One of my favourite places on earth.

Driving North for about three and a half hours from Toronto, 

one can reach the almost 8000 square kilometers of Ontario's largest nature preserve: 

                                         Algonquin Park.

About 2500 lakes within this park are connected by rivers and portages.

In fact, 1,600 kilometers of canoe routes and hiking trails invite nature enthusiasts to stay awhile, pitch their tents on a promontory and, after a simple meal cooked on an open fire, just sit there and watch the sun go down, while listening to the eerie wail of the loon calling his or her mate on the opposite shore line.

Early fog rises above the rock-strewn river.

There still is a chill in the morning air,

but the day has started

and promises joy !

There is turbulence in the rapids

and the water is too shallow, even for a canoe.

Only a 'Portage' will get you past this place.

Breakfast for Mom and Dad and the Kid.

Daddy Loon was out fishing

and brings home a young lake trout

He offers it to his hatchling.

Just for a taste.

A young Bull Moose

swims along  'Hailstorm Creek Marsh'

Autumn has come and, once again,

he forgot all colours, but Gold and Red.

sitting on a fortunately flat rock, 

watching the sun dip below the tree tops

on the other side of the lake 

makes today's long paddles

 and difficult portages truly worth while.