Tag Archives: Killarney Provincial Park

Photography

Into The Interior

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This past Thursday morning I pulled into Paul Smith’s driveway and proceed to load his gear into my Ford Escape.Our destination, Killarney Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.

We stopped off at Killarney Kanoes on Bell Lake to rent a canoe for a couple days.Our plan was to come out Saturday.We also booked a campsite for two nights.The canoe that we rented was a Souris River 16 foot Prospector.We came across a Whitetail doe feeding in a swamp beside the road.This was something I had never seen before.The doe was feeding on lily pads.

We arrived at George Lake and proceeded to load the canoe for the trip out.Heading up George Lake we soon arrived at the first portage into Freeland 188 Lake.This portage is short only 80 meters.We paddled on to the next portage and hauled over to Killarney Lake.This portage was 380 meters so it was a good haul over.The canoe being made of Kevler weighs only 38 pounds.When we arrived at the entrance to Killarney Lake we both commented on the fact that there was a good scene to be had here at the right time.

Paul and I proceeded to explore the West end of Killarney Lake.We made our way to the OSA Lake portage with the idea of walking over the portage to check out the view.As we paddled along the shoreline we came across Canada Geese with young and the Common Loons were actually quite tame.The Loons showed no fear of us.We had to haul over one small beaver dam and arrived at the OSA Lake portage. A quick hike and we were treated to a beautiful view of OSA Lake.I really loved the shoreline here as it was made up of small pebbles in shadow waters.We agreed that this would be a trip of its own as we would need to go to the far end to get some good photos.

We then made our way back and headed to the East end of Killarney Lake where the islands were located. It was discovered that our campsite was taken by someone else so we paddled down to the islands and set up our camp on the last island. The both of us also realized that the best scenic was in front of our campsite.That evening the wind would not calm down.I took a few shots but none were great.The black flies were paying havoc at the same time.

I awoke at 5:00 am Friday morning  and crawled out of the tent The wind was lightly gusting here and there.Not good. The sun finally burst over the hills to warm the hillsides with good lighting.A short while later the wind calmed down and I called to Paul that this was our chance.We got maybe 15 minutes shooting time.The panoramic above is one of the results of the lull in the wind.Using the point and island in the foreground and the La Cloche Mountains in the background for depth.As I say our shooting did not last long.

We spent the rest of the day exploring the lake as we waited for the evening shooting.Friday evening turned out to be windy as a weather front moved in.We watched from the campsite as huge clouds of green pollen from the Pine trees blew over the lake. I had never seen such a sight before.The pollen was so thick that the hillsides were obscured.Our equipment was covered with the pollen as while as ourselves. Paul and I were both having problems with allergies by this time.

The next morning the wind was stronger eliminating any possibility of photographing.Paul and I decided to pack up and head out. We arrived back at the George Lake landing and headed home. There was a resident population of from 50 to 70 Canada Geese on Killarney Lake.They would fly over our campsite every evening.

Paul and I both enjoyed the trip and will be planning a trip back in to Killarney Lake in the near future

Photography

Cave Lake,Killarney Provincial Park

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The Monday past I stopped in at the Killarney Provincial Park office to book a campsite at Topaz Lake.My partner was sick, so seeing that I was already packed and ready to go I decided to venture alone.It is about a four hour hike to Topaz Lake. I had full gear and did not know what kind of shape I was in.I picked up the trail at the South end of George Lake and proceeded to hike into the interior.This is a well used and defined trail.

Paul Smith and I had previously hiked into Lumsden Lake so I was familiar with this part of the trail.It was a hot day around 28 C and the bugs were about.The going was pretty good so far and in a short while I came upon Acid Lake.The hiking trail traversed around the lake for a distance before heading North.

Acid Lake is a pretty lake and I will camp here in the future.The backdrop of the La Cloche Mountains coming down to the far shore line is pleasing.As I was resting on the rocks along the shoreline a pair of Loons came to investigate me.The Loons must have a nest here somewhere.

I was now starting to feel the effects of the heat and the weight of my pack as I hiked along the trail.The trail was getting more rugged with more and more up and downs.My legs were also starting to feel like rubber.The biggest problem was that I was not in shape for doing this type of hiking.I hiked for another hour and finally came to the conclusion that I was not going to make it to Topaz Lake.I checked my GPS and noted that Cave Lake was just ahead.I figured that I had better stop off here and pitch the tent.I still had another hour of walking and I new that was too far.It would have to wait another day.

I followed the signs into Cave Lake.This trail had fallen trees on it so there were a couple detours to be taken here.When I arrive at Cave Lake I immediately set up the tent and crawled inside to have a nap.After a short rest I explored my surrounding I was quite surprised at what was around me.There would be photo opportunities here.There was a island at the bottom end of the lake.The La Cloche mountains came down to the shoreline heavy covered with forest.There was a sparse showing of white rock to be seen.At the East end of the lake was some rock formations that looked good.It was at the West end that there was large rock formations that appear in the above panoramic. I set up the stove and boiled water for tea and heated my supper.There is something about being in a place like this sitting on a rock overlooking a wilderness lake.It is a great feeling.

The evening shooting was not good as the wind was not co-operating very well and the blackflies were bad.I returned to the tent and had a peaceful sleep that night.I awoke about five the next morning and was able to get a number of shots.I must tell you I was feeling the effects of yesterday as my legs were stiff and sore.

The above panoramic was taken that morning.It consists of three overlapping photos.I created depth by placing the foreground to the right and leading the eye into the depth of the lake with the placement of the island.The island was now lit by the morning sun.I set the zoom to 85 mm and the shutter speed was 2.5 sec @f22

By seven I had everything packed and ready to go.The misquitoes were bad that morning and I wanted to get out early while it was still cool.I also realized that there would be a lot of  uphill walking to Acid Lake. An hour later I came to Acid Lake where I took a half hour break.I was already feeling the physical effects from yesterday.Once again the loons appeared to check me out.

I was back at the truck by ten that morning.My legs were pretty stiff and sore though.All in all it was a pretty good little adventure and I enjoyed myself immensely.I just need to get in better shape.So until next time happy trails.


Photography

An Evening on Sheguiandah Lake

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Last Sunday we had a noon birthday party for my 4 year old grandson Kelan.It was a small family gathering and after it being such a nice afternoon I decided to pack my camera equipment and head for Killarney Provincial Park for some evening shooting.

Most of the weekend campers had gone home by now.There was a sprinkling of campers here and there. My goal this evening was to hike into Little Sheguiandah Lake that Paul Smith and I had canoed into a couple of times from George Lake.This lake was only a short hike from A.Y. Jackson Lake.

I hiked into the campsite on Little  Sheguiandah Lake and set up my gear for the evening shooting.The campsite is located near the back end of this lake offering an excellent view of the lake.There was a slight wind blowing off and on but with patenice I should succeed in getting some photos.I shot from various locations at hand.I had to wait at times for the water to calm down so that I had reflections in the water.I wore my bug jacket this evening as the bugs were bad.I even lost a few pictures due to bugs flying in front of the lense.

Little Sheguiandah has great rock structure along its shorelines making for excellent compositions under the right lighting conditions.The above photo was taken with a zoom setting  of 65 mm and the shutter speed set to 0.3 sec @ f22.This is looking at Little Shaglander from were you can bring your canoe in to the lake from George Lake.I always like to get photos of the La Cloche Mountains in the background.

The yellow pollen from the pine trees is now increasing and can be observed along shorelines now.This does not look good in a photo.I had a good evening of shooting and of course it is always the peace and quiet that one gets from being in these locations. So until next time happy trails.

Photography

On the Third Try at A.Y. Jackson

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I have changed my blog layout to better show my photos.This meant changing the theme from the previous theme that I was using.The unfortunate part was that each post allows only one photo.So continuing from the previous post I will discuss the above panoramic that I had taken on the previous trip.

Killarney Provincial Park was created due to the efforts of The Group of Seven.A Y Jackson Lake was named after one of the Group of Seven’s artist A.Y. Jackson.When I had first arrived at this location I saw great photographic potential here.I also realized that the best shooting would be early morning due to the sun’s path in relationship to the lake.The La Cloche’s white quartzite cliffs in the background would give a dramatic affect to the panoramic.

I made a couple early morning excursions to A.Y.Jackson Lake but found the conditions not to my liking.The lighting was off and there was wind.I finally succeeded on the third try one morning were by the sky was cloudy and the wind calm.I knew I was in luck when I when I drove into the parking space at George Lake.The reflections were beautiful.A short hike brought me to A.Y.Jackson Lake and I was treated to an amazing scene before me. I set my tripod up on top of a rock and proceeded to take four overlapping photos.What really helped make this panoramic was the fog in the La Cloche Mountains.

I set the zoom at 65 mm and the shutter speed was set to 30 sec @ f22.That finishes this post for this week.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Finally The Pay Off

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I woke up last Friday morning at 4:00 a.m. to a cloudy morning.It had rained that night.I loaded my photo gear and headed to Killarney Provincial Park.My destination was A.Y. Jackson Lake. The two previous trips had been unsuccessful.The road into Killarney was foggy at times and I had to slow down once for a deer crossing the road.I pulled into the parking lot on George Lake and before me were mirror images on the lake.I knew I had the possibility of some good shooting.I prayed that the wind would hold off.I quickly loaded my gear and hiked into Jackson Lake,being careful of slippery rocks.

I have to tell to that upon arrival at Jackson Lake I was treated to a spectacle that every photographer wants to see.My goal had been to get a panoramic on this lake.Well I will tell you it was before my eyes.We will discuss this later.There was fog on the La Cloche Mountains and later that morning the sun came out off and on.The above photo is a result of sun coming out and lighting up certain areas.It was a matter of watching and being ready.For the above photo I set the zoom at 44 mm  and the shutter speed was set to 1/4 sec @22

The highlight of the morning was being able to finally get a panoramic of Jackson Lake with the La Cloche Mountains in the background.The fog in the mountains really made this photo along with the wonderful lighting.

I proceed to capture a number of great shots this morning and by 9:00 a.m. the shooting was over as the wind finally picked up.I was tired but happy with a card full of great shots.You have to make many trips into these areas to get the shots you want and persistence does pay off. The Pano is below for your viewing.Be sure to click on the photo to see it fully.I am off on a two day trip into Killarney Provincial.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

Photography

The Continuing Adventures in Killarney Provincial Park

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The other day I was phoning around to the various canoe rental locations in hope of buying a good used canoe at a reasonable price.On making contact with Killarney Outfitters I was told that they had a couple of Souris River Canoes Quetico 17 available.

I picked up my partner Paul Smith and we headed for Killarney to have a look at the canoes and do a evening shot while we were down there.Upon arrival at Killarney Outfitters,we were met by Ted East and we inspected the canoes for sale.We made arrangement to take out one of the Quetico 17s on George Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.

We proceeded to load the canoe with our gear and headed up the lake.The Quetico weighs in at only 44 pounds being made out of Kevlar. The canoe handled like a charm and was quite stable.

We paddled half way up the lake and sited a likely photographic location.Paul and I unloaded our photographic equipment and I set up for the shot you see above.It was still too early in the day for good lighting.One of the problems that kept occuring was a slight gusting of wind that caused a small ripple on the water making it hard to get good reflections on the water.I waited about four hours before I got the shot I wanted and it so happen to be the last one that I took after the sun went down.Towards late evening the Blackflies appeared around us but they did not seem in the mood to bite.

The above photo was taken with a zoom setting of  90 mm and the shutter speed was at 3.2 sec @ f22.

To pass the time waiting to get the right conditions to take my shot I am always looking for other potential shots.To my right was a rock cliff full of color and edges.But what made it unique was the small Juniper bush growing there.I got as close as I possibly could and composed the above shot.There is just a touch of sunlight on the bush to add some character.The black stain on the rocks is caused by the water flowing down from up above.This photo has a story to tell.It is about a small Juniper bush surviving on a cliff face made possible by the running water and the ledge that it is growing .To create this story I chose to keep  the Juniper small in size.This allowed me to create a relationship of the plant with its environment.The rocks create a very good color to offset the green Juniper along with the rugged cliff face.It  also shows how small the bush is in relationship to the cliff face.The black stain indicates that the Juniper get the water it needs along with sunlight that is required to survive in its environment.I used a small amount of water on the bottom left to show where the running water ends its journey. All in all a life of survival.

I shot the above photo with a zoom setting of 135 and the shutter speed set to 1/6 sec @ f11

For more info on the Quetico 17 go to this website.

http://www.sourisriver.com/quetico_17.html

The Killarney Outfitters can be found here.

http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/

Well I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Adventures in Killarney Provincial Park

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I woke up to a nice sunny morning and proceed to pack my gear into the truck.I drove into Paul Smith’s yard and we load the canoe and Paul’s gear into my truck.We headed out and drove to Killarney Provincial Park.We stopped at the office store complex and Paul purchased a seasonal pass for vehicle parking.

Paul and I unloaded the canoe and camera gear and after storing everything into the canoe we headed up George Lake.We kept to the shoreline looking for photo possibilities as we paddled along.Looking around the lake it seems that most photo opportunities could be on the East  side of the lake.The West side is composed mainly of white colored rocks,with the South side having more color and patterns to work with.Being late morning the lighting was not good and a slight breeze had picked up.

We paddled into a small cove where we discovered a campsite. We decided to have lunch here and relax for an hour.Launching the canoe we paddled to the North end of George Lake to the first portage.There is a small man made dam here.Here we observed suckers spawning.I climbed a small bluff and gazing out over George Lake I could visualized a panoramic with two islands in the foreground.Paul had set up his tripod and camera with the intent of photographing the suckers in the clear water.I just relaxed and enjoyed the warmth and scenery before me.It would be awhile before the sun would go down and create the lighting we needed.

With the sun lowering towards the horizon we paddled back up George Lake into a bay we had seen coming down the lake and pulled into shore.What we saw here was many photo opportunities with lots of rock structure and color.The biggest problem was the wind.The wind was only a slight breeze but enough to create a ripple on the water at times.This meant playing the waiting game and shooting when opportunity presented itself.I created the above photo as a pano to highlight the structure,patterns and color that is in theses rocks.The zoom was set at 28 mm with a shutter speed of 1/4 sec @ f22.

Looking to my right was a series of rocks reflecting into the water creating patterns of lines that were parallel  to one another and looking like a series of arrow heads.I shot this scenic with the zoom set at 50 mm and a shutter speed  of 0.3 sec @ f25.

The sun was now below the horizon as we launched the canoe in the ever calm waters of the lake and paddled back to the landing.There is something about paddling along just out from shore in the half light and enjoying the scenery and peacefulness.

I exited the canoe at the landing and quickly headed to the site where I had photographed a composition the previous week.It was now getting pretty dark as I set up my tripod and camera.I was able to get the above photo with the zoom set to 50 mm and the shutter speed at 30 sec @ f22.As you can see different times and different locations can create different affects.Well that is it for now.We had a great day photographing,so until next time happy trails.

Photography

A Spring day at Killarney Provincil Park

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I drove into Paul Smith’s yard and told him he had three choices,stay home and do his own thing,Go photographing Sandhill Cranes or go to Killarney.It did not take Paul long to make up his mind.Killarney it was.We both enjoyed a cup of coffee before hitting the road to Killarney.This was not a well planned trip as we did not pack any lunch or water.It was a spur of the moment adventure.

The sky was cloudy with a light breeze,but there was no rain in the forecast.I drove into the Killarney Provincial Park parking lot.We proceeded to walk into the office and store where Paul conversed with a park official whom he knew.He showed us where to go to get good scenic views on George Lake and off we went.I drove through the camping area down to the beach area and parked.I noticed that there was a few campers here.

We noticed a rock outcrop in a small bay and headed in that direction.I fell in love with the parallel lines the rocks made into the water and if you count you will find there are eight points projecting into the bay.I set up my camera and tripod to capture the angle that you see and I also photo tight.I did not want to show broad leaf trees as they are still bare at this time.The wind was very light so it was a matter of waiting for a calm moment to capture some reflection in the water.I probably spent an hour and a half in this set up as the lighting kept changing.I shot the above photo with a zoom setting of 70 mm, the shutter speed set to 1/6 sec @ f22,I was able to capture this pleasing composition.

Walking along the beach I noticed two rocks positioned one ahead of the other in front of a point of land.The water was calm and the reflection was perfect.I took three shots here to create a panoramic. I also kept things tight here as there was swathes of leafless trees in the background.I shot this series of photos with a zoom setting of 100 mm nd the shutter speed set at 0.3 sec @ f22.

As I scanned the far shoreline I noticed this beautiful rock reflecting into the water.But what really caught my eye was the clump of birches also reflecting into the water.I put the two elements together in this photo by adjusting the position of the camera and tripod  and came up with this composition.Unfortunately there is a dock in front of the rock,but I can live with it.

The Poplar are now in flower while the Maple and Oaks have a reddish tinge to them now.It will not be long until Spring will be in full swing.Please check out my good friend Jan Winther’s new photographic blog.I am sure you will enjoy it.

http://imagesbyjw.com/

So until next time,happy trails.

Photography, Uncategorized

Hiking The Crack

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My photographic partner Paul Smith had been after me for some time to take a hike up to the Crack in Killarney Provincil Park.Back on October 11 I picked up Paul and we met Gary Leclair at the South End Canadian Tire parking lot in Sudbury. We load our gear into Gary’s mini van and headed to Killarney Provincial Park.Gary parked the van in the parking lot.

This is a very popular Provincial Park were the hiking trails are numerous.There are a lot of people taking advantage of this beautiful part of Northern Ontario to get out and go for a hike on scenic trails.

The three of us picked up the trail and started walking through a maple and birch grove of brightly colored leaves.Along the way I noticed a pond on our left.We made our way down to the pond.The wind was calm and being cloudy the lighting was very good.The first thing I saw was the small cliff face at the end of the pond.The rocks here are white quartzite that gleam.I set up the tripod and composed a shot by adding a small rock and a piece of wood reflecting in the water on the right.You will also notice evergreens on the right.I now had a lead in to the rock.There were a lot of bare trees now with no leaves so I kept the left side tight. The splash of orange and red on the cliff really brought out the picture.

I shot the above scene with a shutter speed of 0.4 sec @f22.The zoom was at 56.0 mm.

Looking around me I spotted this little island of moss and grass.There were these smallish reddish plants growing among the grass.You will also observe a group of white flowers growing here.The lighting was extraordinary and I set up the shot that you see above.The zoom was set at 135 mm with a shutter speed of 0.6 sec @ f22.

The three of us finished up shooting and we continued up the trail.We met numerous people hiking out and finally we approached the Crack.This is a split in the rock face that you have to climb to make the top.This last part of the hike consists of climbing up and over boulders.Your reward is an awesome panoramic view of lakes and the La Cloche Mountains before your eyes.I did not take any photos here as most of the hills were bare of color now.I will most certainly will be back next Fall.I have talked Paul into exploring the lakes below us next summer.

This a one and a half hour hike to the top of the crack.I enjoyed meeting Gary and hope to be in touch in the near future for another advendure.

For more info on Killarney Provincial Park you can check out there website

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/kill.html

Paul Smith’s website is here so check it out too.

http://paulsmithphotography.ca/

So until next time happy trails