Nigel and I decided to do a day trip up to Inglis Falls Conservation Area. With spring here we knew the water levels would be much higher than normal. Once we got to the park we followed the path down river to one of the viewing areas that looked over the falls.
Inglis Falls_above
This view is very easy to get to and I have so many shots from this viewing area but today was going to be different, We were venturing further along the path to find a way down to the bottom of the gorge. It didn’t take long before we found a short but rocky path down to the river below.
Rushing Water between the Rocks
The water levels were higher than I expected and being down by the water’s edge we had to be careful where we stepped. We headed upstream back towards the bottom of the waterfall to get some shots at its base.
Inglis Falls from Below
Since the water levels were so high we were finding it difficult to manoeuvre around so we called it day. We packed up our gear and went out to grab some grub before we headed back home.
Nigel called me up and asked if I would be interested in a day trip to Hamilton to check out some of the waterfalls. Well, you know I said yes.
What was supposed to be more of an overcast day ended up being the exact opposite. Blue skies are not exactly what you want when photographing water falling over cliffs as the camera has a hard time with extreme light variations. Our first stop of the day was Albion Falls, a very popular waterfall in Hamilton. Because it was our first stop and it was fairly early there were only a couple of people around (and none of them in our shots).
Albion Falls
The harsh light didn’t make the waterfall look that great in colour so I switched it over to black and white to take advantage of the high contrast. Because part of the falls is partially in the shade it makes it very difficult to get the whole waterfall in without getting blown out highlights or too deep blacks. Sometimes the best thing to do in this situation is look for the details.
Edges of Light
Nigel and I explored the waterfall from many different angles before deciding it was time to move on to our next stop. He was taking me over to a small cascade waterfall I had never heard of – Billy Monkley Falls.
Cascade
A pretty easy waterfall to get to the bottom of and even to cross so you can get multiple angles. Something however, was wrong with me as most of my photos were blurry of this waterfall. I think I was having a moment. Things got better later when we headed over to Mountview Falls.
Mountview Falls
We had a bit of scrambling to do to get some of the shots here at Mountsview Falls but they were well worth it. The manmade stones created a really nice texture (although they were a little slippery). On the way from the parking to Mountview Falls is another small waterfall known as Upper Princess Falls.
Upper Princess Falls
Now I don’t know where Lower Princess Falls might be but I’m sure it exists somewhere, right? Anyway, this one was a little tricky as it flows onto the main walking path and then over the escarpment. Normally it’s not a big deal but in February it usually means a crazy amount of ice. We had to find just the right spot so our tripods wouldn’t slip and slide and that we were out of the way of the many people deciding to hike that day.
Overall a great day out exploring some of the more well known and the lesser known waterfalls in Hamilton.
Today starts the annual Orchid Festival in Tobermory, Ontario. A few friends and I love coming up for the weekend and to me it signifies the start of the summer season up north. As per the norm for us we take the weavy, wobbly way up to see what the backroads have to offer us. One of the first places we stopped at was Jones Falls. A side trail of the Bruce Trail that runs along the river upstream from Jones Falls. One can get some great views from above but its just not the same as getting down to the base to shoot from below.
Jones From Above
We scouted around and eventually found a safe way to get down. Once down we picked our way upriver to the base of the falls. It is pretty spectacular once we got up to it. Below is my favourite view of the falls.
Jones Falls From Below
There were a few more stops along the way before we settled in at the hotel and after grabbing some dinner we raced down to the shore to catch the last light of the day. We were a little late to the party so we decided with the mostly clear skies we would head over to Dave’s Bay to catch some stars.
Starry Night on Dave’s Bay
It was a great evening on the beach and surprisingly not as cold as I thought it would be. Nights can be chilly here in the spring so we were happy be able to stick around as the last light of the day vanished.
For the first time in a very long time the dams above Eugenia Falls have been opened. The rainfall and snow melt have caused some flooding so the conservation authority decided to open the dams. Walking up to the main viewing platform at the top of the falls is challenging as the entire section is flooded.
Flooded
Hiking down to the next viewing area is a little better but there is still a large puddle in the way. The puddle is not stopping people from getting over to the edge to get a photograph of the falls. Most of us have never seen the falls like this. It’s like the Niagara River is pouring over the edge rather than the Beaver River.
The Photographer
A few people can’t get past the large puddle but I was smart enough to wear my waterproof hikers and today was the day to test them out. They performed brilliantly and I was able to get the photograph below with dry, albeit cold, feet.
Eugenia Falls
Isn’t it magnificent? This is a full blown waterfall here folks. Don’t know what it normally looks like? Take a peek below for a photograph taken last summer.
Eugenia Falls with Little Flow
Quite a large difference, don’t you think? The Falls is pretty much like that no matter what time of year with the occasional flow that might be a touch larger but not like the photo above this one.
After our last foray into the world of waterfalls Nigel Banks and I headed to yet another waterfall, this time in Grey County. Walter’s Falls is located south of Owen Sound at the Walter’s Falls Inn and Spa. I had never tried to get down into the gorge here but this time it was on our agenda to find the path down. Turns out there is a fairly easy way to get down to the river its just getting upstream that can be just slightly tricky as there is no real path so you have to watch your step. It’s easy to turn your ankle here but if you go slow you will be met by a beautiful little waterfall.
Walter’s Falls
As you can see the waterfall splits into two separate ones as it comes over the top meaning you’ll need the wide lens to capture the full waterfall. Even mine was a little on the tight side. But you can focus on each one like I did here.
Walters Falls Right Side
My favourite side was to the left. There was just something about how the water came down and hit the large rock just below it.
Walters Falls Left Side
You may have also noticed the dark mood of the photos above. We came at a specific time of day (and on one that was overcast) which meant there was barely any light getting down to the bottom of the gorge. And definitely none shining on the waterfall itself. This gave me the opportunity to create a set of moody photographs. I’m liking how they turned out. What do you think?
