Algonquin Park Trip - part 2

I broke up the Algonquin posts into 2 parts as there were so many pictures and I did not want to bore you with a 100 picture post. This part will focus more on the outlying areas of Algonquin that were breathtaking in their landscape and colour as well.

This shot was taken just outside of Bancroft. It was a little later in the morning so the light was not great. I think the Pano shot is better at showcasing the trees on the island.

Burleigh Falls is another great great spot to stop and capture. It was so fantastic there, with the rushing water and warm temperatures that we stayed there for 2 hours. Could have easily stayed longer.

While I was sitting there, my wife pointed out that there was a Blue Heron fishing in one of the pools. I grabbed this shot with my 70-200. I feel very lucky to get such an nice, feathery bird just posing for me.

One last shot of the area. Must see for you if you go by that way

Close by there was a mill of sorts. Too much sun to really do it justice

I wish I could remember the name of this cemetery that is on the way to Algonquin. For me, it was very unique with its numerous family plots and gravestones that date back to 1850.

Just liked this blue house.

Driving up Hwy. 28 you will see several swamp type of photo ops. Wish the sky was better. Tried hdr to bring something out of it. Pretty happy with the trees.

More detours on our way. Nice little scenic water way...

This next shot does not do the vista any justice. Really breathtaking from this high up.

The scene from Eagles Nest in Bancroft.

Lets leave the last word to the Turkey Vulture who is really only looking for his next road kill...er i mean  meal.

Algonquin Park 2011

I have not been up to Algonquin Park in many years but with fall arriving and my increased interest in landscape photography, it was an oppourtunity I could not pass up. I was surprising close as it can take you as little as 2 hours to get there (without stopping 15 times for the breathtaking vistas).

Here is the Visitor Center main entrance.

Lets start at 6am in Whitney. There is a great stream that just becons "take my picture"

The dam in Whitney made a great backdrop for the rock formations that were everywhere

The view from the dam

The custodian of the dam came by and informed us that there will be construction happening soon as the water levels have been consitantly rising over the last 10 years. They will be expanding the dam to accomodate the change in climate.

The next two images illustrate a non-hdr image (left) and a hdr image. Which one is better?

As the picture below shows the hdr process does bring out the colour of the subject(s)

A couple more shots before we move along to the heart of the park

As you get in to the park you stop by the ranger station to purchase your day pass. While there why not take some shots?

First stop was lake Opeongo. Along the way to the lake you run into Turtle rock

Now up to lookout point. A simple 1.9 km hike that should have only taken 15 min. With a 10-15 degree incline for much of the way, it took us 45 mins to get to the top. Gotta start running or getting in shape!

On the way to Booths Rock trail you can see this outcropping of rocks. I loved the way the rockface had what seemed many "eyes" looking at us.

Its not Mt. Rushmore but cool none the less.

On the way back we saw this beaver pond. It was a bit of treacheous hike from the road down to the pond. This shot was taken by standing on a slippery rock 5 ft. below the pond.

Now onto Bat lake. This short hike is on level group and offers you the possibility of spotting moose or deer. We were not lucky enough on this day.

Colours were starting to come out in their full glory.

Now for a Norman Rockwell moment. Cabin, canoes, calm lake....ahhhhh.

Here I processed the the left picture in vivesa and the right with just the ususal lightroom levels. Which is better.

Fall colour reflections

Here I used Colour efx Tonal Contrast on the left and regular levels on the right.



The visitors centre offers you some great views of the valley. There are daily sightings of moose, bears and deer.

It is difficult to get a clear shot of the lake from the visitors centre with all of the trees growing so tall near the lookout. This was the best I could do.

Great explosion of colour

In keeping with the rule that says you need to group items in odd numbers...I give you the number 5

During our drive on hwy. 60, we found this young bull moose grazing in the bog. He was not even bothered buy us. In fact I would say he is almost smiling at us.