Town Festival Day 2009

Just a terrific day in my small town. Here, the stage is set for the pie eating contest as on lookers begin to gather. The 2009 Round Hill Town Festival was a smashing success.























The sack races are always a hit with the kids. A camera always helps to show a slightly different perspective on things.



















This child is adorable.






















A small crew exhibited their gymnastic dance moves. This particular gentleman could fly through the air.























Mid-air hops nearing the finish line.
























These folks provided stories, history and drama related to swords and lore. They acted out mock duels while informing the audience of the roots of swordplay.



















Classic pie eating techniques are revealed as the adult portion of the contest ensues.















Seconds after time is called. New rules this year calls for pie to be ingested, rather than worn. In years past we've seen eaters covered from head to toe in hopes of gaining higher scores (remaining pie is weighed to gauge winners).
















This is a Round Hill Festival first; ground pie eating. The judges did not know what to make of this brazen new technique. Apparently, the pie is tossed to the floor thereby allowing the eater to attack the 2400 calorie desert from a prone position....ingenious! The contestant was not disqualified, however, the rules committee will spend many weeks reviewing video to determine potential changes next year.












Warriors, each and every one of them!

Jefferson's Rotunda

A recent trip to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville produced this photo of the Rotunda, a focal point on campus. This spectacular institution was formed by Thomas Jefferson, with this building breaking ground in 1822. The campus was unique for its time due to its focus on a library, rather than a church. The university evokes feelings of grandeur and history that is uniquely American.

Photos on display at Magnolia's

Selected Loudoun Landscape photographs are currently on display at Magnolia's in Purcellville. If you're in town, stop in and have a look.













The tuna is terrific, I suggest a Dale's Pale Ale to go with it. Tell Patrick that Dave sent you!

Foggy mid-week morning, and still

The early Wednesday morning fog pulled me from the house in search of quiet Loudoun scenes. These two continually honking Canadian Geese did not favor my visit. Everything else was quite still. Taken near Snickersville Turnpike.






















While shooting at another location yesterday, this crazed beast from heck comes tearing around the pond at me. The newish Black Lab could hardly stay in it's own fur as it bounced around seeking nothing but fun. After realizing I was not fun (the camera you know), it tore around the pond and ripped a hearty branch from a tree. I was just leaving as the hapless canine returned with his treasure.

A chicken in every hand

The Chorus of the Old Dominion is at it again with a light hearted delivery of fine vocal verses. The group gathered at the Bluemont Store on a chilly January morning. For some reason, this called for the cuddling of chickens. Watching patrons walk into the store was as much fun as doing the shoot itself. Featured on the Blue Ridge Leader on February 27, 2009.

Warm February day at the arboretum

A nice break in the weather was the perfect excuse for a hike this weekend. These red Smooth Sumac berries "float" in the field as the wind knocks them about.

The photo above was taken at the Virginia State Arboretum located in Boyce, VA on Route 50 near 340. From their website "..displaying more than 8,000 trees and woody shrubs". A visit here is required.























Close up of the berries in question.

Show Opening at Magnolia's

In a partnership with the Round Hill Art Center, a selection of my work has been hung at Magnolia's in Purcellville. My photographs will be shown through the end of March. The show opening is scheduled for Monday, February 16 from 6 - 8 PM. This is a fine chance to taste the goodness of Magnolia's while seeing some of my large framed work. I hope to see you there.

Link for more information: www.roundhillartscenter.org/events.html#dave

Frozen Tree

After a recent night of freezing rain, the encased trees sparkled in the morning sun.

Ridge Frosting

After a cold and rainy night, the ridge woke frosted.

Pocket camera used here.

Cold and foggy travels in Loudoun

Socked in with fog, Loudoun county was chilly Saturday morning. This photo was taken at Glenowen Farm, one of my favorite places to shoot. The cows and geese added to the silent beauty of the morning.
















Taken at the same farm, these intersecting pastures poke through the horizon like massive beach balls.
















A one in a million shot. Taken near Blackburn cabin where I saw ten thousand leaves fall as the tree tops rustled.















A serene Loudoun setting.

















Most of my friends know that I love the simplicity of overgrown fields, especially when wet and striped with fall colors.

Raven Rocks hike

November first was warmer than seventy degrees, a perfect day for a hike on the Blue Ridge. Both Virginia and West Virginia can be seen in this photo, taken at Raven Rocks. Colorful hard woods cascade down to green farm land.

Coming home on Route 601 toward Route 7, a stunning sunset provides a finishing touch to the day.

Singing in the trees

My good friend Timothy Wyant invited me to shoot photos of his chorus group the local Christmas tree farm. Huh? Timothy is the type of guy who like to mix things up a bit. When he called, he said he wanted quirky shots of his group mingling with the trees on the slopes of the Blue Ridge? How could I refuse an offer like that. After taking several "normal" shots, I had them line up like trees which provided a uniquely quirky photo. Mission accomplished I'd say.

















This is one of the "normal shots" with acres of Christmas trees cascading down the ridge behind them. Their voices filled the air on this perfect day. The group headed over to the Bluemont Fair following the shoot to give a performance. You can learn more about the Chorus of the Old Dominion by visiting this link: www.odchorus.org. Click here to learn more about The Snickers Gap Tree Farm.

Skyline Drive Camping In October

Last weekend neighbor Dave and I camped on top of Skyline Drive. The weather was cool and fall colors are starting to appear. We stayed at Loft Mountain where all 220 campsites were occupied. It is amazing how peaceful a mountaintop can be with so many campers.

















The Appalachian Trail wraps around the campsite offering easy access to stunning views. This photo was taken in the morning where the low sunlight created scenes that were alive with color.


















These helpful trail markers were found at various intersections. We don't see these on trail sections in Loudoun County. They tend to be wooden signs in our area.














We did not see bears during our trip, but their presence was evident. At some point during our stay we noticed a large apple tree bordering our campsite. The base of the tree was dotted with biological remnants (a nice way of saying poo) of deer and bear. "...protect your property?" I had no idea bears were thieves, food I can understand.






















After years of attempting to get closeup photos of deer, my goal was met this weekend. Dave and I were hiking along the trail and two bucks casually approached us on their morning stroll. The smaller of the two walked within two feet of us, as if we were not there. The second, larger buck (seen here) milled within ten feet of us for about five minutes. I assume they had no fear because hunting is not permitted in this location. Here in Loudoun, getting within fifty yards is rare.

Barn and Moon in Early Fall

As early fall prepares to descend on Loudoun County, the air becomes crisper and evenings grow cool. Fall skies are often filled with pinks and magenta's as the sun rises and sets. This recently snapped scene is located next to the Mountain View Elementary school on Alder School Road.

Update Jan 2011 - This is now the site of Woodgrove High School. The school is situated on the right hand side, and the football field on the left.

Loudoun's Breaux

Breaux Vinyards is a must see for those in range of northern Virginia. This beautiful location features gentle rolling hills lined with graped fences. The stucco and tile roof building is flanked by an emerald green ridge. Spacious seating areas provide the feeling of a European contryside. Surprisingly, all of their many wines are produced using only grapes grown by them.






















If the surroundings are not enough to bring you out to Breaux, the seemingly unlimited knowldege of this wine guru will. While serving sample glasses from their selection, this gentleman provided in depth knowledge of thier processes and other those of other wineries. He also made note of local wine making players, history and regional information. The best ten dollars I've spent lately, the wine is excellent. Directions to Breaux are here: www.breauxvineyards.com/en/directions.html

Loudoun County Fair 2008

The well attended Loudoun County Fair ended on Saturday after an incredibly hot week. The layout pretty much followed the previous year but fun was had by all. Where else in Loudoun can you eat fried cheesecake and mingle with livestock?






















This goat has blazing blue eyes that were overshadowed only by his unique voice. He had a unique mix of snorts and vocal utterances that gave him human-like appeal. I give him first place for coolness.

















This was my first rodeo and I must say that it exceeded my expectations. Sure it looks dangerous on TV, but seeing it in person puts it into perspective. The bulls aren't small, trained or cute. Intermission featured young children riding sheep, what a hoot!
















Many of the same rides were featured this year. Organizers, I think we need to mix it up a bit.






















This tiny woman wrangled a sheep into submission and had it sheered in about 90 seconds. Most of the wool came off in one piece. The newly shaved sheep appeared about half it's size when done.






















I always get a kick out of the posters children make for thier show animals (I've featured several over the years). They demonstrate the pride taken in raising their livestock. A select few are rewarded with county ribbons.

Evolving Winchester

A recent trip to Winchester revealed a town in the midst of change. Winchester typifies an American rural community complete with an abundance of strip malls, a brick-lined historic district and an younger college crowd. This town is not only expanding in all directions, but an upscale presence has been sneaking in recently. Pictured here is the courthouse, showing a slightly different time than the church behind it.






















The Handley Library stands out as incredible moment to architecture, especially for this area. Completed in 1913, it was commissioned to architects J. Stewart Barney and Henry Otis Chapman from New York. More information can be found here: nps.gov/history/NR/travel/VAmainstreet/han.htm.


















Just an incredible building! I need to make the trip back soon as it as closed on the day I visited.

Photo published on Loudoun Yellow Pages cover

The new Loudoun and Faquier Yellow Pages book from Verizon features one of my photos. This late afternoon shot was taken atop one of the silos located on Franklin Farm. The northerly facing view shows the town of Purcellville (Virginia) in the upper right corner. The original photo was taken in October of 2007, here is the related blog post: LoudounLandscapes.com/pastoral/2007/10/vertical-hike.html.

Incredibly, the photo includes my name and the website for this blog. I must say I'm pleased that 195,273 of these are printed. Does anyone use these anymore?

Round Hill Hometown Festival

Round Hill held it's annual Hometown Festival yesterday on what was the perfect day. This well attended event brought the town together for a day of fun, music and food.
















The park filled with neighbors and friends who listened to the Loudoun Valley High band start the day off.















The pie eating contest is a town favorite. The event, held later in the day, allows various age groups to compete by attempting to devour the 2500 calorie chocolate cream pie. This little guy looks all to ready.















Mary Ruth waves to the crowd from her antique shop as they make their way towards town. It looks like the town is saving on gas with pedal power.






















Everyone enjoyed the day, including this small dog. Can you say Mogwai? :)















A future gang of Fire Department candidates.















I've witnessed many pie eating techniques over the years while shooting this event. The "evil eye" is one of my favorites. After coaching our newly elected major (not shown here) on best approaches for this event, he executed magnificently. However, he left the table in mid-eat. Folks, we need to break this one in.