Tag Archives: Ontario

Photography

Shorelines

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On many of my trips into the interior of Killarney Provincial Park,I always enjoy walking the shorelines of a lake or islands.I am looking for something different and unique.This may be a rock with tremendous detail or pretty wildflowers.The trick is to put something together composition wise.

The evening lighting is a good time to do this.Maybe the wind has not settled down enough to do landscapes.So I will turn my attention to what I can find along shorelines.The above photo is such a creation.By using the beautiful textured rock in the foreground and placing the little Johnny Jump-ups in the upper right hand corner I created a contrast between the rock and flowers.It also puts things in prospective in the relationship between the flowers and the rocks.

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

Pink Rocks

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Last Friday I took a late afternoon hike into Killarney Provincial Park.I parked at the East end of the campgrounds.There were a few campers camping here as I made my way to the hiking trail.First on the list is a fairly steep climb up a ridge and then walking down off of the same ridge.I arrived at the Eastern shorelines of A Y Jackson lake.This is one of my favorite lakes to photograph.It has all the components for an excellent composition.

I gazed up at the mountain sides in the distance and noticed that there was a lot of bare trees yet.It would be a few weeks before there was good color on the hillsides.I continued my trek and the next stop would be Little Shegelander Lake.I made my way down to the only campsite on this lake and a pretty location it is.As I looked around I counted 13 piles of Moose dropping around the campsite area.A moose had spent the winter here.

I walked back up the trail and continued East.I was heading for the East side of the lake.The walking was good and soon I left the trail and made my way back down to the lake.There is a wonderful view as you walk the trail above the lake.You can also view parts of George Lake.

While walking through the bush I spotted a small tree growing on the side of a cliff.The neat thing was the patterns that were created by the rocks.Also there was a section of pink granite running at an angle.In Killarney Provincial Park you will come across this type of granite in different locales.The wind was blowing,so reflections were out of the question.There was some vegetation on the opposite site of the pink granite.But as I set up my 7D Canon on my tripod The tree in the clevis was in shade.I sat down under a Pine Tree along the shore.The thing now was to wait and see how the lighting would be as time passed.After a half an hour or so the sunlight started to light up part of the little tree.I waited a little longer and there was more sunlight splashing on the tree.Also the vegetation located on the right hand side of the pink granite lit up from the sunlight.

Then something neat happen.The pink granite took on a different hue.I quickly took a number of shots at different settings.I looked at the sun behind me and saw no cloud cover,the sky was blue and I have no idea what changed the lighting.After a couple minutes the effect disappeared.I had captured a moment in time.

I soon finished up shooting here and moved on.The wind was not quieting down and there was a coolness on the evening breeze.I found a sunny nook out of the wind.I settled down among some rocks and eat my sandwich while I listened to the water gently lapping up on the rocks.

While that is it for this week.I thank everyone for there comments,much appreciated.I now have greeting cards available at the Killarney Provincial Park office.So until next week 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, Poetry

The Legacy of a Pine Tree

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A dry warm wind

Caresses the rocky shoreline

Of a far Northern lake

Upon the wind a seed

from an open pine cone

Is borne along

To settle among the boulders

Scattered along the water’s edge

In time a small pine tree

Protrudes from the shelter

Of the surrounding rocks

The years go by

The struggling pine tree

Is now stunted and gnarled

Bent to the onslaught of the wind

Its existence at the mercy

Of the ravages of Nature

Then one fateful day

On a stormy dark night

The gale force winds

Churning the surface of the lake

Toppled the struggling pine tree

To lie among the scattered rocks

Its existence no more

The photograph you see above is a creation of my own doing.The rocks were beautiful in form and texture.As I was walking the shoreline of OSA Lake in Killarney Provincial Park I came across the remains of a pine tree lying along the shoreline.I picked it up an set where I wanted it to be positioned.I then searched around for some pine cones to add in the foreground.I placed them on a patch of green grass.Thus I created a bit of a story line which the poem is a creation of.The pine tree comes from the seed out of a cone to its final resting place where ever it falls.

So I hope you have enjoyed this post.I also would like to thank everyone who came for a visit and I enjoy the comments very much.If you are ever out my way stop in for a coffee.Check my link to FAA for available prints for sale.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Rocky Shorelines

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As I travel through the many lakes in Killarney Provincial Park,I am always on the lookout for various rock structures along the shoreline.The right combination to create a pleasing composition are not common.But with a watchful eye you will find these rocky shorelines.Also a quiet evening or morning gives the total reflection and some very neat patterns.Look at this as a geometric pattern.

Mid day creates harsh lighting on the rock surface.Evenings the rocks can take on a totally new look with the soft lighting available.The detail in the rocks become intensified.The above photo emphasizes the rock structure.By placing the first point in the foreground to show the texture of the rock,leave a space of water for the reflections that added very interesting patterns and also to  tie everything together.The dark background of evergreens creates the sharp contrast with the rock points.

 

This next photo was created by turning the camera 180 degrees and photographing from the opposite direction.Again placing the first rocky point in the foreground with some green vegetation for added contrast.A span of water for your reflections to tie it all in.I also like it when the evergreens reflect into the water for that added depth.So by standing in one spot you are able to capture two very nice compositions.So next time out on the water watch for those unique rock structures along the shorelines and come back when the lighting is right.

Well that is it for this week.I am counting down the weeks now until my first trip back into the park.Spring appears to be here now.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Total Reflection

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This two shot pano was taken last fall on OSA Lake in Killarney Provincial Park.The La Cloche Mountains are in the background.I was captivated by the clarity of the trees along the shoreline.The reflection was picture perfect.There was just enough fall color to add to the over all composition.There was still some mist in the upper hills.The only thing I did not like was the bland skies.With that in mind I kept the sky to a minimum. That is actually an island in the photo.I added a touch of rock in the foreground to the right to tie everything in.

That is it for this week.Thursday I am off to Midland Ontario where I have 2 photos in the Quest for Art Juried Art Show.I have added the invitations to the reception.If you are in the area please stop by for a chat and you can view a couple of my compositions live.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Turner Point

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Turner Point is located on George Lake in the main campgrounds at Killarney Provincial Park,Northern Ontario. In the background is Hawk’s Ridge.The rock structure around many areas of the shoreline consists of reddish granite rock.The La Cloche Mountains are in the background are composed of white Quartz rock covered with trees.In this instance fall colors.

This was a heavy overcast day. The rain had just eased off from a heavy downpour.There was a fair bit of fog this morning and I had already taken a number of shots.For a while the fog was so thick you could not see anything.I knew there was some color in the background and I had to be patient.It was still early in the Fall for full color.As I waited the fog begun to lift and slowly the mountains became clear and when the splash of colors showed up is when I began shooting.I created this composition with two photos taken that day.

While that is it for this week.In my part of the country it is a holiday called Family Day.It is nice when all families can get together.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Photo Oppurtunities With Swans

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I have had the oppurtunity this past month to photograph Whistling Swans.A short 20 minute drive from home is a lovely park called Fielding Park The park borders  the West end of a lake where a small river runs out.A stretch of this river is open and it is here that you will find 6 of these large Swans.There is also a very large population of Mallards and Black Ducks.The waterfowl are feed every morning by local folks with corn.

The above Swan is named Goofy and she is the most humanized of the Swans.She will come up to me and lay down beside me.This allowed me to capture the above photo from very close range.I shot tight so that your eve will follow the valley between the wings up to the eve and beak.An interesting note is the small feather sticking up by here beak is a result of here breathing.I also wanted to emphasize  the very fine detail of the feathers the Swans have.Goofy also has 2 large yellow tags on here wings that I did not want in the photo.The zoom was set at 132 mm and the shutter speed at 1/500 sec @ f10

The other thing that I look for is various patterns when I am photographing these Swans.They have such beautiful long graceful necks that can create beautiful forms as you photograph.This pair created an inverted T along with nicely arched necks.You will also noticed that there is some feathers out of place that helps to add depth to the photo.I shot the above photo with a zoom setting of 130 mm and the shutter speed set at 1/500 @f13.

You will also notice a piece of ice sticking up from the bill of the Swan in the foreground.The temperature most mornings was -25 C with a wind blowing.

As I was standing on the shore trying to stay warm, I watched the above pair of Swans grooming.The next thing I saw was they were one behind the other creating a  neat pattern that I shot in vertical.The dark colored water allows the Swans to stand out.When I talk about patterns this is a pattern at its best.These Swans have yellow in there heads that add contrast to the photo.I shot the above photo with a zoom setting of 65 mm and the shutter speed set to 1/125 sec @ f10.

I will continue this series on the Swans next week and  until then happy trails.

Photography, Uncategorized

Aux Sauble River

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As you have noticed most of my photographic work is in and around water. Paul Smith of Whitefish,Ontario and I have spent the last few months hiking into and along the Aux Sauble River North of Massey Ontario.This wilderness area offers excellent photo opportunities. The river system flows out of  Aux Sauble Lake,52 miles North of Massey and twists and turns until it empties into the Spanish River in Massey.The Spanish River in itself empties into the North Channel, which is part of  Lake Huron in the Great Lakes System.

There are many scenic locations to discover with beautiful rock formations.The river has a number of rapids and waterfalls along its length. We use a hand held GPS to explore the region.The terrain is rugged so you have to be in reasonably good shape.

The vast majority of my work is created in the evening.The drawback is that you have to allow enough time to get back to the truck before it gets too dark.The above photo was shot with the zoom lens set at 30mm and a shutter speed of  2 sec at f22. In setting up this photo I used the water as an S curve to lead your eye into the photo.Framing with the rock formations also helps when creating your photo.

The above photo was shot with the zoom set at 28 mm and a shutter speed of 0.4 sec at f22. This is the same location as the first photo but taken  a couple weeks before. You will notice that the lighting is very different in these photos,creating different effects and tones.The first photo is much warmer and the color stands out.The 2nd photo was also taken earlier in the evening allowing for a faster shutter speed of 0.4 sec.You must go back to the same locales many times and observe the behavior of the lighting and also the time of year.

Just to be able to be in these locations is a blessing for me.To listen to the water rushing over the rocks and enjoy the serenity….pristine silence and beauty of these locations is well worth the effort to capture.Till next time happy trails.