Blooming Wysteria!

Last night I hiked over to a piece of land that recently sold and discovered a huge Wysteria vine in full bloom. I hope that the host tree remains standing after the houses go in.

Thanks for the props and links Lenny (DC Art News). From the Purcellville Police Blotter April 17: "...a woman complained of an unknown person talking to her friend and claiming to be her".

Pier geometry

Photograph of pier with interesting angles, shapes and lighting. Stone, metal, wood and water.

William's Gap revisit

As is often done with landscape photography, locations are shot again and again to obtain a perfect rendering. This particular location, along William's Gap that abuts the Blue Ridge, is one such place for me. Shooting in heavy mist and occasional rain yesterday brought satisfaction a little closer. While not perfect, I think it deserves a frame. Agree or disagree? Leave a comment...

Name that draw bridge

Recent travels took me across this unique draw bridge somewhere along the east coast. Its long history connects two small towns divided by a deep river. Before the current incarnation, oxen were used to draw open a wooden version for tall mast ships. Can you name its location?

The Loudoun Rockettes

Quite a lineup of heifers! At one point in time, they outnumbered the citizens of Loudoun county. The second one from the end has her eye on me. What the heck, she's more trim than some of my old girlfriends.

Spring is in the air

Spring officially arrived in nothern Virginia. The tree blooms are near peak, tulips dot the landscape with bright colors and the insects have returned. The Blue Ridge is changing from winter brown to the emerald and Granny Smith apple greens that are familiar this time of year. Gosh, it almost feel like humidity today.

Round Hill Pasture

Once you get out of town, there are many pastures in the hidden corners of Round Hill. This particular location is north of town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. The late summer sun casts a wonderful light over the rolling green hills. Taken last year.

Stoney Point Road

This valley in northern Loudoun is a beauty. It looks completely different in each of the four seasons. Two winters ago I stood here in thigh high snow snapping photos in freezing wind. This place is between the growth areas of Rt. 7 and Rt.9 where time still moves just a bit slower.

Last barn in town

This old barn has become a relic from another time. The old friend is beyond repair and is now surrounded by a chain link fence. Townhomes stand where it's fields once lay. The close by stream still meanders without care.

Update 2/11 - This barn came down about a year later. Only the stone foundation remains today.

Tornado warning clouds

There were tornado warnings all through Loudoun this evening. While no tornados touched down, we were treated to a spectacular sky show. My haze filter may have prevented the incredible blues from showing that appeared on the horizon, too bad as I've never seen that color in the sky before. The clouds shown here followed a heavy rainfall and impressive lightning. I've been hit by lightning before, but that's a story for a future entry.

Paris Virginia

Paris Virginia has no Eiffel tower but it sure is beautiful. This photo was taken from Sky Meadows state park under a cloudy but dramatic sky. About a ten minute hike from the parking lot affords this view from the blue trail. Another terrific natural resource available in northern Virginia.