Saturday, October 22, 2022

The Lookout

Pink Lake is a particularly picturesque and unusual lake in the heart of Gatineau Park. So named after the Pink family, who had a timber operation here in the 19th century, this lake is one of the stops for the fall shuttles through the park. I stopped first at the two-level lookout.


Interpretive panels on the lower level go into detail about the lake's history and unusual nature. Once thought to be polluted, it was found instead through careful study to be suffering from erosion issues- something that extensive rehabilitation of the surrounding shores works to deal with to this day. It was also found to be a true rarity: a meromictic lake. The layers of water in the lake do not mix like they would in other lakes within the park, and this is rare indeed, with a handful of lakes around the world sharing this status. The deeper waters below 13 meters contain very little oxygen. And as has been seen over the last few decades at various times of the year the water has a green look to it- as it did on this occasion.


A look from the upper level.


One look back at the drive in- there were a handful of cars present, but mostly it was for shuttle buses coming in and out dropping off and picking up people.


I went for the trail, heading down. Certain sections include staircases.


The lake itself drew closer.

34 comments:

  1. Interesting - and beautiful. Now I wonder about the green lake and the tea tree lake we saw in Australia. And one that was so deep blue, you wondered why. Back then research wasn´t that easy (1995), especially on travels.

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  2. What fabulous colors, William!

    "A meromictic lake is a lake which has layers of water that do not intermix. ."

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  3. Ein schöner Ort zum Spazieren gehen.

    Gruß
    Noke

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  4. Thank you so much for this tour William, these images are gorgeous. What beautiful wilderness you have, the forest looks ancient, lush and extremely inviting.

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  5. A very nice place to visit and interesting too !

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  6. There is a meromictic lake near here. Fascinating.

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  7. Hello,
    Looks like a beautiful park, the views of the water are pretty. Have a great weekend!

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  8. @Iris: there are a handful of these lakes around the worl, including in Australia.

    @Cloudia: definitely.

    @Noke: thank you.

    @Gemel: it has great appeal.

    @Gattina: that it is.

    @italiafinlandia: indeed.

    @Tom: indeed.

    @David: it would have to be Crawford Lake.

    @Eileen: thank you.

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  9. Glad they let you off. From the previous post, I was thinking that it was just a driving tour.

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  10. Very beautiful. I liked seeing your shadow in that one shot. :-)

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  11. @Sandi: indeed.

    @Anvilcloud: no, it makes stops.

    @DJan: thank you.

    @Catarina: thanks!

    @Sharon: definitely.

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  12. Interesting in history and make up of water.

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  13. That is a beautiful area and doesn’t look crowded?

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  14. Lovely park and photos ~ enjoy ~ fun shadow shot ~


    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  15. I've never heard of waters in a lake not mixing before. Interesting posts and great photos as usual.

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  16. Bellos paisajes, los de tus fotos.
    Besos..

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  17. Beautiful lake, your photos make it look even more inviting to visit.

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  18. Beautiful photos and scenes. Very nice captures, William.

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  19. Beautiful sceneries and what a gorgeous lake that is.

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  20. What a great walk. Beautiful scenery. Nice going DOWN those stairs!! :)

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  21. What an incredibly beautiful place! You seem to have been there on an excellent day too.

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  22. Thanks for this. Today should be great, too!

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  23. What a beautiful spot -- and great for a walk. You hit it on a perfect weather day!

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  24. @RedPat: indeed.

    @Jan: very much so.

    @Red: I thought so.

    @Marie: it wasn't. While I could hear other voices along the trail and periodically passed others, it never felt crowded.

    @Carol: thank you.

    @fun60: it's rare, but they are out there.

    @Miradas: thank you.

    @Maywyn: it was quite a spot.

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  25. @Bill: thank you.

    @roentare: indeed.

    @happyone: it does mean being careful!

    @Karen: I couldn't have asked for a better day.

    @Jennifer: you're welcome.

    @Jan: it certainly is.

    @Jeanie: I agree.

    @Sofia: you're welcome.

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