Friday, October 30, 2009

The end of Autumn on the Mississagi River


The end of Autumn on the Mississagi River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

If you look closely, you can see an immature Bald Eagle perched in the tree (top left). I didn’t even know it was there until I looked at the image on the computer!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Canoeing on the Mississagi River


Canoeing on the Mississagi River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Last Sunday morning was near perfection...it was the kind of weather I was hoping for on my canoe trip in Algonquin earlier this month. There wasn't a breath of movement in the trees, everything was still & calm. Watching the mist burn off the river was a pure & true moment of serenity.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Immature Bald Eagle


Immature Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

So to completely contradict what I was saying earlier about these birds seeming to spook easily - this bird was the exception to the rule. He/she let me hang around pointing a great big, non blinking eye (my lens) in its direction longer than I deserved. What a rush & highlight for the trip up north!

Immature Bald Eagle


Immature Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

So this young bird completely surprised me by not showing any concern that I was directly below it. I originally had my sights set on a Mature Bald Eagle further up shore when I caught movement right above me - I had missed seeing him/her altogether!
So blood pumping I took a firm stance & extended my lens to its maximum focal length of 300mm & set my Av to f8.0. And I fired away – I must of came away with 100+ shots easily over the next 10 mins.
Check out the image that nature_photonutt took of me while I was photographing this eagle -
www.flickr.com/photos/nature_photonutt_szq/4044203316/

Immature Bald Eagle


Immature Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

The family & I went up north to visit my in-laws this past weekend in Iron Bridge. During our visit I met a fellow Flickr addict, Sue, or better known as nature_photonutt. We had some great photo/camping conversations over coffee & tea.
Over the weekend I had a couple of very brief opportunities to photograph Bald Eagles feeding on salmon on the Mississagi River. My canoe was left up there from a previous visit & I took advantage of it. Working against the wind, rain & heavy current made it a real challenge to sneak up on these wary birds of prey - they seem to spook really easy from the water, especially the Mature Bald Eagles.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Lower High Falls

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Lower High Falls.

Log Book:
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Final day.
Woke up to a torrential downpour that lasted until shortly after 10 am. I stayed hunkered down in my tent nice & warm & more importantly, dry. When the rain finally stopped I began to pack up a soggy camp hoping to get on the trail before it started to rain again. Lucky for me it did not and I was on the water about an hour later. I was keen to get moving because I had 5 portages all under 450 m to complete as well as some distance to cover in the canoe before I was to be picked up between 6 & 7 pm.
The light was very, very dull this day with little to no contrast; it was a bit frustrating trying to capture the scene I was looking at knowing full well that the final images were to be mediocre at best. The wind was also causing havoc – not for me in the canoe – I had it at my back the entire way out. Trying to stop the motion in the blowing trees was the challenge - even with high ISO’s & shutter speeds, the trees still had a lot of movement to them.
When I had made it through the last portage I was anxious to keep moving on because I could see I was in for more rain & maybe even some thunder showers. I made it to my take out at Pine Grove Point Lodge (the location to pick up permits for Park use) on Benoir Lake at the at approx. 6pm for my pick up. It was here that I made my last cup of camp coffee under the veranda of the shop to help get rid of the dampness & chills – mmm good!
This section of the Park is simply stunning! The Canadian Shield is rugged & very beautiful with some of the most amazing waterfalls, swifts, rapids & landscape scenery to take in. Do I recommend this trip – absolutely!

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Upper HIgh Falls.

I felt I was running out of time & light so I didn't spend the time I was hoping for to explore this area more - I would love to get a different angle to get the full impact of the Falls.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This location was called "The Gut". At higher waters I could really imagine all that water getting forced through the bottleneck.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Head waters of the York river - the only section of swift/rapids I felt comfortable running to avoid the portage.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
When lunch was packed up Tasha & I headed back down the look-out trail to the main fork that continues on to the Bruton Farm. The hike was about 3.5/4 km long one way & I had no idea if it was going to worth the trip. Made it to the beginning of the site in good time, a mossy stone fence was the first indication of the settlement & it was located just before the logging road. Once on the logging road we headed north about 50/60m to find the continuation of the trail. This is where it got bit tricky – there was no actual trail – just red spray painted blazes on the trees to follow in. You would have to make it to a marked tree then scan the forest for the next blaze, go to it & so on. On its own this wouldn’t have been a problem, but there had been some recent logging in the area & there was slash down everywhere concealing the markings & making travel through the bush a lot more difficult especially for a dog on a leash. We did eventually make it to the site, I think. All that was there as far as I could see was this big maple spray painted with the word “Farm” on it. “This can’t be it” I thought for the second time that day. But after some scouting around & not seeing any other blaze marks or sign of a settlement, we turned around & started the long journey back. There was still the paddle back across Scorch Lake to the portage which was 900 m then the long paddle back to base camp. When I started the paddle across Scorch Lake the rain started up as well for the first time that day & did not stop the entire trip back to base camp. The thing that saved me for this leg of the trip was my wife’s mp3 player. This was the first time I had brought anything like this with me – but boy did it help keep my spirits up & my mind occupied for the trip back!

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This was possibly the biggest beaver dam I have ever seen! Easily twice the height of me & I am 6'3". It was located at the end of the portage before you begin to paddle into Scorch Lake.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

All that I could find (other than the stone fence) was this spray painted marker of where the Bruton Farm was located. A little disappointing after the amount of work that went into getting there!

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Long before I got to the logging road I could the activity on it. For being as remote as I felt, there was about half dozen vehicles that went past me, including a fully loaded logging truck heading further into the interior.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

I wish I had more time to explore the area a bit better - I would have liked to have photographed this old stone fence a bit more - but I was running out of day light.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Tasha & myself enjoying the scenery along with a well deserved lunch!

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
I woke up early to yet another day of overcast skies & constant drizzle. It can really dampen the spirits when you are trying to amp yourself up to head out for some exploration. But that’s just what Tasha & I did – I wasn’t about to sit around camp, we had a big day planned!
We paddled off in the same direction as the day before, but instead of heading up the North York River I veered right at the first portage leading into Scorch Lake from Branch Lake. The plan was to hike up to the look-out, eat some well deserved lunch & continue on to the historic Bruton farmstead.
The paddle across Scorch Lake was very nice, with a few nice campsites along the way – I would consider staying on this lake the next time I visit.
The trailhead for the look-out trail is found at the end of the lake on the southern shore & is marked with flagging tape. The climb up is moderate & fairly short. I got a bit turned around (lost) at what I thought was the top. After the closer inspection of the bear scat (previous image) I continued on but quickly lost sight of any flagging that marked my progress. The area seemed to be the highest point with lots of exposed granite, but with no true look-out. Confused & slightly disappointed I thought to myself out loud “this can’t be it!?”. I started to back track & it was then I noticed my mistake, the scat had me so occupied that I had completely missed the near 90 degree right hand turn in the trail just before the bear poop. I’m glad I continued on as the look-out rates right up there with some of the best scenery that Algonquin has to offer.
Algonquin Park Map:
www.algonquinmap.com/

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

You can almost smell it - this was days, if not weeks old scat of a black bear. At first I thought the white chunks were teeth, but after closer inspection, they turned out to be crunched up bones

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This ain't no rolling stone - with 4" of moss covering this rock, it almost looked like it was wearing a hair piece. I saw this on the hike up to the look-out.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Scorch Lake Look-out

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Castor Oil Chute

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

After lunch was cleaned up & the fire out I decided to go out & stretch my muscles for an afternoon day trip – I was planning to paddle to Castor Oil Chute in the North York River. It was 2:30 when I left camp – a lot later then I was hoping for, but I thought I could make there in back with little trouble before dark. I did, but just. I ended up missing the fork in the river on the way in, so when I turned around the day was getting on, about 4:30. On the way out I spotted the current of the fork in the river through some reeds & decided to push for it to hopefully get some images. I’m glad I did, it was really worth it. The chute wasn’t very big, but the paddle in was beautiful & peaceful.
I had only taken half dozen shots when it began to rain. I took this as my cue & raced back to Tasha & the waiting canoe & began my long paddle back to base camp. Tasha & I were thoroughly soaked by the time we reached camp. I still had to get a fire going & make dinner – but I tell you one thing, dinner never tasted so goooood!

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

A quick snap shot before I headed out for a day trip to Castor Oil Chute.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Sunshine & rain. The weather really could not make up its mind. every time I would see a blue patch of sky I would loudly curse at it knowing it wouldn't stick around for long.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

My neighbors out for an afternoon paddle/sail.

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Wild cranberries - they were every where - I certainly had my fill!
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Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Monday, Oct. 5, 2009
I woke to my alarm at 6:15 am after a loooong night of tossing & turning. Strange dreams haunted me when I did sleep. The first night out is always the hardest no matter how tired I go to bed.
Peeked out the tent door to another dark, grey, dismal day with no potential of any interesting light. I dozed until 7:30 when I finally decided to get up & start my day. First on the agenda – CAMP COFFEE! Love it-love it-love-love it! I had about 6 cups before I moved on to my next item on the list – fire wood.
I had come across an old, unused beaver lodge when looking for the location of the second campsite the afternoon before (the map shows the site to be just off the point on the northern shore as you enter the beginning of the York River. In fact the site is on the southern shore just past the bay of the previous site). So after a cold breakfast of granola & apple sauce I jumped into the canoe with Tasha to go do some collecting. It wasn’t very far & when I beached the canoe I noticed low lying bushes covered with blue, purple & red berries everywhere. I picked one & tossed it into my mouth out of curiosity. A very familiar taste completely caught me off guard – wild cranberries!!! Everywhere! I had tasted one that hadn’t ripened yet (a bluish/purple one). So I immediately grabbed my empty coffee mug & began to fill it planning to use them in some capacity in a meal later on. Wood was collected & loaded into the canoe & brought back to the site. I had a lot of wood. I immediately set about the task of organizing it into different size piles & cutting down the larger diameter logs into more manageable pieces. Before I knew it, it was noon & I decide to start a fire to make my lunch.
The lake was actually pretty busy with wildlife activity – I counted 5 separate deer at different times swimming across the lake – 2 of them were about to come ashore to my site before I inadvertently scared them off in another direction. I’m pretty sure I watched a bear swim across as well, but it was too far off to tell.

Algonquin Park Map:
www.algonquinmap.com/

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.
With the 660 m portage & Big Rock Lake behind me, I was now paddling on Byers Lake towards the first of 2 available campsites. I was planning to set up base camp for the duration of my stay at the first site on the southern shore as I had been told it had a very nice beach water front with a great view of the rest of the lake. It was lightly mist raining on me as I started out on Byers & as I approached this first site the heavens opened up on me & I got more than a little wet. When I was nearly beached I noticed some quick movement up within the tree line. Right then I saw a dark forest green canoe overturned further up shore & an elderly couple came from around the tarp shelter they had set up & greeted me with a big smile & a “HALLOO!”
“Hey” I replied completely caught off guard, as I was told by the permit office lady that I was going to be the only poor sap out this week. “Oh well” I thought, applying a heavy draw on the paddle to avoid beaching & I continued on towards the next site hoping not to find it occupied as well.
When I arrived at the site I made my usual walk around to assess & determine camp layout for the next couple of days. The site wasn’t bad – just not great – the tent set up area seemed to be in a bit of a hollow, there wasn’t much in the way of cover from the prevailing weather & I couldn’t find a suitable bear hang for the food barrel. And on top of that there was no dry fire wood to start a fire…
So, I made due. I had camp set up by 7:10 that evening with a bomb proof tarp shelter set up over top of my tent with fly on, dinner was cooking over the stove – pretty simple affair – pasta with dehydrated tomato sauce, about half a dozen cloves of garlic & lake water to wash it all down. I was way too exhausted for anything more elaborate that night – hopefully the frozen meat I had packed away in a cooler bag with ice packs would keep for another day.

Check out the link for an amazing Algonquin Park map -
www.algonquinmap.com/

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.
No matter how long a canoe trip is, the amount of gear stays pretty much constant – amount of food on the other hand is the variable.
I always seem to bring waaaay more grub than is necessary (human nature I think), but will get less cumbersome as the trip & portages continue. Anyways, I think I have portaging down to a pretty good science.
First admit your weakness(es). Do not overload yourself to try & get the ‘misery’ over with. I can comfortably take my 70L gear pack with my hiking day pack along for the first trip. *note –I do pack all my camera gear in a 1400 Pelican case that gets strapped down to the top of the gear bag along with my trusty tripod (I never leave home without it!) & the day pack gets strapped across my chest. This pack sits nice & firm against my chest so that it does not block my view of where I need to take my next step.
So the first trip I can walk all the way to the end of the portage or stop half way & return for the canoe & food barrel & then repeat the process. Take your time; there is so much to see. I mentally force myself to slow down – especially at the beginning of a trip – tune yourself into your surroundings – let time cease to exist. It is amazing what you can observe when you do this. But this is also hard to do when you know you have limited day light left & you have the constant threat of rain looming over you every time you look at the sky & all you want to do is get to your campsite to set up before you get soaked!
The first portage in was only 1300 m from Kinsgote Lake into Big Rock Lake. Relatively short & flat by Algonquin Park standards. A third of the way in there was an extremely wet, muddy/boggy section, about 100 - 150 m long in length that just couldn’t be avoided – wet feet were inevitable. In my Adventure Tourism course I was told that for every 100 m of trail hiked, you displace 50 lbs of earth. That can add up pretty quickly & if you decided to try & go off trail to avoid the mess that I was about to go through, you would be causing significant damage by creating a new trail. As you can probably tell from the above image I wear sandals – not just any sandals – Chacos. They are incredibly stable with a very deep heel cup for amazing stability along with the toe thong (definitely takes some time to get used to – my big toe does not like to be pinned down – it’s claustrophobic!)& the non slip grip tread makes this sandal unbeatable in my opinion. So off I merrily trudged through the muck to get to the other side.
No sweat – wet feet are a given - it’s a part of the deal when your camping. You can dry them out around the fire at night,…right?

Algonquin Park


Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.
Well here I am with my trusty canoe partner Tasha for yet another solo canoe trip in Algonquin Park.
I started a day & a half later than anticipated due to vehicle troubles but still managed to salvage the trip - a great big shout out & thanks to Al Pritchard, my father in-law. Al took time out of his day to drive me to access point 15, Kingscote Lake to start my trip.
I was on the water shortly after noon & I was looking forward the peace & serenity that Algonquin has to offer.
Then it started to rain & did not stop for the next three days…
Stay tuned more to come.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Fall photo workshop


Fall photo workshop
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

A great big thanks to all who participated in the "Autumn Hues - Going with the flow" Workshop. It was a big success and even the weather cooperated!