AT hike to David Lesser Cabin

A couple of weeks ago (3/12/11) a friend and I hiked to one of the most remote Appalachian Trail cabins in Loudoun County, Virginia. The David Lesser Shelter, or Cabin, is located south of Route 9 and north Blackburn Cabin. It is remote because you can only access it by hiking several miles, unlike most of the other AT cabins in the area that feature roads. This hike was a terrific opportunity to photograph the Blue Ridge in sunny weather ahead of the spring bloom. The photo above looks east over Loudoun County with Hillsboro in the distance. This particular view is roughly half way to the cabin itself, which is a total of 3.5 miles in one direction.

The David Lesser shelter is shown in the photograph above. The three wall cabin is open to the east and features a full size deck. There is a covered picnic structure just out of view. Several camping areas are located just below the cabin. When we arrived on this chilly afternoon, the cabin was occupied and several folks had tents pitched. A serene setting to say the least.

This sign hangs outside of the cabin and provides general information about the site. Out of curiosity, I conducted online research into Mr. Lesser and found nothing about him. Can anyone share some insight here?

As early spring approaches, daffodils leaves poke through the ground in preparation of their more colorful counterparts. This photo was taken somewhere along the trail during the hike. Among streams that appeared from the ground, several plants of similar green hues also vied for sun. Next month, leaf buds and ground plants will transform this section of the trail to appear completely different.

Also found along the trail was this interesting fallen tree with some of it's rings completely missing. Somehow, the core rings remain while creating a curious piece of nature to observe. The fallen log was presumably cut by the kind folks who maintain the trail.

Northern Virginia Magazine Mention

Thanks to Northern Virginia Magazine for the October mention. They were kind enough to not only print a brief write up, but also feature one of my Loudoun photographs. This particular photograph was taken at Glenowen Farm located on the side of the Blue Ridge in Round Hill. Several of my photos have been taken on this farm including Barley Field and Field Swimming. Farmhand Skip granted me free reign to hike these rolling hills and snap photos as I please, a great honor. This farm is designated as a Virginia Century Farm. This is also the location where I recently heard a pack of Coyotes in the near distance.

Library Bucket

Gravity and rain slowly unwind these wooden barrel planters located outside of the public library in Purcellville, Virgina. The oft overlooked objects in life can sometimes provide a meaningful break from an otherwise mundane walk into town. Perfect planters would do well in Ashburn. In our community, weather-worn is just part of the fabric. Simple photographs can communicate many things. Like the volumes inside of these stone walls,  lessons can be learned simply observing.

 Watch for the ultra large full moon tonight.

Bears Den Sunset

Bears Den hikers hostel, located in Bluemont, VA, offers terrific western views over Clarke County. A half mile south on Route 601, from Route 7, will bring you to the entrance of this must see location in Loudoun. Aside from the cabin itself, there are also a handful of campsites and a few small satellite cabins. However the real draw of this spot is the rocky outcrop just a short walk from the main hostel. When the timing is right, spectacular sunsets are bestowed upon visitors who find themselves perched on the sprawling rock formations that give Bears Den its name.

This photograph was taken only steps from the Appalachian Trail, which conveniently intersects the walking path to the rock outcropping in which I stood while snapping this photo.

While I've not seen actual bears here, I've spoken with those who claim to have seen them. Wide fractures in some of the formations would make for comfortable napping by bears and humans alike. With places such as this, capturing Loudoun County photography is rarely challenging. More information about Bears Den can be found here: www.bearsdencenter.org.