Tag Archives: Northern Ontario

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

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

Looking Back From Where We Came

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I had been busy photographing the scene in the previous post.It was such a beautiful evening.The wind was co-operating for a change.It was now getting on to late evening.My partner Gerard Leduc and I  had gone ashore at another location to photograph some small islands.Struggling through the shoreline bush ,looking for an opening,I happened to look back towards where we had come from.

A marvelous scene was before me.Clouds,Reflections and rocks.Beautiful.But what also caught my eye was the sunlight on the trees in the background.Wow.I quickly set up the tripod,mounted my Canon 7D and proceeded to create the composition you see above.

I used the reflections in the foreground to lead your eye to the sunlit background and cloud formation.

Well that is it for this week.I would also like to thank the folks who have subscribed to my blog.The subscriptions are now at 104.So thank you very much.Your comments are welcome.If anyone has any questions be free to ask.

I was selected to the 35th La Cloche Juried Art Show with a first place showing.This is a great show put on by wonderful people.It is a week long event.

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

Photography

Around The Bend,Onaping Lake

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As Gerard Leduc and I slowly motored in and around large and small islands.I was on the lookout for photographic compositions.We had already eaten supper and it was still early evening.As we moved in and out of various channels I noticed the above location.At the moment the lighting was still harsh.I figured another hour would be needed for the sun to get lower in the sky and soften up the scene.This particular set up had very strong side-lighting.I truly love this type of set up when I can find it.

After a waiting for the sun to get lower on the horizon we headed to a predetermined location to set up our camera gear.With the suns location we had the background a bit darker and the foreground awash with sunlight.This gives separation front to back.The rocky shoreline breaks up all the green and yellow that predominates the scene.The calm waters gave a lovely reflection adding to the overall scene.

I shot the scene by bracketing.There being so much differential in the lighting.When I returned home I was thus able to process the images in a HDR program.But I went straight into Photoshop to finish it off.I did not want to create a HDR image.I only wanted to open the shadow areas.

Well that is it for this week.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

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.

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, Poetry

Streamside

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Sitting by a pool
Of a slow moving stream
Not a breath of air
Stirs amongst the trees
Wispy clouds floating overhead
A Swallow-tailed butterfly yellow and black
Skims the water’s surface
The mosquitoes and black flies
Are now abundant
With the approach of dusk
Sunlight filtering through the trees
Brush the stream side shrubs
With a touch of gold

The pool is now
Like a painter’s canvas
Reflecting the surrounding landscape
Of yellow and green
A scene of beauty and harmony
To be one with nature

My good friend Gerard Leduc and I traveled up the Westbranch behind Webbwood   a few days ago.It was a beautiful evening to be out.As we drove along the Wakanasin River,we noted the low water levels.Our first stop was Gordon Chutes to allow Gerard to do some photographing.

We continued our journey North.Every once in awhile a logging truck passed us in cloud of dust.This meant we had to pull over until there was visibility.Being early in the evening we were in no hurry and at about the 80 km mark we pulled over for supper.I always carry a cooler of food,thermos of tea and my camp chair.We had parked by a small lake.Spending a relaxing half hour here,we soon head back the way we came.

I had a location at a small stream that I was trying to get a good photo.The problems had always been  with the wind,water level too high or the lighting was  just bad .After a very short hike off the road we arrived at the said location.The water level was good allowing for a nice reflection.The wind was non exiting.The lighting was awesome.

The result was the above photo.By watching your lighting as the sun dips further to the horizon you can observe different effects as to what the lighting will do to the landscape.By taken many shots you can determine the composition you like best.This particular composition took 2 years to accomplish.Patience is the name of the game.

It was not long before we lost the lighting effects.Packing up our gear we headed back to the truck knowing that maybe we had some good photos to work with.

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

Photography

An Evening on O S A Lake

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As the evening faded to twilight the lake surface became mirror like,creating beautiful reflections.The lighting was wonderful creating highlights here and there.Clouds appeared to the North East.There was a cast of color on the Eastern horizon.

I added shoreline along with a Juniper bush to the foreground to add to the depth of the composition.As Paul Smith and I were photographing we observed two large flocks of Canada Geese flying overhead.We estimated that there was close to 175 geese in the two flocks.We were able to observe them morning and evening as they passed over the lake.

Dusk finally arrived.The mosquitoes were humming around us by now. It was time to retire for the night.Hopefully the wind will still be calm at daybreak.

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

 

Photography

O S A Lake Spring

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Wednesday morning,clear blue sky and warm temperatures.I pulled into Paul Smith’s yard.Having loaded Paul’s gear in we were soon on the road.We stopped in Lively for gas and a Tim Horton‘s coffee and were soon driving down Hwy 69 to Killarney Provincial Park.

I pulled into the parking lot at the main entrance to the Park.Entering the Park office we were met by Kris Puhvel executive director for Friends of Killarney.We had a brief chat with Kris,then obtaining our camp permits we headed out.We were informed that there was a fire ban in effect.

We quickly loaded our gear into the canoe and were on our way to the East end of George Lake.As we approached the portage into Freeland Lake a yearling black bear was sitting on the shore among the grass observing us,minding his own business.Unloading the  canoe we proceeded to carry our gear over the short portage.As I was walking a good size water snake crossed in front of me into the water. On my return trip I spotted a male Hummingbird on the ground.I placed the colorful little fella in the palm of my hand and looking him over did not see any damage and he was alive.I  then placed him in the shade of a tree while Paul sprinkled water around him.We launched our canoe into Freeland Lake were we discovered our friend the young black bear was now rambling along the shoreline looking for food.

The portage over to Killarney Lake was soon accomplished.Here we met a young couple coming out.There were a few mosquitoes here to annoy you.But we soon left them behind as we made our way into beautiful Killarney Lake.The wind was light and before you know it we were at the O S A Lake portage.Here we were met by a pair of Canada Geese with six little goslings standing on shore. The geese entered the water as we pulled in and soon disappeared up the shoreline.

The portage into OSA Lake is one of my favorites with its open stands of large Maple trees.The sun filtering down from above  through the forage to dapple the forest floor.Here you can spot tracks of whitetail deer and enjoy the wild flowers such as Johnny Jump ups.Reloading the canoe Paul and I paddled West on OSA Lake to a campsite on a large island.Before long our campsite was in place and we sat down to relax and enjoy the surroundings.Exploring the island we discovered a  number of possible compositions.With luck the wind would calm down and we could do some photographing.

That evening our wishes came true and I captured the above scene.Early Spring the deciduous leaves are a nice yellow green in color.With the darker evergreen colors along with warm light you can achieve some very nice effects.The above composition is a result of this.The rock point in the foreground adds color and depth.The bit of forage on the rocks added to the scene as well.The reflections add a nice filler to tie everything in.

Well that is it for this week.I have not had time to read everyone’s blog so I apologize for that as I am very busy.So until next time happy trails.