Tag Archives: Northern Ontario

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

Over to Boundary Lake

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It is Wednesday morning and I am continuing from the previous post of our five day trip. After a leisure breakfast of coffee and bagels we proceeded to pack up our camp gear.Our destination was to head over into Boundary Lake for a couple nights.We had never been there before.

We paddled to the upper end of David Lake and crossed over to the South shore.We had to do some searching but soon found the portage to Boundary.Donning our packs we hiked up the portage.Off the lake the portage was steep.Maureen disappeared ahead of me so I figured I would meet her at Boundary Lake.When I arrived at the end of the portage there was no Maureen.But I did view a really beautiful scene at the East end of the lake.Mean while I had to find my wife.

Returning back up the portage there was Maureen coming with a big grin.She said oops.The portage crossed over the hiking trail.Maureen had turned left onto the hiking trail.She met up with a couple hiking the trail and they redirected her onto the right trail.

Basically the portage was a steep climb one way and a long winding walk downhill.At Boundary we had to carry everything down to the lake shore before proceeding to the campsite.We met another couple coming out.We  finally arrived at the campsite and unloaded everything. There is only one campsite for canoeing and one for hikers.The campsite we were at was nice but the view was not as good as the previous campsites we had been to.

Wednesday and Thursday turned out cold and windy with not much in the way of photographic opportunities. Thursday, Maureen and I canoed along the lake shore.As we emerged from between two islands Maureen spied a Whitetail Deer along the far shore line.We quietly edged the canoe towards the deer.It turned out to be a eight point buck.

Thursday night we both agreed to get up at 5;30 and pack our gear and head to the landing.There I would try to get some photographing in and we would have breakfast after the mornings shot.

Friday morning arrived cold and foggy.We rough packed our gear and quickly made our way over to the landing.There was a bit of wind dancing here and there on the surface of the lake.It turned out to be a great morning to photograph.The above scene is one of the many photos I captured.This particular photo is interesting as the sun peeking through the fog lit up the side of the hillside to add some dramatic lighting.The fog creates mystery and depth to the photo.There is some fall color on the hillsides.We are a few weeks away from full color.

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

Photography

The Right Lighting

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The sun was slowly creeping over the horizon behind me as I watched the play of light on the landscape.I always have enjoyed this part of photographing watching my surroundings as the various parts of the landscape begins to light up.It is interesting to watch the lighting paint the tree tops in front of you.The higher ground is the first to receive the morning sunlight.In this case the sunlight painted the top of the La Cloche Mountains.Then a strong beam of light lit up the trees on the left with paths of light touching the ground.Add to this to the beautiful reflections in the water can create a beautiful photo.The rocks reflecting in the calm water create geometric patterns that are intruding.

Now you will not get these effects every trip out.There are days when this will not happen.In most cases when you have this type of event it only occurs for a very short period.Be ready for it.It helps to know your surroundings and it may take many trips to achieve the desired results.So until next time 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

Photographing The Unusual.

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When I am out photographing I am always on the outlook for something different to work with.While we were camping on David Lake I observed this stump by our campsite.It had the right ingredients for a composition.One morning the water was fairly calm and the morning

sun was providing the right amount of lighting.The stump had beautiful abstract colors around it in a slight ripple effect.I placed the stump with its vegetation growth closer to the bottom edge of the photo.I liked the effect the red flowers added to the photo.These type of shots do not come often but when I find them I will wait for the right conditions and set up

Photography

Final Day – David Lake

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Saturday morning we continued exploring David Lake looking for the various campsites and decided that we would camp back at the upper end of the lake.Returning to our campsite we began packing our gear when three canoes rounded the point in front of the campsite.I hailed the gentlemen,asking if they would like our campsite for the night.They thanked us  and came a shore. We had a pleasant chat while loading up the camp equipment.These six gentleman were all from Southern Ontario on their yearly canoe trip.Guys the photo in the first post is where you campsite was.

So far we had been lucky with the weather,but that was about to change.We had paddled about half way up the lake when the rains started.It literally poured.Upon our arrival at the chosen campsite we quickly set up camp and crawled into the tent soaking wet.It was a miserable afternoon with heavy downpours along with thunder and lightning all around us.To make matters worse Maryjean’s tent had some bad leaks.

By evening the storm let up, allowing us to get a fire going. Everything that was wet we laid  out to dry by the fire.A nice hot supper and cup of tea sure hit the spot.

The next morning didn’t bring much in the way of photographing.We had a leisure breakfast as the skies cleared up.Once all was packed we started our journey home.It was an uneventful trip back out.We met folks coming in and ran into the six gentleman whom we had meet the day before.We finally returned to Killarney Kanoe on Bell Lake .It is always with regret that as we loaded the vehicle up for the drive home that it is sad to have to leave this beautiful Park.But at the same time we are looking forward to our next trip in.

So until next time happy trails.

 

Photography

Four Days on David Lake

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Three of us embarked Thursday on a four day canoe trip into David Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.The party consisted of my daughter Maryjean and my grandson Coye,plus myself. We loaded up the Quebeco 17 canoe at Bell Lake.I opted to portage out of Bell Lake as oppose to hiking through the Clearsilver Lake area by way of Johnny Lake.

We arrived at the first portage where we met a couple and there teenage daughter and son.They were on there way home. We had a pleasant chat with these folks before hauling our gear and canoe over the 745 meter portage.

When Maryjean went back up the portage to retrieve some remaining gear she discovered that one of the sleeping bags had rolled down into the lake. Stripping she swam out and rescued the sleeping bag.When she met up with me I was informed of the incidence and we had a good laugh.

Before moving on we had some bannock that I had made up the day previous.Great for chewing on.Pushing off we paddled up this swamp lake towards the next portage.This portage was short,only 200 meters.There was a small waterfalls just off the trail so we went and had a look.

Upon entering David Lake we were faced with a good headwind.We did okay paddling up the lake.We located a nice sheltered campsite.Once we got the campsite set up a break was in order with a nice hot cup of coffee.

While we enjoyed a supper of baked rice and chicken breast a Common Merganser Hen with nine half grown babies were observed in a shallow cove by the campsite.They were splashing and diving in the shallows.

By now it was six p.m. and the wind was not calming down.Launching the canoe we headed out to explore the lake.As we paddled, I sighted the mergansers on a flat rock with her brood settled in for the night.The bottom end of David Lake consists of a large number of islands and many rocky points.As twilight approached we built up a fire where by we roasted hotdogs and had hot chocolate before turning in.There is something to be said about a wilderness setting at twilight as you sit by the water overlooking the lake. Off in the distance you hear the lonesome call of the loons as the night settles in.

The above shot was taken the next morning at daybreak.It always amazes me how these type of rocks look early in the morning or evening.Throw in the bonus color in the sky and you get a very rewarding photo.

The recipe that I used for bannock is as follows.

3 cups of flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

You then add raisins and nuts.

I also add what ever fruit is available.

Mix all this together and add water or milk.

Cook in a frying pan or wrap around a stick and hold over the fire.

I will continue the trip in a couple days so until next time happy trails

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

Ruth Lake Day 2

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I awoke at 5:30 am the next morning.Nudging Maryjean awake I crawled out of the tent.There was cloud cover this morning but the waters were fairly calm.Towards the far shore the wind was rippling the water slightly.It was one of those mornings when you had to be patient and wait.

The above photo was the result of waiting for the right moment.I find that daybreak produces much cooler temperatures than evening.You need to wait for the sun to appear before the warm colors show.Once the sun starts peeping over the horizon you get light beams here and there filtering through the trees. This is what enhances your photos. the island and point on Ruth Roy also helps create a pleasing panoramic.There was cloud cover that morning to enhance the photo with a pinkish glow in the sky.

As morning progressed the wind picked up and the lighting became too intense, it was time to put the coffee pot on.Maryjean had been busy doing her own photographing with tips from Dad.We both sat back to enjoy breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee.Mornings are special for the tranquility and peacefulness that can be had in a wilderness setting.

By mid morning it was time to pack up and load the canoe. Maryjean and I launched the canoe and were soon at the portage to Johnny Lake. On arrival to Johnny Lake we leisurely paddled along the shore line back to Bell Lake. We noticed that a lot of campers were packing up and loading there canoes.

MJ and I paddled into shore for a bite to eat and as we were not in a big hurry to explore forpossible photos with Silver Peak in the background.But that would have to be another day.We also photographed one another on the shore with Silver Peak in the background.While we were doing this,the campers we had seen packing up came gliding past us.After exchanging hellos they were soon gone around the point.

We eased the canoe back into the water and made our way back to Bell Lake.We hauled our equipment up to the truck.I returned the canoe back to Killarney Kanoes and it was time to head home.This was a great trip with my daughter.The weather was good and we both hated to leave.

I will be going on a four day canoe trip next week into David Lake with my daughter so I hope to have more photos for you to view.Until then happy trails.

 

Photography

An Evening on Ruth Lake

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As it was close to the supper hour, so Maryjean and I enjoyed a quiet scenic meal by the shores of Ruth Roy Lake.As we were eating a large snapping turtle showed up in front of us.MJ started feeding the turtle strawberries and grapes.Let me tell you this turtle got a good feed of fruit before he left.

By 7:00 the wind had picked up and cloud cover moved in. My thoughts now were that it would be morning before I would get to do any more photographing.Amazingly by 8:300 the wind died down and the water became calm.I shot off a number of shots for a panoramic which included the island.

Maryjean suggested that we canoe over to the point by the island and look at the shoreline by the campsite.After beaching the canoe MJ said here  is a good shot.I composed the shot you see above.By adding a little of the shoreline we were standing on for depth,the island as a center point with the La Cloche Mountains in the background I created a very pleasing shot.The pinkish clouds also add to the above photo.It was now turning dark so we headed back to camp. MJ got a fire going and I heated water for a delicious cup of hot chocolate by the fire.By now the m0squitoes were making themselves known.In a short while we turned in for the night.

If you are interested in seeing a photo of the snapping turtle,check here

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/turtle-2-ken-bennison.html

In my next blog I will discuss the second day of our trip to Ruth Lake.So for now happy trails.