PhotoStories - A Walk in the Woods (Pink Lake) August 2023

Visiting Pink Lake in Gatineau Park is an easy drive (when the Parkway is open). There is a lookout deck view for those not inclined to walk around the lake.

The walk around Pink Lake provides nice views and good exercise. The trail is three kilometres long with LOTS of ups and downs

The lake is very unique as it is actually two lakes in one. The top 13 metres is normal oxygenated water, but a layer of pink sulphur bacteria separates it from the layer below that has no oxygen.

The trail, with all its ups and downs, is a well maintained combination of elaborate boardwalks, platforms, stairs and root, rock or dirt covered pathways. Very little of the trail is level. (scroll over for description)

Railed boardwalks

Railed stairways

viewing platforms

boardwalk across wetlands

root covered trail

Rocky pathway

A dirt section

Guardrails where necessary

open "stairs"

The trail for the most part borders the lake, whether at shoreline or somewhat higher, passing through a mixed forest and rock outcroppings.

At one point it crosses a very deep circular hole which was once a mica mine in 1903-1906 and 1945-46.

Shards of mica are in the dirt of the trail

On the edge of the pit, there is a tree that has somehow grown with its roots appearing to be only in rock.

There was little to no wind when were there allowing for nice reflections

The most unique find was what I think were drips of sap making oily patterns in the water. One's imagination can see various creatures in the "designs".

Animal life was relatively scarce

A somewhat blurry 🙄 chipmunk

Two belted kingfishers seemed to be playing a noisy game of tag. Perhaps a parent trying to wean a persistent youngster? I didn't have my long lens but I was happy to get a cropped image of one fly-over

Minnows and sunfish were in the water and a basking painted turtle on a log. I missed seeing a large snapping turtle that slipped back into the depths as I was called to come and see it.