lake Trout. Ron soon had his fishing rod rigged up for trolling and in the water. It was not but five minutes later I heard fish on. Oh boy, the net was still packed away. As I rummaged through my pack for the net, Ron proceeded to lose the fish. I finally got the net ready in case of another hooked fish.
Our campsite was soon at hand. Landing the boat, we soon had the camp gear unloaded. I held off from setting up the tent with the strong blowing wind. I decided to wait until later. I suggested that we eat supper. Ron was happy with that. Ron’s homemade stable was still in place from seven years before. With a full belly of spaghetti, launching the boat, we were soon trolling for lake trout. Our catch that evening was three lake trout between 1.5 to 2 pounds.
We returned to the campsite with the wind blowing steady. We set up the tents quickly. It was time for bed. The sun was down and the wind blowing strong. That north wind blew all night long and never let up. As a matter of fact it blew steady the whole four days we were there. The only difference was it finally swung to the south. It was a cold night with morning being quite cool for July. There was a mist on the water that morning. Though the photography was scarce, I did manage to get a few shots that morning. Using Turtle Rock as my main subject, I captured some wonderful lighting that was golden in color. You can see the tip of an island to the left. This added depth to the photo with the tree covered shoreline in the background.
Once I had finished photographing it was time for breakfast. Ron who is a very experienced cook when it comes to fish.He was appointed the job by yours truly. I soon had the coffee boiling. Ron and I soon were sitting in our camp chairs sipping hot coffee and eating the so awesome cooked trout. Nothing like fresh fish cooked to perfection.
That was the only morning that I would be able to photograph. So until next time happy trails. Oh, before I forget The Killarney Art Show runs this coming weekend. Do yourself a favor and check it out. While you are there indulge in the famous fish and chips at Herbies.
http://www.killarneyartshow.com/the-details.html
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Blood Thirsty Mosquitoes
We pulled into the campsite
On a far northern lake
The turquoise blue waters
Of Martha Lake, Algoma
Shimmering around us
As expected our northern hosts
Were greedily awaiting our arrival
The blood thirsty mosquitoes
They are not called
The northern scourges for nothing
Blood is what they want
The first order of business
To set up the screen tent
This to be our place of peace
From the waiting mosquitoes
The mosquitoes are lining up
Waiting for their next victim
You
The next order of business
To erect the tent
With practiced precision
The tent is erected
The sleeping cots in place
Bedding is laid out
The bug coils are lit
To be placed in our shelters
I don my bug jacket
The barbeque and stove
Are now set up
The cooler of food
Locked in the vehicle
No need inviting unwanted guests
For an overnight feast
Namely the bloody bears
Peace and solitude reigns supreme
Not a soul in sight
It is nearing dust
The wind dying down
The lake becoming calm
The moon edging up
Casting a silvery path
On the lake surface
Darkness is at hand
Time to hit the sack
A small lantern hangs
From the tent ceiling
Revealing the mosquito hordes
Lined up on the tent screen
Crawling into my sleeping bag
The light now off
I lie there with eyes closed
Listen to the drone
Of the ever gathering swarm
I had the feeling
Of being the only victim
Within a hundred miles
I guess in the turn of things
We all have to survive
Thus I fell asleep
To the humming sound
Of the north woods mosquitoes
I must be a northerner
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Georgia Lake
I loaded up my gear Sunday morning and hit the road. Heading west on hwy 17 towards Webbwood. I then turned onto the Agnew Lake road heading north. I soon reached the turnoff onto the Westbranch road. This is a well used logging road. I had to now watch out for logging trucks. With a plume of dust behind me, I was cruising. I truly enjoy travelling these logging roads with the forest on either side of me. Very little traffic.
My next turn was onto the Charcoal Lake Road. I am now seeing more cut over areas. These are areas that the loggers have clear cut for many acres. Before long I was at the Georgia Lake campsite, being welcomed by an ole prospector named Terry. This gentleman spends his summer here every year. A knowledgeable gentleman that knows the area like the back of his hand.
The tent was soon set up and all the camp gear in place. It was time to unfold the camp chair and join Terry by the lake shore. It was 28 C in the sun. We were sitting in the shade of the trees with a cool breeze off the lake. Very comfortable, plus the bugs were not bothersome. We both chattered away the afternoon. It is with great joy to sit there in the peace and solitude around you. A loon drifted by. The small head of a painted turtle would emerge now and again in front of us. We watched as a beaver made its way by us. There was a Robin making quite a fuss nearby. There was a squirrel nearby disturbing the Robin. The sound of small waves upon the shoreline. Good way for a pair of old-timers to pass an afternoon.
As evening approached the wind was still blowing. By morning the wind was calm. The lake surface still This allowed me to capture the above scene on the far shoreline. Georgia Lake is a small lake in size. The boulders seen here are only located on one side of the lake. This is very common in this part of the country.
While that is it for now. As I will be repacking to head back up to Georgia Lake for more photos. So until next time happy trails.
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Streamside
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I had crossed over from the Tote Road north of Massey to the Westbranch north of Webwood on my journey home. I had spent the day exploring logging roads looking for future photo opportunities. As I traveled south, the evening was wearing on. The lighting getting warmer losing that harshness that is common most of the day. As I crossed a bridge my eyes caught the lighting on this particular scene. The wind was calming allowing for reflections.
The sunlight was coming from the right of me as I set up my tripod on the bridge. The location of the sun was creating sun flares on the lens. I retrieved my Tilly hat to act as a blocker. Thus holding the hat with one hand and the other to press the shutter button I was able to accomplish the above composition. What is interesting here is how the sunlight highlights certain parts of the scene. There is a lot of softness here with the earth tone colors. There is a quietness to be found here that gives one peacefulness that is very relaxing.
The La Cloche Art show opens next Friday evening July 3 and runs through to July 12. I myself will be there Friday, Saturday, Wednesday and Sunday. If you are in the area stop in and enjoy an excellent art show. Until next time happy trails.
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The Northern Scourge
We made it back last Friday evening to Martha Lake, Algoma. As expected our northern hosts the mosquitoes were awaiting our arrival. They are not called northern scourges for nothing. Blood is what they want. The first thing Maureen and I did was set up the screen tent. The screen tent affords us an area of peace from the bugs. The mosquitoes would line up outside the screen waiting for a victim. You.
Next step was to get our sleeping quarters ready, namely the tent. With practiced precision the tent was erected. The sleeping cots set up and our beds were made. Maureen lit the bug coils for each location and had them placed in the sleeping tent and screen tent. Donning my bug jacket I set up the barbecue and stove. Both these essential items run on propane. I left the cooler in the Ford escape for the night. No need inviting unwanted guests to the feast overnight. Namely bloody bears. We had the whole lake to our selves. Not a soul in sight. Amen. I wonder sometimes who is smarter, me or the folks who stayed home. I must be a true northerner.
It was getting near dust now and the lake was quite calm by this time. Out came the tripod and camera. Let me tell you when you stand by the lake shore, you become surrounded by the mosquito hordes. To take a photo you have to be quick about it. I have to remove the head portion of my bug jacket to photograph. Before shooting I wave my hand in front of the lens to clear these bugs. If not, you will find round splotches on your photo.
Darkness was fast approaching. Camera gear was put away. Time to hit the sack. Crawling into my sleeping bag was a relief. A small light hanging from the tent ceiling revealed the mosquito hordes on the outside of the tent screen. I had the feeling of being the only bloody piece of meat for a hundred miles. I guess in the turn of things we all have to survive. Thus I fell asleep with the droning of the north woods mosquitoes in my ears.
Tomorrow is another adventure. So until next time happy trails.
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It Is In The Green
June 09, 2015
On a Tuesday afternoon I picked up James W Cook at his apartment in downtown Sudbury. James is a local artist who loves to paint. I drove out of the city heading West. My destination was Massey where we would turn north into the hinterland. We arrived in Massey where I proceeded to top off the gas tank. Running out of gas in the woods is a no no. Thus we were soon driving north following the Aux Sauble River. The road winds through forests that has been logged for many generations. The river flows under a number of bridges as it makes its way south. Our turn off onto Plaunte’s Road soon arrived. This a logging road that is still fairly new. There has been logging activities here in the last couple years. There are lots of pot holes and water in some areas now. This road receives no maintenance.
When I drove up here last week to Martha Lake, we passed a swampy area that really intruded me. I was fascinated by the many shades of green I could observe here. Upon arrival, it was turning out to be an odd sort of day. Some areas the clouds were dark and threatening. Then if you looked in another direction the sun would be shining along with billowing white clouds. There was intermittent showers happening. A light wind would play on the water. Then all of a sudden there would be a stillness. Then the lighting became fascinating. There was this magic, mystical feeling before me that can only be inspired by Mother Nature.
Having set up my tripod and Canon 7D, it became a matter of just waiting for that right moment. By using the tree remains in the foreground to offset the various shades of green plus added depth. The wonderful stillness of the water creating gorgeous depth to the reflections in the foreground. The eye can follow through the open into the pond in the middle ground. Along the way you will spot a beaver house. The darkness of the water in the middle pond gives good contrast to the surrounding shades of green. The absolute depth found in the background is inspiring to the eye. There is a touch of red from dying evergreens. This lends a touch of addition color without overpowering the background. As I was photographing the large white cloud top left appeared. To the right was blue skies with darker wispy clouds to give the hint of the weather.
One spends more time looking for these locations than the actual photographing. Many hours are spent driving,walking or canoeing. When you do happen upon a scene that catches your eye the reward is as above.
For more info about James W Cook, check out his Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/jameswcookbeauxarts
So until next time happy trails.
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Martha Lake,Algoma
There is a chill
In the early morning air
Mosquitoes and black flies
Scourges of the north country
Lying dormant for now
A mist is rolling
Off the greening forest
Covering the placid waters
Of a small lake
The forest deep in shadow
With a hint of mystery
The cover of darkness
Casting its mirror image
Over the lake surface
It is early June
A time of renewal
Through out the north
The birch and poplar
Luminous in new coats
Of green leave cover
Flowering shrubs are scattered
Among the refreshing forest
Spring wildflowers dot the landscape
The dawning of the day
Is now approaching
The sky becoming enlightened
The sun is peeking
Over the emerging woods
To shed golden light
Among the surrounding trees
Enticed by a mayfly hatch
A rising brook trout
Dimples the lake surface
Leaving a telltale ring
As the morning wears on
The sun cresting the horizon
The air is warming
The mist is retreating
Revealing emerald green waters
Of a pristine lake
The mosquitoes are emerging
To bite exposed skin
Of its unprotected victim
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A Forest No More
There is a chill
In the pre-dawn air
The forest shrouded in mist
A silence is prevalent
The hills rolling in the distance
Like waves on a lake
Red pine grace the hills
As far as one’s eye can see
A golden light from the rising sun
Penetrates the mist
Nestled among the hills
The glimmering waters sparkle
In the morning glow
Of a beaver pond
Fed by a stream
From the surrounding hill
The earth shattering noise
Of diesel engines starting
Springing to life
Disrupts the peaceful forest
The smell of diesel fumes
Assaults one’s nostrils
Black smoke curling upwards
Through the misty trees
As the days go by
The land lays bare
Once tree covered hills
Lie naked to the sky
A lone pine here and there
Stands forlorn and bent
The once sheltered beaver pond
Vibrant with life, lying vulnerable
To the forces of nature
The stream chocked with debris
No shelter of protective trees
A frost covers the bared land
Sparkling with the morning light
Wisps of smoke rise
In the chilled air
From scattered piles
Of wood debris
An ancient forest once stood
Where the land lays bare
A forest no more
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Evening Lighting
A late afternoon of just past Wednesday. Sun and cloud prevailing. I drove North of Capreol on gravel roads. It was good to feel the freshness of spring. The new growth leaves are vibrant in color at this time of year. The traffic was light with people heading back to their seasonal campsites. The gravel roads are quite dry. This causes a fair amount of dust from passing vehicles. I carry my laptop, mixer and microphone with me in my travels. I will turn off the main roads to less traveled roads. Here I find peace and solitude to record my poems live. There is one problem. Blackflies. As the wind dies down the blackflies will torment you. They all want your blood.
As the evening wore on, the sun settling lower I headed back the way I came. It is at this time of day that you can work with some unique lighting on the landscape. I came across this scene of a swampy area. A quiet little nook surrounded by evergreens. The sunlight penetrating from the right. This gave me a mixture of light and shadows. There is a boggy patch with a lone little tree to add my depth. The wind was bouncing around in here. It became a waiting game at times before shooting. This is as typical a scene you will find in the woods of Northern Ontario.
I always look at these scenes as not spectacular, but makes me feel at peace and one with my environment. A scene becomes much more dramatic with the proper lighting. Watch for it. Take time in your life to just sit and observe. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will see. It is momentary.
Well that is it for another week. So happy trails once again.
Ken Bennison's Photography 