Keji Backcountry

Hi All,

I had so much fun at Keji last week that I went back for more! The deluge that happened Sunday morning cut my trip, and shooting a little early, but didn't dampen my spirits. Had a great paddle Saturday in the Big Dam area, and am booked in for some b/c camping there next week.

Saw some cool stuff like a family of Loons, Turtles sunning themselves on logs and rocks, and a pair of Barred Owls hooting and preforming near my site.

Can't wait to get back and see what else draws my eye.

Cheers,

Gary

Photo 1. Backpack hanging from a tree to keep the critters away.

Photo 2. Common Loon family photographed handheld from Kayak.

Canon 5D 300mm F4L IS lens, 1.4 T/C

Photo 3, 4, and 5 Still Brook area at the end of Portage "R"

Canon 5D, 17-40mm F4L lens, B&W Circular Polarizer, on Manfrotto Tripod and Cable Release.

Kayaking "Keji"

Hi All,

Spent the weekend Paddling in my new Sea Kayak at Kejmkujik National Park in SouthWestern Nova Scotia. Within it's 381 square kilometers, are canoe and backcounrty routes.  It is an area originally used  by the Mi'kmaq people. It is an area to be seen best by paddling, as that was their mode of transportation then.

The petroglyph rock carvings they made, and the parks recent designation as a Dark Sky Preserve are  only 2 of many things it boasts.

Onto the shots!

Having recently purchased my first Sea Kayak, I was itching to get it wet at "Keji". Scouting the parks backcountry by boat for future trips ( one must book about 2 months in advance ot ensure a site!), and photographing Loons were my goals. Mission accomplished! The sites are amazing, and I fulfilled a lifelong dream of photographing, and just seeing Loons up close in their habitat. There were several seen, but one allowed me into range to watch and capture some great images of it. It was one of the greatest things I have witnessed outdoors, watching it catch a fish, do it's famous wing flap, and even call a bit.

Needless to say I was a happy camper!

Enjoy,

Gary

Click on thumbnails to see larger image. Prints are also available, e-mail any requests .

          Photo 1. The Sisters Island, taken from my boat upon landing. Canon G11 handheld.

        Photo 2. Black Ducks roosting on the Mersey River.  Taken with a Canon 5D 300mm F4 Is Lens, 1.4 Teleconverter handheld from Kayak. Gotta love Image Stabilization.

Photo 3. Common Loon Swimming, same Camera /Lens combo for remaining images.

Photo 4. Common Loon starting "wing flap"                                                                  

               Photo 5. Loon doing "wing flap" (icon pose).

Paddlefest

Hi All,

Yesterday in Dartmouth Nova Scotia was the annual Paddlefest, where a number of local outfitters get together to promote paddling and let folks try out various boats. It was well attended, and included free climics from navigation to learning to Eskimo Roll. I had a blast, and loved the Wilderness systems Tsunami 140 w/rudder.

All images made with the Canon G11 and B&W Circular Polarizer.

Photo 1. Getting some instruction

Photo 2. Ian from TAO Outfitters.

Photos 2 &3. Gayle from Coastal Adventures teaching the Eskimo Roll

                                            
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                                          Photo 4. It's not just kayaks!

Happy Paddling!

Gary