Tag Archives: Killarney Provincial Park

Photography

Photographing The Unusual.

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When I am out photographing I am always on the outlook for something different to work with.While we were camping on David Lake I observed this stump by our campsite.It had the right ingredients for a composition.One morning the water was fairly calm and the morning

sun was providing the right amount of lighting.The stump had beautiful abstract colors around it in a slight ripple effect.I placed the stump with its vegetation growth closer to the bottom edge of the photo.I liked the effect the red flowers added to the photo.These type of shots do not come often but when I find them I will wait for the right conditions and set up

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

Ruth Lake Day 2

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I awoke at 5:30 am the next morning.Nudging Maryjean awake I crawled out of the tent.There was cloud cover this morning but the waters were fairly calm.Towards the far shore the wind was rippling the water slightly.It was one of those mornings when you had to be patient and wait.

The above photo was the result of waiting for the right moment.I find that daybreak produces much cooler temperatures than evening.You need to wait for the sun to appear before the warm colors show.Once the sun starts peeping over the horizon you get light beams here and there filtering through the trees. This is what enhances your photos. the island and point on Ruth Roy also helps create a pleasing panoramic.There was cloud cover that morning to enhance the photo with a pinkish glow in the sky.

As morning progressed the wind picked up and the lighting became too intense, it was time to put the coffee pot on.Maryjean had been busy doing her own photographing with tips from Dad.We both sat back to enjoy breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee.Mornings are special for the tranquility and peacefulness that can be had in a wilderness setting.

By mid morning it was time to pack up and load the canoe. Maryjean and I launched the canoe and were soon at the portage to Johnny Lake. On arrival to Johnny Lake we leisurely paddled along the shore line back to Bell Lake. We noticed that a lot of campers were packing up and loading there canoes.

MJ and I paddled into shore for a bite to eat and as we were not in a big hurry to explore forpossible photos with Silver Peak in the background.But that would have to be another day.We also photographed one another on the shore with Silver Peak in the background.While we were doing this,the campers we had seen packing up came gliding past us.After exchanging hellos they were soon gone around the point.

We eased the canoe back into the water and made our way back to Bell Lake.We hauled our equipment up to the truck.I returned the canoe back to Killarney Kanoes and it was time to head home.This was a great trip with my daughter.The weather was good and we both hated to leave.

I will be going on a four day canoe trip next week into David Lake with my daughter so I hope to have more photos for you to view.Until then happy trails.

 

Photography

An Evening on Ruth Lake

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As it was close to the supper hour, so Maryjean and I enjoyed a quiet scenic meal by the shores of Ruth Roy Lake.As we were eating a large snapping turtle showed up in front of us.MJ started feeding the turtle strawberries and grapes.Let me tell you this turtle got a good feed of fruit before he left.

By 7:00 the wind had picked up and cloud cover moved in. My thoughts now were that it would be morning before I would get to do any more photographing.Amazingly by 8:300 the wind died down and the water became calm.I shot off a number of shots for a panoramic which included the island.

Maryjean suggested that we canoe over to the point by the island and look at the shoreline by the campsite.After beaching the canoe MJ said here  is a good shot.I composed the shot you see above.By adding a little of the shoreline we were standing on for depth,the island as a center point with the La Cloche Mountains in the background I created a very pleasing shot.The pinkish clouds also add to the above photo.It was now turning dark so we headed back to camp. MJ got a fire going and I heated water for a delicious cup of hot chocolate by the fire.By now the m0squitoes were making themselves known.In a short while we turned in for the night.

If you are interested in seeing a photo of the snapping turtle,check here

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/turtle-2-ken-bennison.html

In my next blog I will discuss the second day of our trip to Ruth Lake.So for now happy trails.

Photography

Father and Daughter Canoe Trip

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Sunday morning I drove into the Meadowbrook Retirement Home parking lot were my daughter Maryjean works. MJ had just finished her last graveyard shift.We loaded her gear into my Ford Explorer and head for Bell Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.We stopped at Killarney Kanoes to pick up a rental canoe.We rented one of my favorites a Quebecor 17.

We had to carry the canoe and gear over to Johnny Lake and then embarked on our little one night adventure.After a short paddle we had to carry around a small beaver dam.The weather was great and the wind was light.All the campsites we passed were full.Had a beautiful view of Silver Peak.We arrived at the portage into our destination lake Ruth Roy Lake.

Ruth Roy is a beautiful lake with clear turquoise blue water. This is not a small lake with good rock structure along the shoreline.The La Cloche Mountains are on the North shoreline of Ruth Roy.We proceeded to haul the canoe and gear over the portage and were soon on our way again.

When we arrived I was attracted by the shoreline on the right.The above photo is a result of what I observed.The small rocky shoal in the shadows stood out and there was nice lighting also.

MJ and I arrived at the first campsite and we decided that this was a good site to be with a wonderful view overlooking the lake.The only island on this lake is located here.Once the tent was up and everything was unpacked we decided to explore the rest of the lake.Before heading out a young couple canoed past  us with there children heading for the next campsite.There are only two campsites available on this lake.

We launched the canoe and proceeded to explore the lake and enjoy the afternoon.We liesurely paddled around the lake noting other locations to photograph.Finally arriving back at camp we made supper and settled down to await the evening photographing.

I will write about this trip in 2 or 3 posts.So until next time 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.