Tag Archives: Lake

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

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

What is Behind the Campsite.

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This past Friday myself,my daughter and son-in-law headed for Muriel Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.We had to cover 5 lakes and 4 portages to the campsite.We did not get away till 4:00 that afternoon.A quick check into the park office for camping permits and we were soon loading the canoe at the George Lake beach.We decided to eat a quick supper before we left.It turned out to be a very hot weekend.

Launching the canoe we were off on our adventure.George Lake is about a 40 to 50 minute paddle to the first portage of 90 meters. Off loading our gear we quickly carried over to Freeland Lake and headed to the next portage.The wind was light so the going was easy.Freeland Lake has a fair amount of vegetation in the form of lily pads.

The Killarney Lake portage soon arrived and we carried all our gear and canoe over.This was a 380 meter carry over.You could feel the heat.Once out into the open water the beauty of the La Cloche Mountain system is much evident.We had a short canoe paddle at the upper end of Killarney Lake to get to the carry over into O S A Lake.There are a lot of campers at this time of year and most folks are friendly.

We quickly hauled over the 455 meters to O S A Lake.This lake is one off my favorite lakes to photograph.Launching into the turquoise blue waters,the sun fading,we made our way to the West end of the lake.Arriving at our last portage we made haste to make it over to Muriel Lake.This portage was 595 meters.By this time it was now dark.There was enough light to make our way to the West end of the lake.There are two campsites at this location.We chatted with one of the campers who told us were the campsite was.

We arrived at the general location of this campsite and proceeded to search for it on shore with flashlights.My son-in-law located it and we unloaded and got the tent setup.The mosquitoes are bad here once the sun goes down.I was tired so off to bed I went.

The above photo was a panoramic that I took the following evening.At the time it was hot and muggy.As I strolled along a path behind our campsite I came across this beautiful,serene scene.This would make a different take on what I usually photograph.I set the Canon 7d to take multiple exposures at different shutter speeds.With The camera set at vertical I proceeded to do six shots to cover the whole scene that you see above.

When I got home I processed each set of exposures in HDR.Then I did a photo-merge in Photoshop to create the 20″x60″ photo.I did not do any processing in HDR.This is a great way to bring out the shadow details.With the La Cloche Mountains in the background and reflecting into any open water,the various shades of green and grey deadheads over the swampy area added up to an interesting shot.

Well that is it for now.I will continue the story at another date.So until next time happy trails.

 

Photography

Onaping Lake

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Last Friday Gerard Leduc and myself loaded up my Ford Explorer with camping gear and photographic equipment.We departed at 6:00 a.m. and headed North on Hwy 144 to Onaping Lake.This is a lake that is 48 miles long with 2200 miles of shoreline.A lake of many channels and islands.Well known for its Walleye fishing.

It was a pleasant one and a half hour drive,with one stop to grab a Tim Horton‘s coffee.We turned off onto the Onaping Lake Road.After a short drive we were soon at the Lake Onaping Lodge owned by George[Jack] & Sandra Element.After a pleasant conversation with Jack ,we were set up with a boat and motor for the trip up the lake.

We had a 25 mile trip by boat to East Bay.Gerard drove the boat while I sat up front with a map,navigating. We had a good trip up other than going into a dead end  bay.We backtracked and I soon had us back on course. This is a lake of many channels and islands.It was not long before we reached East Bay and started searching for a campsite.The MNR maintain campsites on Onaping Lake.We discovered a campsite on large island that also had two cabins maintained by one of the lodges.

Unloading our gear we soon had our campsite set up and sat back to enjoy the scenery.As we were relaxing,a bald eagle flew overhead.As late afternoon approached we headed out to do some fishing .One of the things we wanted to do was catch fresh fish for our suppers.That we succeeded in doing.The evening turned out not suitable for photographing.We explored our immediate surrounding looking for suitable composition that evening.When darkness came the mosquito came.Most evenings we were in bed at nightfall.The mosquito made it uncomfortable to sit outside.

With daybreak arriving we had calm waters. The above photo was one of the many compositions I made that morning.The sun was just peering over the East horizon,casting a yellow,orange glow on some of the trees.This lake is blessed with lots of rocky shoreline to add some real character to the photos.After about an hours shooting we lost the good shooting light.It was now time to head back to camp for a good breakfast and hot coffee.

While that is it for this week.Thank you everyone for your comments and to those folks who have subscribed to my blog.Much appreciated. So until next time happy trails.

Photography

In Search of a Photo

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Paul Smith and I headed back down to Killarney Provincial Park on the past Monday.It was mid morning with clear sunny skies.The wind was light.After receiving our camp permits we loaded the canoe and launched into George Lake.One thing that we noticed was that the fire danger was set at low.

Reaching the East end of George Lake,we made a quick haul over to Freeman Lake.It was an uneventful trip to the Killarney Lake Portage.There were a few mosquitoes on the trail,but nothing serious.It is always a joy to canoe Killarney Lake with its clear turquoise colored  waters.As we paddled through the channel we spotted a female Common Merganser on a log, head tucked under a wing sound asleep.Our presence did not even disturb her.

Paul and I decided to set up camp at the first campsite on Killarney Lake.Quickly setting up camp, we soon were relaxing in our camp chairs.It is always a pleasure to just sit back to enjoy the beauty of what nature has to offer.

It was not long before I had a package of Uncle Ben’s rice cooking on the propane stove.I added cooked chicken breast pieces to give it body.This makes for a nice meal.I set up to make us a pot of tea and guess what.I had left the coffee and tea at home.Oh well we survived quite well without the caffeine.

The lake was calming down quite noticeable as even approached.We gathered our camera gear  and paddled back down to the portage.The first thing we noticed along the portage shoreline were large a large set of moose tracks that were not there when we first hauled over that afternoon.The above photo was the result of that evening of photographing.You can notice beautiful back lighting on the trees on the point to the left of the photo.I included  the deadheads standing to the right to add more interest to the composition.The reflections lead you into the center of the photo.

Paul and I returned to camp knowing that we had captured a pretty decent photo.We had always passed through this area at the wrong time of day on our way to other lakes in the Park.

The next evening was not so successful  as the wind never calmed down.As we sat by the shore we watched a Trumpeter Swan circle in front of us.A male Common Merganser went flying by us with two female Common Mergansers in pursuit just above the lake’s surface.A Black Cormorant landed on the far shore. Flocks of Canada Geese flew overhead.The Common Loon pair were always present drifting in front of us.Then towards dusk a Blue Huron passed by heading to its roost. A busy evening for bird life on the water.

We woke up at daybreak but there was to be no photographing.Packing up our gear we were soon on the water heading for home.The wind was light so we made good time.As we approached the George Lake portage a pair of Common Loons were spotted near the shore on Freeman Lake.Quietly paddling we were able to get within 15 feet and I let the canoe drift as the Loons followed the shoreline .Paul did the photographing and I kept the canoe on course.This went on for a good 10 minutes before the Loons dived and were soon too far ahead of us.In short order we reached the beach on George Lake.Loaded everything into my Explorer and another great trip in the bag.

Well that is it for this week so until next time happy trails.

Photography

The Trail to Grace Lake

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This was our first trip into the Killarney Provincial Park interior 2012.I had booked 5 days into Grace Lake.This was one of the lakes that was popular with some members of the Group of Severn.I had spent the previous week packing and cooking for this trip that would consist of my daughter Maryjean and I.Monday morning arrived and off we went.The weather was excellent and the wind was light.

We drove West on hwy 17 to the Espanola turnoff,then onto hwy 6.We drove through the town of Espanola heading South.It was not long before we saw the sign for the Widgawa Lodge turnoff.We drove down a gravel road and were soon at the lodge.Widgawa Lodge is located on the West River which would take us into Charlton,Frood and Cranberry Lakes.The lodge is Ponderosa style with a very friendly atmosphere. We had a great time chatting with Cornelia and Joshhua owners of the Widgawa Lodge.These folks are very friendly and make you feel at home right away.If you are interested in making bookings here,by all means check out there website

http://www.widgawalodge.ca or contact them by email: info@widgawalodge.

Widgawa Lodge is also were you have to check in before heading into the West end of Killarney Provincial Park.

Once we obtained our camping permits we quickly unloaded the canoe and stored our gear required for the trip.We would not be coming out until Friday.Launching the canoe we made our way to the mouth of West River.There were painted turtles sunning themselves on the logs as we guided by.Hitting the open water we made our way to Willisville forty minutes away.At Willisville there is a narrow channel to pass through into Frood Lake.Reaching the South end of the channel we turned East and paddled through Frood Lake into Cranberry Lake.After 2 hours and 15 minutes of paddling we found the portage into Grace Lake at the end of Cranberry Lake.Upon unloading the canoe we donned our backpacks and started our trek of 1370 meters.This is getting close to a mile. This will be the longest portage I have done so far. As we moved along we soon discovered that this portage was up hill in a lot of places.It was not long before we crossed a pretty little crystal clear creek that ran over gravel and boulders. By  this time we were getting thirsty and hot.I love it when I can quench my thirst in clear cold water.This creek starts at Grace Lake and empties into Cranberry Bay.Picking up our packs we continued along the portage with a few blackflies looking for blood. There is a big boulder beside the trail about the half way mark, where one can take a breather.By putting my backsack on top of this rock I was able to lean against the boulder with the weight of the backpack off my shoulders.

One of the things I have always enjoyed traveling the various portages in the Park is the beautiful old trees you see.This portage was no exception.From towering Hemlock,majestic White Pine and Birch trees dotting the landscape.The portage into Grace Lake also has its share of old yellow birch that are solitary by nature.

By this time Maryjean and I were starting to feel the effects of all the climbing along with the warm weather.My legs were aching now.All of a sudden we burst out on to the shoreline of Grace Lake.I have to tell you there was a magnificent scene before us.The lake was dotted with islands and surrounded by the white quartz rocks of the La Cloche Mountains.

We took a short break, enjoying the vista before us before heading back down the trail to get the canoe.The good thing was that having no load to carry and mostly downhill travel we made good time back to Cranberry Lake.We proceeded back up the trail with the canoe.Maryjean and I took turns shouldering the canoe along the portage and by the time we returned to Grace Lake both of us were sore and stiff.The wost was over as we loaded up and canoed along the lake shore checking out the campsites.Grace Lake appears to be approximately 2 kilometers long with the East end being the widest and open water.There is quite a number of small islands locate on this lake.We chose the campsite North side of the lake about the middle.

Unpacking the gear,the tent was quick to go up and before long supper was heating up.The black flies were not that much of a problem as the wind was blowing.For that matter the wind never did cease that evening and we were not able to do any photographing.Being tired with lots of aching muscles we retired as darkness approached  for a good nights sleep.

I will continue my tale of photographing in Grace Lake at a latter date so until next time happy trails.

Photography, Poetry

La Cloche Mountains

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Like strokes of a Painter’s brush

A swath of color here

A dash of color there

The mountains come alive

In the early morning light

The surface of the lake

Awash in reflective color

Of the surrounding hills

A touch of mist

On the far shoreline

Fallen leaves drifting aimlessly

Before the morning breeze

As the sun emerges

Over the eastern horizon

Splashing its golden glow

On the emerging mountains

From the shadows of night

A far rocky point is awash

With tentacles of sunlight

The sun now reaching

The depths of the shoreline

The trees alive with morning light

A small pine tree

Alone on a near point

Glowing from the sunlight

Like a warning beacon

To attract passing canoeists

Thus concludes a wonderful

Fall morning to be found

Amongst the La Cloche Mountains

The above photo captured what is a common site in the La Cloche Mountain Range on a beautiful Fall Morning.The mountains are awash in there colors of orange,red and yellow along with the various shades of green.It something to cherish when you can have this opportunity to enjoy this wilderness beauty.To breath in the cool crisp air and smell the surrounding forest in your nostrils.

The photo was taken at O S A Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.This beautiful lake is nestled amongst the La Cloche Mountains.Well that is it for this week.Thank you everyone for stopping by for a visit.Until next time happy trails.

Photography

Sunsets

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This was an exposure that I had taken last Fall on O S A Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.O S A Lake has a rocky shoreline that I love to create a composition with.I was on an island facing West.The sun had set behind another island with a reddish glow filtering through the trees for a nice effect.So quickly looking around I saw some boulders going to the right of me.There was an opening in the boulders were the rocks were smaller and reddish colored.Setting my tripod to half its height I composed this shot.I used Photoshop to darken the outer edges of the photo so that the eye follows a path from the rocks in front to the island.

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

Photography

Killarney Lake

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One of the many lakes found in Killarney Provincial Park that offer picture book settings.Killarney Lake is nestled in the La Cloche Mountain system.With sapphire colored water and surrounded by white quartz mountains that  creates a picture of serene beauty.Killarney Lake runs in a East, West direction with a large open expanse of water.There are two islands located at the East end of the lake that offer some interesting photo compositions.But bear in mind that the wind can create a problem due to the open expanse of water.There are portages at each end of the lake.The West end portage will take you int OSA Lake.The portage at the East end of the lake goes into Norway Lake.

I just returned from Midland,Ontario where I attended the Quest For Art 8th Annual Juried Art Show.I had both my works accepted.There was a good turn out and I enjoyed meeting a lot of new people.If you are in the area stop in at the gallery and enjoy the show.

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