Two friends head down river at the end of a day of paddling.
Storm Gathering Over The Rappahannock
My friends I and were on a multiday canoe trip on the Rappahannock River in July. One evening we rounded a bend in the river to see massive storm clouds building down river. Fortunately the storm took an alternate course and we were spared scrambling ashore to wait it out.
Eastern River Cooter
This small Eastern River Cooter was basking on a sunny log in the Rappahannock River as a paddled my canoe past it last July. I don’t know much about the turtles of Virginia so I may have misidentified this one.
Goldfish And Water Lilies
Goldfish and water lilies at the Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond, VA.
Mountain Stream, Dark Hollow Falls
The fixed, hard stone provides an ideal path for water to rush down the mountain. The stone may seem immobile and rigid but in time it will be defeated by the steady pounding of the water and the quiet, patience of the moss. For now they share this space and offer a beautiful, peaceful spot to sit and rest.
American Goldfinch, female
During the breeding season the American Goldfinch has beautiful, bright yellow plumage that turns to a sort of olive green in the fall. This female, decked out in her summer plumage, looks curious about something. The males are similarly colored but sport a prominent black cap as part of their breeding plumage.
Ferns, I
This post was inspired by Brenda of A Meditative Journey with Saldage. When I saw these ferns they reminded me of the type of image she frequently posts. That being said, I’m sure she would have done a far better job with them than I did.
Northern Cardinal, 4
Virginia’s state bird can be difficult to photograph. The Northern Cardinal normally keeps at a safe distance from people so it’s hard to get really close to them. The male’s brilliant red color can also make exposure and even focus difficult at times. I captured this one in open shade and that seems to have resolved the color issues.
Canada Violet
This Canada Violet was growing along a hiking trail in Shenandoah National Park when I was there last May.
Mountain Pool, Dark Hollow Falls
I love these mountain pools in Shenandoah National Park. This one is downstream from Dark Hollow Falls but you can find scenes like this throughout the park.
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