Tag Archives: Killarney Provincial Park

Photography

O S A Lake Part 3

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By now after a day and a half of rain,dampness along with cool temperatures the weather cleared up.It was now late Thursday afternoon.It is always interesting to watch the grey clouds moving past you and then you spot some blue sky.Within an hour the sky had cleared and the wind had switched to the West.Now it was just a matter of waiting for the evening light and hopefully the wind would calm down.O S A Lake is a large lake prone to windy conditions.I cooked up a meal of Uncle Ben’s rice and canned meat.A nice hot cup of tea to end the meal and we were ready to photograph.

Paul Smith and I had some decent photographing that evening,but you had to watch the wind.In the more open water the wind did not settle down.I captured the above scene on the South side of the island we camped on.I loved the rock structure the protruded out into the lake for its detail.I had photographed this same scene in June.But now I had Fall color and the water level was down considerably since June.Thus exposing more rock structure.There was an old length of a tree jutting into the lake.I put it into the bottom right of the picture.For once I had some decent cloud patterns.

At this time of year darkness comes early.Paul built up a fire and we enjoyed its warmth for a few hours.You could feel the air cooling down now and tomorrow we head home.Thank you everyone for your comments and coming for a visit.Until next time happy trails.

Photography

O S A Lake Fall 2012 Part 2

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Tuesday morning arrived to the sound of wind in the trees.This was a morning to sleep in.It was an uneventful day as we waited for the weather to change.On Wednesday morning we were able to put in some photographing time.As we paddled the shorelines I was looking for something different to work with.I particularly wanted to find some Fall colors  in among the evergreens.I was able to achieve that with the above composition.

Here you have a mix of orange,red and yellow for Fall colors nestled among the evergreens.When I first saw this I was straight on to the composition.By moving more to my left and setting up my Canon 7D on the tripod I feel I would give the scene a more 3D effect .The evergreens show various shades of green and there are shadows to create more depth.

I think that this photo printed on canvas as a gallery wrap in say a 24″x36″ size would look great on the wall.It will give you peace and harmony as you envision being on a far shoreline observing the scene before you.

Well that is it for this week.I will finish up the trip early next week.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

OSA Lake Fall 2012

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Monday morning dawned.I had loaded my Ford Explorer the previous night.The  Quetico 17 Kevler canoe was loaded the night before also.I am a big fan of the Quetico 17 made by Souris River.For more info check here.

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

After a quick stop to pick up my partner Paul Smith for this trip we were soon on the road to Killarney Provincial Park.This is about an hour and a half trip for us.A stop at the main office to obtain our permits ,we were soon loading the canoe and heading out into George Lake.

The winds were light,the sun was warm and the Fall colors were beautiful.The water levels on George Lake were good considering the dry summer we had.The paddling through Freeland was uneventful and we were soon over the Killarney Lake Portage into Killarney Lake itself.While at the portage I talked to four gentleman who were making there first trip into the interior.There destination was OSA Lake. As we paddled the West end of Killarney Lake it was noted that there were a few campsites taken.The water levels were low on Killarney Lake.

Arriving at the shorelines of OSA Lake is always breathtaking.The pebble beach at your feet,The La Cloche Mountains with white quartz rocks  on either side of you,the turquoise blue water stretching before you,the distant islands in the distance.The mountains were adorned with there Fall color. That is why this lake is a popular destination for many canoeist.

Two couples were portaging out  and they told us the big island was available.Paul and I made our way to the large island.We unloaded our gear and set up our chairs for a little rest before setting up the campsite.

Monday evening the winds started to calm down.Paul and I stayed on the island that evening to do our photographing.This is a good campsite to work from, for the variety of angles one can work with.Some areas of the lake the wind was calm while in other parts a ripple effect was left.I was able to capture the above scene by combining the La Cloche Mountains with a bit of the near shoreline.I set my Canon D7 on the tripod and shot two vertical images overlapping.This allowed for the inclusion of the near shoreline.The sky was quite interesting as well as the sky reflecting in the water.You will also get a glimpse of the lake bottom in the foreground.The colors on the mountain side was great.There is a bit of a pink hue on rounded mountain peaks.

The evening was cooling down now.It was a good idea to put on long johns before we went to bed that night.Paul got the fire going as the days are short with darkness coming early.It was nice to sit by the warm glow of the fire.The moon came up as we sat,casting its silvery light over the lake surface.We were soon off to bed.It was nice and warm in my sleeping bag thinking as to what dawn would bring us.

I will continue at a later date on this trip.It was to prove to be a different five days than the five day trip last year at this time due to the weather.Until next time happy trails.

Photography

Capturing The Moment

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Every once in a while you capture a scene that really catches your eye.With a combination  of color,mist and mood imparted before you.The lighting highlights on the trees,the soft mist to create the overall feel.There is a beached canoe on shore suggesting a campsite.As I was about to take this composition a small flock of Canada Geese flew in and landed.They quietly swam into a little cove.If you look close you can just make them out.I had to wait until the water calmed down again before beginning to record this shot.I had been walking the shore line of the French River at the Flat Rapids Campsite early one morning when I happened upon this particular site.

Now this was a large scene before me,so I took two shots overlapping about 40 % to create a small pano.This composition will most likely end up being a 20 x 50 gallery wrap.I am always happy when I can produce a scene as shown above that exemplifies  the beauty of our land.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This is one thing that I hope that through my work in our wilderness that I can show people the  pristine conditions of our many wilderness locations and what our Provincial Parks have done to preserve these special locations.The two Provincial Parks that I have explored come to mind.Killarney Provincial Park and the French River Provincial Park.To be on location to observe those special moments,when there is not a breath of air to be felt,calm waters reflecting and the presence of mist that so alters the scene before you into one of a calming mood at the start of a new day.Here you are away from the hustle bustle of civilization.Just you one on one with nature.So let us keep it this way, so many more can enjoy.This is our land so lets preserve it.

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

Photography, Poetry

I Am

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I am a White Pine

Perched high on a ridge

With a panorama view

Of the pristine waters

That flow below me

I am a prodigy

Of Mother Nature

I am old before my time

Stunted,bent and twisted

By the ravages of time

My roots like tentacles

Struggle to gain hold

On the rocky ledge

I am deprived of nutrients

In the shallow soil

I am a perch

For my feathered friends

A squirrel feeds on my seeds

But I am strong in spirit

With the will to survive

The above photo was taken at the Cranberry Bog in Killarney Provincial Park.The small pine tree attracted me along with the granite rocks.Using the grass and Lilly pads as a lead-in I created the above composition.

I would like to thank everyone for visiting and for those who have left a comment,thank you.So until next time happy trails.

 

 

 

Photography

The Cranberry Bog

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As I was driving South to Killarney Provincial Park late yesterday morning,I decided to hike the Cranberry Bog trail.As I was making my way along the Killarney highway a black bear  dashed across the highway,disappearing into the bush.

Entering the Park I drove down to the parking lot at George Lake.The parking spaces are at a premium at this time of year,but I managed to get my vehicle parked.Being near lunch time I grabbed a sandwich and bottle of water and sat at a picnic table on the beach.

The Cranberry Bog trail is a 4 km loop trail that is about 2.5 hours in duration.I decided to start at the hike by going up to A Y Jackson Lake.As I approached A Y Jackson Lake I noticed a couple sitting on a rock enjoying the afternoon scenery.Continuing on I turned off onto the left trail.A ruffed grouse ran across the trail ahead of me.The neck feathers were ruffled out,so this may have been a male.I was soon going uphill again.This end of the trail is the most rugged to traverse.The forest here is covered with large White Pine,Maple,Birch and oak.Another couple was hiking towards me and I was asked if I had seen any deer.They informed me that they would like to see a deer.After further discussion I continued on.As I was walking along I noticed acorns on top of flat rocks now and then.There was an abundance of chipmunks to be seen along the trail.The acorns were broken into pieces.Another critter that was quite common this day were half inch or smaller frogs hopping to the side of the trail.All told I must have seen four or five of them.

The trail was now skirting the Cranberry Bog.This is a very large wetland.The first thing I noticed was the beautiful Granite rock outcroppings situated here and there.This would be a great place in the Fall for fall colors.The North side of the bog is pretty much all Oak and Maple.You can also see a bit of the La Clothe Mountains in the background.

Following the trail I came across two ladies from Hamilton sitting on a rock outcrop painting.After a brief chat I continued on until I came upon a small wooden bridge running parallel to a beaver dam.The scene before me is what you see above.But taken in the evening.Heading back out the trail was easy going.I spotted a clump of mushrooms growing at the base of of White Pine.I setup the camera and tripod and produced a series of photos.

The trail exited near campsite 103 of the main campgrounds.It was now 3:00 pm.With time on my hands till evening I headed into the town of Killarney for a coffee.There is a restaurant on the waterfront that serves good coffee and fresh cinnamon buns.Returning to the park I set up my chair on the beach and read my novel

By early evening I was heading back into the Cranberry Bog.I went in by campsite 103.Upon arrival at the bridge I set up to take the above photo.There was heavy cloud cover moving in and the wind as not letting up yet.As I waited lily pads started moving in front of me.There was something moving underwater.I was able to follow its movement by watching the disturbed lily pads.Then in a small opening among the pads I made out the form of a turtle.I could just make out the moving feet.You never know what you will see.Around 8:00 pm I had a window of about 20 minutes to work with.With that said I set up and composed the above photo.The bridge is to my left out of sight.As you come up to the bog there is a rise of rock which I used for may foreground.Some of the beaver dam is seen on the left.This is a very nice rock structure here.It had caught my eye when I was first here.The wind was soon causing problems and it was time to head home.

While that is it for this week.I will be setting up my art work at the French River Provincial Park for two days this weekend.If you have time come for a visit.That is it for this week so happy trails.

 

Photography

Blue Skies and Rocks

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I will continue discussing my day trip into Killarney Provincial Park last Friday.One of my goals was to do some shooting in Little Shageleander Lake.I love this location for its rock structures along the shoreline.I have also produced some award winding photos here.

I set up for this composition at the only campsite on this lake.I added shoreline in the foreground and the left side of photo.There was a beautiful blue sky along with nice white clouds.This composition was a two shot pano.I darken the sky a bit to enhance the tree line for better effect.When you have reflections in the water you will find very interesting patterns with a rocky shoreline.Being well into summer there are now lily pads floating on the surface.Some folks may consider them a nuisance in this type of photo.I consider the lily pads a part of the scene and at a later date you will know that you took this photo during mid summer.

Well that is it for this week.Thank you for visiting and I enjoy the comments.So until next time happy trails.

 

 

 

Photography

A Great Day at The Park

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4:00 am comes early.I had about an hour and a half drive to Killarney Provincial Park to catch the dawn shooting.Stopping at Tim Hortons for a take out coffee I was soon on Hwy 69 heading South. The drive was uneventful and I was soon parked at the main campsite on George Lake.The wind was blowing over the lake which meant no photographing that morning.I now had to wait till evening and hope that the wind would calm down.

I past most of the day by going into the village of Killarney and parking in the Park by George Lake and reading my ebook.At 3:00 pm I loaded up my gear and started hiking into Little  Sheguiandah Lake. It was a hot,humid afternoon.The mountains were hazy.As I breasted the first ridge puffing a bit I met a couple coming back out.We chatted about photography for a few minutes before I continued on.At this time of year Killarney Provincial Park is a very busy place.I made my way around to the East side of Little Sheguiandah Lake. As I approached the shoreline of George Lake I noticed a fair number of people swimming.There is only a very narrow piece of worn rock separating Little Sheguiandah Lake from George Lake.I found myself a shady spot under a Pine tree and now had to wait till evening

By evening the wind calmed down and I proceeded to photograph around Little  Sheguiandah Lake.Once done I made my way back to A Y Jackson Lake. I arrived  at A Y Jackson to a nice calm surface.There was a couple sitting on the rock that I usually set up to do my shooting.I asked if I may set up my tripod beside them.They responded that it was okay.As I was setting up  the couple were asking about the North Country.This was there first trip this far North and were heading to Sault Ste. Marie  the next day

As I was standing there my eye was drawn to a point on my right.The trees were glowing on this small point of land.The sun near the horizon was going in and out of the clouds.Being hot and humid there was some interesting lighting being created on the scene that I composed as shown above.Darkness was soon approaching as I made my way back down to my Ford Escape.Happy and tired I was on my way home.Another great day at the park.

Well that is it for this week.Thank you for stopping by and until next time happy trails.

Photography

An Interesting Point

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On my previous trip to O S A Lake in Killarney Provincial Park we camped on a large island.The island is large enough to allow many photo opportunities. Walking the shoreline I spotted this interesting little point jutting out into the lake.It contained beautiful structure detail that was enhanced by the reflections created in the water.So using the point as my foreground,the small rock island as my middle ground and the forested La Cloche Mountains for the background I was able to create the above composition.

The late evening sun was highlighting the Maple trees on the hillside giving a nice yellowish glow to reflect into the water.Looking at the point in foreground you will see blue on certain parts of the rocks.If I was to remove this blue you would get a dull grey color.I do not know if this is due to the camera’s sensors or the late evening lighting.I have come across this many times with the type of rock structure found in the La Cloche Mountains.

Well that is it for this week as I have been busy preparing for The Killarney Art Show this coming Saturday and Sunday.If you are in the area stop in at the show.There will be many very good artists there.25 %  of all purchased art work goes to The Friends of Killarney to help them in there many projects at Killarney Provincial Park.You can check there website here.

http://friendsofkillarneypark.ca/joomla/

While you are in Killarney enjoy some of the best fish and chips at the waterfront. Till next time happy trails.

Photography

When The Rains End

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I awoke one rainy morning to the sound of rain drumming on the tent fly.Peering out the tent door I could see fog on the La Cloche Mountains,the wind was picking up and there was a chop on the surface of O S A Lake.Emerging from the tent I ducked into the tarp we had set up for days like this.Soon I had a hot coffee brewing and along with a bagel had breakfast.It was now just a matter of waiting.

By mid morning the rain had quit and the wind was not as strong.The hills had some nice mist and there was stiil  stormy clouds on the horizon.I set up for the above composition to capture the moment.There was a large expanse of water in front of me that I did not want to show.Using the narrows as the foreground,thus eliminating unnecessary water I took a series of shots.I liked the fact that the foreground was dark which gives contrast to the over all mood and adds to the depth.It was also a matter of watching the mist moving through the hills and waiting for the right amount.

By noon it cleared up.It became another beautiful day on O S A Lake.Well that is it.Until next time happy trails.