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Photography

Adventures in OSA

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For most of the summer I heard glowing reports about the beauty of OSA Lake in Killarney Provincal.I was able to snag a four day trip into this famous lake for the second week of Maureen’s holidays.

With a one day lay over and to replenish our food supplies we pushed off from the beach at George Lake.It was a beautiful day for canoeing with light winds.We made our way to the first portage into Freemon. As we were hauling our gear over, another couple from British Columbia  came in.These folks were on a week long trip over to Baie Fine.

Chatting beifly as we loaded the canoe we finally headed up Freeland Lake to the Killarney Lake portage.As we approached the landing a canoe with two gentleman and a little three year old girl headed out into the lake.We were informed that they were a party of 15 kids from age 15 to 3 years old along with accompanying adults.I thought this was pretty cool.It is so nice to see young kids out enjoying themselves on a canoe trip with there parents.

We beached the canoe and proceeded to unload our Quebeco 17 when 2 Park Rangers appeared down the portage.After talking for a few minutes they asked us for our camping permits.After we showed our camping permits we had an interesting chat.They had been in the interior for four days checking campsites and cleaning them up.One of the Rangers showed us a bag of cigarette buts and beer cans.I hope that everyone who uses the Park campsites make sure that all garbage is picked up and brought out with them.Let us all keep this beautiful wilderness area free from garbage.

As we moved our gear to Killarney Lake a number of canoes pulled in to the portage.Maureen and I put our gear to the side while everyone unloaded and moved there gear over the portage.We were in no hurry as the day was young.We finally managed to get the canoe loaded and made our way into Killarney Lake.This lake has always impressed me for its scenic views.It was nearing lunchtime so we landed on a point with a nice view of the La Cloche Mountains.We also had a splendid view looking towards the East End of Killarney Lake.This was a day of nice big fluffy white clouds.Once we had eating lunch I took a few photos as a record and we just laid back and took into the scenic views around us.

It was a short paddle over to the OSA portage were we met two gentlemen on there way out.The OSA portage is 455 m and an easy walk through old forest growth.As we exited the portage onto a gravel beach at OSA, we took in the amazing scene before us.With crystal clear waters and an abundance of islands towards the West end of the lake.This lake is pretty much surround by the La Cloche Mountains coming down to the shoreline.

We proceeded to paddle to the West end of OSA lake to look for a campsite.We slowly made our way among the various islands admiring the many scenic views before me.As a photographer I was impressed with the many photographic opportunities that would be available.I also realized that there would have to be many trips into this lake to truly capture its beauty.I also foresaw a problem with the wind on this lake.OSA has a large expanse of open water that would lead to a wind problem.Lo and behold when this lake calms down there would be gorgeous shots with the mountains reflecting into the water.

We finally made our way to the 2nd last campsite on a point of land that was empty.Maureen and I proceeded to empty the canoe and get our campsite setup.Once the camp chores were finished I walked down to the East end of the campground to look over the lake.The first thing that caught my eye were four rounded peaks in a very pleasing setting.I called these four peaks the Four Sisters.I do not know if they have a name.

I turned to my left and noticed the bright reddish vegetation on the point of an island.I thought to my self that with the right lighting this would make a great shot.We had been here for a couple of days before I was able to get the above shot.The early morning light bathed the small trees by the reddish vegetation to create this neat composition.I did not have a whole lot of calm water but managed to get enough colored reflections to add the depth that I was looking for.

Well that is it for now.This journey is not finished and I will be back with more posts on this special trip into a must see lake.So until next time happy trails

Photography

A Magic Moment in Time

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Paul Smith and I spent a lazy afternoon on the beach enjoying the beautiful warm weather as we waited for the evening photo shot.At this time of year with the days becoming shorter it is no longer a long wait.It is so enjoyable to sit by the water observing the lighting and ever changing conditions.Paul and I sat at one of the picnic tables.People were coming and going.In most cases we would chat with them.One Japanese gentleman approached us and we had a discussion on photography.

Paul and I met Michal Podwapinski on the beach later in the afternoon.Michal had just finished a 2 week hike around the park.We spent a pleasant couple hours as Michal talked about his 2 week hike.

By this time evening was approaching.Paul and I quickly got ourselves set up for the evening shot.I returned to the same location as the photo in the previous post.We had some nice clouds available plus color.What also was interesting was that as the sun dropped below the horizon there was a nice reddish tinge in the sky.This in turn caused the beautiful reddish glow on the rocks.You have to be quick with your set up in these conditions as that magic moment will only last a very short period of time.Again being in the right place and time.It is called a magic moment in time.You must be able to recognize these conditions and act upon it.I believe this is what separates the good photographers from the ordinary photographers.

This lighting probably lasted for all of about 15 to 20 minutes and then was gone.Paul and I finally decided to call it a day.We had succeeded in getting some wonderful photos on a extraordinary day.We enjoyed conversing with other people at the park that day.It was just one of those Fall days where everything fell in place and was just enjoyable to be there.

So until next time happy trails.

Photography

A foggy Morning

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By now the light rays were peeking through the fog at the East end of Boundry Lake.The lake narrowed at this end of the lake before opening into a bay.The light rays filtered through this opening to create the effect that you see in the photo.In reality it is being in the right place at the right time.

Meanwhile Maureen was preparing breakfast as I was doing my photographing.Once the wind picked up and the fog dissapated it was time for a hot coffee.I bent down to retrieve my glasses off my camera bag only to discouver that the lense were completely frosted.It was colder than I thought.

With breakfast finished we repacked everything.It was time to head out.Maureen and I backpacked our gear over to David Lake and loaded the canoe for the trip down David Lake to the next portage.Upon nearing the portage we met a couple from Switzerland.They were here for a weeks canoeing in the Park.It is always nice to meet people in your trips and be able to discuss your adventures with them.We had an enjoyable chat with these folks through the portages.At the end of the last portage into Bell Lake a group landed at the portage.They were on a Father,Daughter weekend.

As we paddled up Bell Lake a squirrel swam across the lake in front of us.This was a first for me.We reached the landing in short order and another trip in the books.Maureen suggested we head for Killarney for fish and chips.I never refuse fish from Herbies Fisheries.The fish and chips are the best.

That is the end of this trip so will be back with another one shortly.So until next time Happy Trails.

Photography

Follow The Shoreline

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My wife and I are packing for our trip into David Lake this week.I thought that I would do a short post before we leave.The above photo was taken on David Lake from my previous trip with my daughter.

This photo was taken in the same location   as the photo in my previous post Four Days in David Lake.I shot this one must tighter by going vertical.This allowed me to focus more on the rocks yet still show a beautiful reflection.The early morning light was superb.This photo was set up so that your eye follows the shoreline .

The fall colors are still in the early stages here .Having said that I may not get much in the way of Fall colors this week.

Well that is it till I return next week sometime so everyone have a good week.So for now happy trails.

Photography

Setting The Mood

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As I was going through my files from the previous trip into David Lake in Killarney Provincial Park I came across this photo.When I process my files from a trip, it is usually the obvious photos that catch my eye that I will process. I will then will go back at a later date and go through the files looking for that hidden gem.

In the case of this photo I was really attracted by the cloud formation. With the dramatic lighting and the cloud structure available I took four exposures.The last exposure was taken to bring out the detail in the shoreline and island.The four photos of different exposures was processed in Photoshop using the HDR process. I use the HDR plug-in to open the shadows only then proceed to finish up in photoshop.

The above shot was taken at one of our campsites on David Lake. The wind was not co-operating and we were lounging around the campsite drinking hot chocolate.There was a good view of the sun going down.The cloud formation you see appeared with its  unique lighting.I was not long in setting up my tripod and camera. I was able to keep the island off – center and be able to keep the cloud formation in view.The sun was setting to the left so I purposely left it out.Due to the lighting on the trees I was able to keep the island from blending into the background.I think this is important as you can now create depth.

Well that is it for this post.I thought that I would share this very dynamic scene which shows the beauty that can be had in our Northern Ontario Forests.

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

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

This and That

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This has been an uneventful week in terms of photographing. I spent a few days with my three youngest grand kids at the beach and we had a blast. With that said,the above photo is a pano taken last week looking West of  George Lake.This was quite late in the morning so I felt quite fortunate to capture this scene.You will notice the rock on the left looks like a prehistoric crab with a tail.The La Cloche Mountains in the background along with the deep blue skies and water create a pretty scenerio.

At the 34th La Cloche Art show I was fortunate to place 1st in photography and along with that all three of my photos were sold.So thank you very much to the folks who brought my work.So that is it for this week.I hope to be back out next week so until then 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.