I was introduced to a peaceful creek sanctuary this past Saturday. It was a beautiful day – blue sky and sun, no wind and moderate temperatures. Perfect for the standing around that it takes for me to absorb both what I am seeing and what Harry Nowell is saying. I feel privileged that Harry shared this spot with me, a stretch of his Watershed Project that he’s been involved in for about 15 years, the watershed being the creek that drains Fortune Lake and empties into the Gatineau River.
This stretch of the creek meanders back and forth over a lowland that hints of its habitation during other times of the year: beaver lodges and dams as well as grasses that provide sanctuary for Canada Geese. Exploring this stretch for as far as was passable that day we also saw evidence of various historic uses: paths and well worn abandoned fence posts. I love it when I’m out and come upon these signs of the earlier uses of the Gatineau Park.
This photo was my attempt to capture the vista of the meandering creek. I love the juxtaposition of open running water with melting ice and snow and the emergence of the previous year’s vegetation. I was again reminded by Harry about the importance of lighting so had to be patient for the sun to fall behind the ridge allowing for even lighting throughout the photo. I also got to explore using a filter for the first time. This photo was taken with a blue yellow polarizing filter which does an amazing job of highlighting the blue sky reflection in the water of the creek. I’m now thinking that a filter is the next thing on my camera purchase list.
I expect I’ll be back to this spot hunting for Canada Geese and busy beavers.
