Southern Ontario Get Together...

[wanderer488]

Are the polls closed ? what does the electorate say ?

[symes]

Alright with a poll and everything we have a tie and a bunch of eithers...:)

Of course neither weekend works for me anymore which is a bummer but Raitch has done a good job of getting things organized so I'll leave the rest in his trusty hands...

Cheers,

[RAitch]

Somebody else will have to step up. I haven't had time to check POTN recently let alone plan the trip.
I was just trying to do my share while I could. I'm off to Florida soon and will be returning a week before we're off. I was just planning on showing up since I'm going to be unavailable for a while.

[symes]

okay folks...

We need a time in the morning and a sure fire date

so seen as we have a tie I'll say arbitrairly it will be Saturday the 6th of May 10:00am at Webster Falls...Please someone who lives near get in touch with me so we can set up an easy meeting point and exchange some numbers...

I will no longer be able to go, as I said, but I would hate to see this go to waste....So I will continue to set all the finer details up...

Cheers,

Matt

[symes]

well I have had no takers on the organization aspect...so it is a little difficult for me to do much more...

Cheers,

[PhotosGuy]

I'll say arbitrairly it will be Saturday the 6th of May 10:00am at Webster Falls Well, you've got a date & time. Just say, "Here's where we'll meet", post a map with a big red X on it, & you're done, no? ;)

[MagentaJoe]

Everyone should just meet in the parking lot. It's called Spencer Gorge, Websters Falls is part of the Spencer Gorge park.

[Rubi Jane]

I'd step up to help organize but I won't be able to attend as my Mum & cousin will be visiting from the UK. Now if it were the 13th then I'd be all over it ;-) Hint, hint.

[mrclark321]

I'd step up to help organize but I won't be able to attend as my Mum & cousin will be visiting from the UK. Now if it were the 13th then I'd be all over it ;-) Hint, hint.

Same here, 13th is good for me. :)

[symes]

I'd step up to help organize but I won't be able to attend as my Mum & cousin will be visiting from the UK. Now if it were the 13th then I'd be all over it ;-) Hint, hint.

take charge and go with it...:)

Cheers,

[Rubi Jane]

Sorry, I haven't been on the site lately.

I'll offer up to organize a meet for May 13th since I can't make the 6th. So feel free to join us if you can.

When: Saturday, May 13th at 10:00am
Where: Webster Falls (Spencer Gorge Conservation Area) http://www.hamrca.on.ca/parks/visit/spencer.asp
There is a pay fee for access to the Conservation Area.
Fee per person in vehicle: $2.00
Maximum per vehicle: $5.00
Walk/Bike in per person: $2.00

Follow the signs to the conservation area (directions below). There is a parking lot at Webster Falls and it's either a short drive to Tews Falls, or you can walk the Bruce Trail that goes along the creek bed to reach the base of Tews Falls.

There is a Tim Hortons, Wendys and Petro Canada at the corner of Hwy 5 & Hwy 6 if you need a travel break or refuel before meeting up. Be aware you can't turn west back onto Hwy 5 from the rest area. It's easiest to go east on Hwy 5 and pull into a business on the north side and turn around.

Depending on when people want to wrap up, if anyone has time and is interested we can head to Waterdown (~15 mins) to Turtle Jacks (casual restaurant) for a bite to eat and chat.

Additional information on both falls that include some images of both falls that might be of interest.
Webster Falls Info Sheet (http://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/webster.shtml)
Tews Falls Info Sheet (http://www.gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/tews.shtml)

Directions:
From Toronto via QEW:
QEW west to 403. Take Highway 6 North to Highway 5 West. Turn south (left) onto Brock Road. Turn east (left) onto Harvest Road. Turn right onto Short Road and left onto Fallsview Road and follow the signs for the parking lot. For Dundas Peak and Tews Falls lookout parking, follow Harvest Road further down until you see the signs.

From 401:
401 to Highway 6 South (exit 299) to Highway 5 West. Turn south (left) onto Brock Road. Turn east (left) onto Harvest Road. Turn right onto Short Road and left onto Fallsview Road and follow the signs for the parking lot. For Dundas Peak and Tews Falls lookout parking, follow Harvest Road further down until you see the signs.

From Hamilton:
Take Highway 8 North (Main Street) from Dundas. Continue right on Brock Road then turn right at the flashing light onto Harvest Road. Turn right onto Short Road and left onto Fallsview Road and follow the signs for the parking lot. For Dundas Peak and Tews Falls lookout parking, follow Harvest Road further down until you see the signs.

http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/Asset/iu_files/SpencerGorgeMap.jpg

I'll offer up my cell number but since this area has lousy cell service I won't guarantee I'll get your call ;) 905-638-1833

If you're planning on joining please confirm so I have an idea of how many people I'm looking out for. I'll PM everyone who could make May 13th with a link to this post so hopefully people won't miss the post - that's if they check PM's ;)

[jfrancho]

Kudos for Lindsey for stepping up!

[RAitch]

... and kudos again. Thanks again Lindsey. I'll have a little gift for you if you have/use Photoshop.

[tomvill]

hmmm i,m thinking your directions from the 401 are a little wrong Shouldn't it be a right turn from hiway 6 onto Hiway 5

the reason i say this is from toronto via the 403 and onto six ( which means your going north on 6 ) you have turning left and from comming from the 401 ( which is heading south) you also have a left turn Thats not quite right. ??

Anyways i,ll be their unless we get really bad weather.

[RAitch]

Anyways i,ll be their unless we don't get really bad weather.
You'll probably be the only one there then... the rest of us will probably only go if we don't get bad weather. ;)

[tomvill]

Lol I fixed that.. :oops:

I should also say Thank You Rubi Jane for doing the organizing on this at the last minute..

[igor_f]

Hi,
I would really happy to join you. Unfortunately with my bike it would be slightly difficult :)
I'm just wonder, is here anyone from Kitchener/Waterloo, who will be so kind to let me join him in this trip?

Thanks!

[RAitch]

Looking forward to the weekend assuming the weather will hold out.
Can't wait to meet all of you. Pictures or not, I'm looking forward to the conversation. There's so much we can learn from each other.

BTW, will anybody have a 10-22 that's going? I'm interested to see what it can do.

[igor_f]

Completely agree with Rich! I will be really glad to meet all of you.

Thanks tomvill for your kind proposal to join you in this trip!

[Rubi Jane]

hmmm i,m thinking your directions from the 401 are a little wrong Shouldn't it be a right turn from hiway 6 onto Hiway 5

You're right, it's a right turn onto Hwy 5 if you are coming south on Hwy 6 from the 401. I don't believe I put which way to turn but referred to it as West on Hwy 5. Hopefully folks have a good sense of direction ;-)

[Rubi Jane]

These are the folks I believe are attending or really hoping to get there.
RAitch
mrclark321
tomvill
jfrancho
Majentajoe
igor_f
JMurray
WannaRam
Rubi Jane
Abdeyman
sser

See everyone Saturday!! Looking forward to it.

[RAitch]

Sounds like even if it rains there are a lot of things to do indoors.
There's a botanical garden around there somewhere (indoors??) and a butterfly conservatory.
Also, MrClark321 also pointed out a photography show that's going on in Toronto.
http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/henrys/show/toronto.jsp?page=toronto/faq.html

Personally, I'd like to get together, shoot some stuff, chat a bit... maybe even do some beginner Photoshop tips (if anybody is interested) if somebody brings a notebook. Maybe we can find a group-friendly restaurant and sit down for a while over lunch or something.
We don't have to plan anything though... we can make it up as we go.

[Rubi Jane]

Sounds like even if it rains there are a lot of things to do indoors.
There's a botanical garden around there somewhere (indoors??) and a butterfly conservatory.
Also, MrClark321 also pointed out a photography show that's going on in Toronto.
http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/henrys/show/toronto.jsp?page=toronto/faq.html

Personally, I'd like to get together, shoot some stuff, chat a bit... maybe even do some beginner Photoshop tips (if anybody is interested) if somebody brings a notebook. Maybe we can find a group-friendly restaurant and sit down for a while over lunch or something.
We don't have to plan anything though... we can make it up as we go.

Yes, Royal Botanical Gardens are close (www.rbg.ca). Never been to the butterfly conservatory but heard it's quite cool. I have a laptop but it's only got PS-E2 (CS2 is on the Mac at home) and I need power since my battery doesn't hold a charge anymore...just trying to find reasons, and $$, to warrant a Mac notebook ;-)

Turtle Jacks is a group friendly restaurant if we want to hit there after some shooting. I like the make it up as we go ;-)

[tomvill]

Yes, Royal Botanical Gardens are close (www.rbg.ca) (http://www.rbg.ca)). Never been to the butterfly conservatory but heard it's quite cool.
Turtle Jacks is a group friendly restaurant if we want to hit there after some shooting. I like the make it up as we go ;-)

Really thats cool I,ve driven by the royal botanical Gardens dozens of times always wondering what its like their but I had no idea they had a butterfly conservatory.
I,ve offered to give Igor a ride from KW and back .. Thats not a problem .

I am looking forward to this.

[abdeyman]

I've mentioned this outing at my local camera club and was asked if non-Canon users could attend.

Is this possible?

[RAitch]

I don't think the butterfly conservatory is IN the RBG... but I'm a dumb-ass.

[RAitch]

I've mentioned this outing at my local camera club and was asked if non-Canon users could attend.

Is this possible?
I think the whole point of the POTN outing was to meet other POTN members and have an excuse to get out and shoot/learn.
That being said... I don't mind if other people show up. Now, THAT being said... I'm not the boss... so it's not up to me.

Looking forward to putting faces to avatars.

[jfrancho]

I'm might be bringing a non Canon buddy. It's a 3+ hour drive, so a copilot will be good.

[Rubi Jane]

I've mentioned this outing at my local camera club and was asked if non-Canon users could attend.

Is this possible?
It's a free country, well sometimes ;)
I'm not in charge either - I just posted directions!
It's OK with me if non-canon users join in. Heck they may convert ;)

[Rubi Jane]

Really thats cool I,ve driven by the royal botanical Gardens dozens of times always wondering what its like their but I had no idea they had a butterfly conservatory.
I,ve offered to give Igor a ride from KW and back .. Thats not a problem .

I am looking forward to this.
The butterflies aren't at the RBG. There's 2 conservatories in the area although I've not visited either one yet.
Cambridge Wings of Paradise (http://www.wingsofparadise.com/location1.htm)
Niagara Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens (http://www.niagaraparks.com/nature/butterfly.php)

[Rubi Jane]

Long shot here... Does anyone coming have a 67mm Hoya R72 filter? I'm itching to try some IR shots and am willing to deal with the long exposures times but not sure how my 17-85 would do. So before I pop for a filter I'd like to do a few test shots first. From what I understand my other lenses are not great for IR (50 1.4 & 70-200 2.8 IS).

[jfrancho]

I have to wonder...what makes a lens more or less suitable for a filter application?

[RAitch]

I'd like to know if somebody has a 10-22 or a 300 F4 IS they could show me.

[RAitch]

I'm might be bringing a non Canon buddy. It's a 3+ hour drive, so a copilot will be good.
Looking forward to meeting you Frenchy! The friend you're bringing.. is he the guy that did some video work with you?

[mrclark321]

OK People.....We had lot's of interest......
Who is coming on the 13th.....
Lets get together. :D

[RAitch]

OK People.....We had lot's of interest......
Who is coming on the 13th.....
Lets get together. :D

See Lindsey's post (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1487180&postcount=171). There's a list of people coming.

[tomvill]

I don't think the butterfly conservatory is IN the RBG... but I'm a dumb-ass.

Hey I didn't even know we had a butterfly conservatory in the province..:oops: But it's nice to see their is one close by.. I may have to visit their on my vacation .. With my camera of coarse.

[MagentaJoe]

Looks like rain for the meeting area for Saturday! :-(

[jfrancho]

Looking forward to meeting you Frenchy! The friend you're bringing.. is he the guy that did some video work with you?No, Jesse wanted to go, but is going to New York that weekend. He actually is a Canon guy now - he has my old DRebel. In fact, I think his DV is a Canon, too.

I'm going to try and get there, rain or shine. Looking forward to meeting face to face with you too.

[RAitch]

Sounds like Dan (mrclark321), Tricia (photosytes), and I are going rain or shine for 10am. If it's terrible, we'll probably try to find the butterfly thing... if that doesn't pan out... we'll probably head to Toronto for the Henry's thing.

Can anyone else verify rain or shine?

[tomvill]

I will be their very close to 10 am and I think Igor is still going if I don't hear from him i,ll pick him up at 8:45 and we,ll be on our way.

[igor_f]

I will go if Tom will go :)

[Steve Parr]

I'm going to be in Toronto June 19-25, August 22-30, and September 17-23. If any of you lunatics start planning another get together, that might coincide with any of those dates, please drop me a line...

[abdeyman]

I'll be there even if its raining.

[jimtfoto]

Hey I didn't even know we had a butterfly conservatory in the province..:oops: But it's nice to see their is one close by.. I may have to visit their on my vacation .. With my camera of coarse.

Check these:
http://www.wingsofparadise.com/
http://www.niagaraparks.com/nature/butterfly.php

These two are open year-round. There are a couple more that are seasonal.

cheers,
jim

[tomvill]

Wow that first link is only 20 minutes from me.. I,m going to have to go and soon .. Well tommorrow might not be a write off the weather is hopefully going to improve from the looks of it on television.. I'm hopefull.

[jimtfoto]

Wow that first link is only 20 minutes from me.. I,m going to have to go and soon .. Well tommorrow might not be a write off the weather is hopefully going to improve from the looks of it on television.. I'm hopefull.


It's sometimes a crap shoot with butterflies in conservatories ... on sunny days they can get very active and on cloudy days less so -- but then again, they are "wildlife" and don't always follows these rules.
We've been on both sunny and cloudy days and come away from both with great shots.
By the way, both conservatories have "gift shops" if you are looking to buy ID books.

cheers, and have fun,
jim

[RAitch]

GREAT! We'll at least be able to meet some people. I'll bring an umbrella and some boots! ;) My 30D isn't weather sealed.

[Rubi Jane]

We're heading down for 10am rain or shine. The weather is changing almost every hour or so. They predicted rain for 7 days straight and we had some nice sunny moments yesterday & today. One thing I've learned is not to trust weather forcasters ;)

But if you're interested...
Greensville, ON weather (http://www.weathernetwork.ca/weather/cities/can/Pages/CAON1733.htm)
And for the real analytical weather worriers ;)
Hourly weather! (http://www.weathernetwork.ca/weather/hfx/pages/CFLA.htm?CAON1733)

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

[mrclark321]

Look forward to meeting everyone.......Does anyone have a 1DMKII that I can compare to my 30D??

Dan

[RAitch]

I have a feeling we'll be swinging by Toronto so Dan can buy a 1D

[igor_f]

any plans to visit Henry's show?

[mrclark321]

any plans to visit Henry's show?

VERY VERY Possible ;)

[MagentaJoe]

I'll be there at 10am rain or shine. I originally recommended Webster's Falls so I'd better go!

[tomvill]

I enjoyed myself. :D Thanks to all the people I got to meet and chat with.. I enjoyed myself but i feel i need to apologise as i ramble on sometimes when i,m tired.. And I was tired but a quik nap has fixed that ..

Again thanks for having the meet. :D

[jfrancho]

Great time. We'll have to start a picture thread.

[igor_f]

Thanks everybody :)

[WannaRam]

Ok,this was a great day and it was awesome to meet all of you.I will openly admit (and Lindsey will vouch for it) that I was quite intimidated showing up with my equipment and then seeing what everyone else had.The good thing is that none of you judged what a person had and made them feel welcome.The lunch we had was great...if you could keep up with all the assorted conversations going on.......best was the "Pride and Joy" moment....tooooo funny!!!!! Anyway,thanks to all that showed up..and thanks to Lindsey for taking control;) ....after looking at a couple of pics the 50mm will live,sorry Rich :lol:

WannaRam Jamie

[jfrancho]

I started a picture thread: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1506644#post1506644

[RAitch]

Ok,this was a great day and it was awesome to meet all of you.I will openly admit (and Lindsey will vouch for it) that I was quite intimidated showing up with my equipment and then seeing what everyone else had.The good thing is that none of you judged what a person had and made them feel welcome.The lunch we had was great...if you could keep up with all the assorted conversations going on.......best was the "Pride and Joy" moment....tooooo funny!!!!! Anyway,thanks to all that showed up..and thanks to Lindsey for taking control;) ....after looking at a couple of pics the 50mm will live,sorry Rich :lol:

WannaRam Jamie
The 50mm does work better outdoors... as we talked, that's not why I bought mine.

[WannaRam]

Oh I know that...I am just stating that I was happy with mine today.....I totally agree with the bad indoor properties of that lens.I hope you guys had a great day.Take care

Jamie

[Rubi Jane]

It was nice to meet everyone & good to put faces to names. My little son held me back from playing below, but a mum has to do what a mum has to do! I'm sure the model shoot was an added bonus for you guys ;)

We'll have to do this again sometime. Thanks to Symes for the initiative, sorry you couldn't join us :(

[symes]

Great to see it went off without a hitch...just looked at the photos and it looks like you all had a wonderful day...

Cheers,