Hello Coneflower!

This is one of those "just one more shot" type of photos. I had already gotten all the shooting in for the day. Then on my way back to the car I spotted this Coneflower
just standing tall above some rocks. It just screamed out for me to stop and get just one more photo. Well I did. I feel the close up of the flower and color of the image have the same feeling that I felt when I first saw it.

Butterfly Haven

I have been seeing an abundance of this lovely orange wildflower around this year. Apparently brought on by the wet spring we've had. I just learned that these are called Butterfly weed, a relation to the Milkweed plant. In this image you can see quite a large amount of this native wildflower, as well as some Black Eyed Susans in the background. This is a true haven for butterflies, unfortunately I wasn't able to capture any in this photo. Maybe next time!

Bars Meet the Sun

In this image I stood on a ledge and faced towards the sun. You can just barely see it peaking through the clouds. I think the canopy makes a nice contrast to the sky.

Sky Through Bars

I had fun doing a series of shots under this wooden canopy. For this particular one I lay flat on my back on the ground looking up into the sky. It was late afternoon, so the light was just right. I think it makes a nice abstract.

Around We Go

I just found this image that I had taken last fall. This is part of a labyrinth with some wonderful colored grasses and plants in the background. I'm not sure what camera I was using that day, but whatever it was I really like this image. It has an abstract feel to it.

Little Red School House

This is an old school house that over time has seen many changes. Some are very evident like newer or painted bricks in some locations, electricity, and the door on the left has been changed. Never the less this is a little piece of history, a place where more than a hundred years ago children of all ages learned their lessons together in one room and played jump rope or kick the can in the school yard. I would love to be able to stand inside this little piece of history, but for now I can only gaze from out!

Standing Tall

Standing among these tall beauties in the Shenandoah National Park sure makes you feel small! This angle looking into the sky through the dense trees gives a different perspective.

Peaceful Tracks

If you want a nice setting for some railroad tracks here it is. This particular day was beautiful, and I enjoyed just being there and photographing this scene. Imagine though that you were actually on a train. As you ride by swaying gently to the rhythm of the tracks; you look to your left at the wide expanse of deep blue water, and lush green forest. What a scene to behold!

The Family

In an earlier post, I showed you the man of this family. Well now here's the whole gang together. Such a sweet family!

Hill of Dreams

Standing on top of this hill is like a lovely dream. The colors of grasses, and marshland combined with the majestic colors in the sky and clouds truly give you a dreamy feel!

Looking Through

This particular bridge is four lanes across, and spans the width of the river. The view from underneath is great! You can stand on large rocks, and look across to each consecutive area of rocks and bridge supports. The actual underside is a haven for birds of all kinds, and has nice architectural detail.

Lazy Days of Summer

This is just a nice look at the hazy lazy days of summer. Nice breezes blowing in the air. Gazing out at the wildlife, and people boating on the river. This vantage point also gives a nice view of the slightly curved bridge over an area of the river.

The Man(Swan)

This lovely guy was just standing by the pond waiting for his lady, and their little fluffy baby to come back to shore. He was so protective! What a great image he made just standing there so strong!

Mirror Image

The sun getting low in the sky. Clouds of pink and purple all reflected in the river. Quiet is setting in. The only movement are a few people kayaking in the far distance of the still waters.

Hollyhocks in Fuchsia

While in a butterfly garden I happened upon these lovely Hollyhocks The color is gorgeous, and you can see little pollen particles all around it. Please click to enlarge.

Sunburst Through

Just as the sun was starting to come out from behind late afternoon clouds I caught this pretty image. The combination of the cloud and sky colors; with the sun and one ray bursting forth was picture worthy I think!

Stark Beauty

While driving home right before sunset tonight, I was closely watching this gorgeous sky go by. I came to a place to pull off the road and there before me stood a dead tree. It was a perfect foreground to the amazing clouds behind it.