I took this panoramic shot just east of the Appalachian mountains in Albemarle County,Virginia. I happened to be passing by at sunset. Despite the lack of clouds to provide a colorful sky, the valley itself seemed to almost glow in the late evening sun. Like all of the photos on my blog, you can click on the image above to see a larger, more detailed version of it.
Magnolia Fruit
The magnolia fruit is always an early sign of fall. The bright, warm color and soft texture of the cone contrast sharply with the dark, cool, shiny leaves of the tree. This one was framed almost perfectly between two leaves.
Cypress Dawn
Cypress trees creep out into the water. The early morning sun begins to warm their trunks and nourish their leaves as a new day begins.