Small camera, big mountain

my little camera, my trusty point and shoot, broke after 5 1/2 years of hard wear and tear.  In tribute to it, a few shots from washington area's favorite rock scrambling mountain, old rag, taken from my little canon powershot four years ago.

A healing journey

A healing journey two years ago through the woods, mountains and shore of virginia.  

sunflowers and prayer flags

 Wandering through a field of sunflowers in mckee beshers wildlife management area in western montgomery county.  I was shooting the sunflowers; the 20+ hunters hidden in camouflage were waiting to shoot the doves (!)

Onto more pacifist endeavors at the nearby Peace Park, adjacent to a buddhist temple.  

http://www.tara.org/visit-us/peace-park/

raindrops at brookside

a light summer rain was refreshing for the flowers at brookside gardens

Sweltering at Kenilworth

The other weekend, back to one of my favorite spots in DC, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.  By 8 a.m., it was already probably getting close to 90 degrees.  So hot, so humid, but still, so beautiful.  

Hillwood Estate & Gardens

A few weeks ago, spent a beautiful late spring, early June afternoon at Hillwood Estate & Gardens.  A really beautiful spot in Northwest DC.  That was my second visit, the first being a beautiful late fall, late November afternoon a year and a half ago.  Replete with a beautiful japanese garden and pond, winding paths, a "lunar lawn," and quirky statues, this is a very special place. 

Exploring Shenandoah River State Park

Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park, located in Bentonville, VA - a little ways past Front Royal and the beginning of Skyline Drive - was new to me.  The signage was the most clear and thorough I have ever seen (perhaps a little TOO thorough, with frequent signs nailed to the trees).  It was a nice, diverse hike, with...

wildflowers

river views

sunny fields

and miscellaneous objects.

Volkswalking in Fredericksburg

Volkswalk in Fredericksburg, VA.  What's a volkswalk?  A mapped out walk, usually 5K or 10K (and in this case, 6K).  Can be a group event or a self-guided one.  Kind of like a scavenger hunt.  This time, found flowers, history, and boutiques in Fredericksburg.

 

Susquehanna saunter

A really nice, 8-9 mile hike through susquehanna state park in harford county, followed by late lunch and a stop at the always delicious bomboys chocolate shop in havre de grace.  

Catching my breath at Catoctin

Saturday was sunny, 60, and springy... a perfect day to roam around Catoctin Mountain Park.  Several overlooks and lots of hills to keep my heart racing.

misty morning on the mall

Twice, now, in one week, I got up before 6 and out of the house before 7.  Last weekend was for my half marathon (which I mostly walked, having JUST gotten over a nasty cold & cough).  And a few days ago it was to join my photo friend for sunrise with the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin.  Except there was no sun.  The mist, however, was eerie and beautiful in its own way.  

dancing water

10-10-11, at douglas falls in west virginia, at a photography workshop.  The water was dancing in all different directions.

line of leafs

Leaves chilling out in the water in rock creek park

reflections of...

Clouds, on a slow-paced summer hike at Patuxent Wildlife refuge

feeling foggy

A foggy walk along skyline drive in VA a year and a half ago.

It's cold in alexandria

BBRRRrrr.  Last sunday, I didn't get enough of the wind chill from my 9-mile run on the mall, so wandered around alexandria late afternoon with a fellow photo enthusiast.  The sky, clouds and light did not disappoint.

walking in wheaton

This past september, went for a 10K walk (a "self-guided" walk of the american volkssport organization) with a friend.  Enjoyed wheaton regional park and brookside gardens.  Was particularly captivated that day by the lakes and their reflections.

Leafy red

Hiking along the appalachian trail, on the way to annapolis rocks, early november 2011

Roots

Hiking along the Rourbaugh trail in Dolly Sods, a spectacular October afternoon

Back to Manassas

I am loving these wheat colored grasses and the shape of the trees.  This was a COLD and windy january day.  Want to go back at sunset sometime.

Evening at Piscataway

Sunset at National Colonial Farm ~ Piscataway park in southern maryland.