Natural Chimneys

Grottoes, Virgina is known for two things: Jousting and their Natural Chimneys. Jousting tournaments have been held in that town for 150 years. The Natural Chimneys have been there for 500 million years and are remnants of the sea bed that once covered this part of the continental US. There are seven limestone towers that look so out of place that I swear they were dropped off by aliens.

Red, blue and green

Western Loudoun approaches peak leave changing season. While the colors are not spectacular this year due to the dry summer, there are spots of brilliant color to be found. The two horses pictured in this pasture get second billing to this brightly colored maple.

Virginia State Arboretum

After attending an Artist's reception in Millwood the Art at the Mill (I'm showing there) , I drove over to the Virgina state Arboretum. This experimental plant and tree farm offers an abundance of growth that I've never seen. If you are in Clarke County looking for something to do, this place is highly recommended. Located near the intersection of highway 50 and 340. Just beautiful!

Finding simple in a crazy world

In this fast paced society, it is often hard to recognize and enjoy the simpler things in life that really matter. This political season is filled with such sensory overload that I'm beginning to tune out; source of apathy? The simple sound of horse hooves can wipe that all away and reintroduce hints life's true purpose. Photo taken in Dayton, VA last weekend.

Knee deep in it

I had a wet but terrific camping trip this weekend in the George Washington National Forest. This river ran along our Hone Quarry campsite which was overflowing from the recent rain. While in Harrisonburg buying supplies, I bought the pair of wader boots that I've always wanted. Now I can venture into the streams and marshes instead of struggling for a shot on shore. More shots from the trip coming soon.

Slimy air

Entire microcosm's are always underfoot. While hiking the AT one day I noticed brilliant green slime coating the river rocks. It ebbed and flowed like sheets in the wind driven by the power of the water. I was facinated by the trapped oxygen contained in the slime (ok, I'm a simple guy).