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.

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.

Old Rag Mountain Hike

Old Rag Mountain offers quite the challenging hike. The circuit loop one may take is roughly seven and a half miles. In the middle of this loop is a spine of massive boulders that one must climb and navigate their way though. While I highly recommend this incredible and natural obstacle course, do be prepared for a journey that will make you gasp, strain, become breathless and smile. Don't say I didn't warn you. Show up early (like 8 am) to get the most enjoyment, the crowds can run heavy.

Pasture swimming

...looks like this. Taken last weekend.

Lines in the Winter Field

Loudoun County offers incredible vistas filled with meandering lines, pleasing natural shapes and fences that draw the eye to infinity. However, scenes like this aren't revealed to the casual traveler. Exploration is often half the fun in Landscape Photography. I'm now quite the expert on the dirt road network of this county.

View from atop the grain silo

The view from atop an 85 foot grain silo is exhilarating, I climbed one tonight. The sight of green rolling hills, blue ridges and lush pastures could be seen for miles. This photo was taken from the top, which is located south of Purcellville. Farmer James was gracious enough to grant permission for me to pursue this vertical hike.

Blue Ridges at Reddish Knob

This photo is another from the camping series in March. Reddish Knob provides spectacular views in all directions looking into Virgina and West Virginia. I steadied the camera using an umbrella on this trip, I look forward to returning with my tripod.

Directions to Reddish Knob, click here.

Mooncrazy, thanks for recent comment. I agree with you and will begin posting technical details of the shots I post. Details: Canon EOS 20D, Canon 24-70mm lens , F22 at 1/30 sec., umbrella, shorts and grubby t-shirt.

Wet Monday hike

At 9 AM this morning, the Blue Ridge was sopping wet. As I hiked up the ridge, the mist became thicker until finally turning to rain. Ten minutes to the bottom later, I headed back up with umbrella in hand. Nearing the top I was treated to a spectacular view of western Loudoun filled with a sun spotted ground between columns of rain. This photo features a northern view as the sun broke above me. More to come....

Hygiene not required

Nothing like three days of camping to shrug off normal duties. Neighbor Dave and I traveled to the Shenandoah National Forest this weekend for some trailing, hiking and the squashing of personal hygiene, yeah! While getting lost on what the locals referred to as "roads", we discovered a breathtaking spot called Reddish Knob. The Knob offered 360 degree views into the Virgina and West Virgina mountains.

Sunset at Bears Den cabin

This time lapse photo was taken at sunset from the rock outcrop at Bears Den hiking cabin. This west facing view shows Winchester lit up on the horizon. The streaks of light in the foreground are cars driving along Route 7. I will have prints hanging at Bears Den in the next few weeks, check them out if you are in the area.

Ashby Gap

Ashby Gap is not quite in Loudoun County, but pretty close. This beautiful spot can be seen driving East on Rt. 50 looking to the South. It contains many elements that make this area quaint; rolling hills, farm houses, cattle, streams and ponds. I hope to return in the Spring when everything is green and in full bloom. Taken on January 28.

Frosted Blue Ridge

I woke on this morning to find the top of the Blue
Ridge frosted over, an unusual sight. This Round Hill corn field yielded some dramatic shots. The frosted ridge can be seen on the horizon, taken last Winter.

Old Sunny Ridge

This 2004 photograph was taken at Sunny Ridge, just outside of Round Hill. This area is one of the most beautiful in the county with gentle rolling hills, hawks riding the thermals and herds of deer.