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Photography

Grace Lake Part 2

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Daybreak, Tuesday morning I peeked out the tent door.The wind was blowing,the sky was blue but there would be no photographing that morning.I rolled over and went back to sleep.We awoke around 8:30 a.m.  We soon had the coffee pot going and enjoyed a breakfast of bagels and coffee.It is so nice to be able to sit there and enjoy the scenery.

Maryjean and I were soon out on the water exploring for possible photographic locations.There is an island at the West end of Grace Lake that consists of white quartz rock. We guided the canoe to the lee side of this island and pulled in.This was the island that A Y Jackson stood on when he produced the painting The Bent Tree back in 1948.You can watch a short video at this link by Jim Waddington discussing the painting.

http://www.groupofseven.ca/Adventures/Natural-Genius/Waddington-Adventure.aspx

We soon came to the conclusion that the most dramatic effects for landscape shots would be scenes facing East.All that was needed was for Mother Nature to co-operate.That did not come about until Thursday morning.Tuesday a cold front rolled in bringing cooler temperatures and stronger winds.

Maryjean and I continued our exploring around the lake and soon found the portage into Nellie Lake.We would leave that for another trip.Returning to camp we relaxed and checked out our immediate area.There were a profusion of wild violets or Johnny Jump-ups growing in the crevices and ledges among the quartz rock along the shoreline in front of our campsite.These little flowers are rather pretty.

I captured this shot of the violets as they were snuggled down in a crevice away from the blunt of the wind’

Wednesday there was no improvement in the weather so we just relaxed around the campsite reading and talking. After an early supper we paddled over to the portage and hiked down to Cranberry Lake.There we meet Paul Smith my photographic partner.He had came with his kayak.We helped him with his hear back to Grace Lake and then on to our campsite.We all turned in so that we could rise at sunrise.

Well that is it for this week.I have not had time to check everyone’s blog.I am getting ready for my next trip.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

This Child of Mind

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One of the nicest things about being a photographer is photographing young children.With there innocence and willingness to explore there surroundings in the outdoors.The little girl shown is my 11 month old granddaughter with whom I spend countless hours with when I am not out photographing wilderness scenes.I try at every opportunity to photograph my grand kids and just have fun.Whether going for walks or just being with them.

I placed Felicity on the lawn with new Spring grass and let her do her thing.That was to  crawl on her hands and knees,check out the flowers and to touch and see everything around her.I got down in the grass with her and started photographing with my Canon D7.Getting all the poses she would make.

It was a bright cloudy day so the lighting was even and I was able to use a decent shutter speed to capture the action.While that is it for this week.It will not be long now till I will be back photographing my wilderness scenes.The days are warming up and the trees are leafing out.So until next week happy trails.

Photography

Waterfalls,Black and White or Color

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Waterfalls have always interest me as a subject matter.In my part of the country I am blessed with a fair amount of these waterfalls due to the rocky terrain in Northern Ontario. The trick is to photograph these locations when the right amount of water is flowing over.By utilizing the rock structures and the path of the water flow you can come up with some interesting compositions.The above photo I was able to create a S curve with the water by getting in the right set up to compose the shot.The rock structure was high in detail and the sun was filtering through the trees at the top left.The time is late evening.

In most cases I do a fair amount of climbing up and down rock and boulders to get the best shot.I will not do it on a wet days.The rocks can be quite slippery.

 

The photo above is the same as the black and white but in color.Looking at this one you with easily pick up the lighting effects at various locations.This is what helps make that extra detail in a composition.

That is it for this week.I had problems with my internet this past week, so was not able to check out all the postings of my fellow bloggers.Thank you very much for your comments.Much appreciated.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

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, 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

Unique Rock Structures

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One of my favorite pastimes is hiking along lake shores looking for interesting rock patterns to create a photographic composition.More so if the rock structures are unique.I came across these unique rocks in a small back bay on a small lake in Killarney Provincial Park.The rocks are a reddish granite material.The rocks in the foreground had very interesting lines streaking the surface,adding a nice touch.Also there was a nice pine tree growing in the middle of the rocks with some interesting color effects.the reflection of the foreground rocks was perfect.Now in the background was another interesting granite rock formation that was of a different nature.I had a bit of a problem in that area with the wind so that a good reflection was not possible.By combing the two elements I was able to come up with the above photo.The photo was also taken late evening to get the nice soft lighting.

Well that is it for this week.I thank everyone for the lovely comments.Much appreciated.There is now a link on my blog to Fine Arts of America where by you can purchase some of my selected works.So until next time happy trails

Photography, Poetry

Birch Grove

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A grove of birch trees

By the shores of

An ice-covered lake

The stark white trunks

Emerging from the mist

On an early Spring morning

Reddish-brown leaves

From Fall past

Carpet the barren ground

Among the standing birch

No stirring of wildlife

Is to be seen

A place of peaceful stillness

A well beaten path

Meanders through the birch grove

Beckons a wayward traveller

To places that are beyond