Happy Holidays!

This year, somewhat like this photo, has run the gamut of colors and -- gone by/taken in a rush and without quite sufficient support -- is a bit blurry.  But still beauty to be found in it.  On that note, wishing all my friends and family a very happy holiday season and all the best for 2019.

Fall in Rock Creek Park

Last I posted it was summer, and now it's almost winter.  Rock Creek Park is practically my backyard and I'm always glad to get out and hike in it especially during the fall.

Showy Kenilworth

After a two-year's hiatus I returned to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for a delightfully cool July morning.  Almost in peak bloom, the lotus and water lilies did not disappoint.

Fun with Fireworks on the Fourth

A relaxing and enjoyable Fourth with fireworks, brownies and a bit of a breeze to break up the heat and humidity that's been unbearable for the past few days.

The street below, shaken 

Walkway over the Hudson

Looking forward to participating in the Poughkeepsie Open Studios coming up, pulled these from several years ago, enjoying the beautiful views from the Walkway over the Hudson.

through the tulips

The other weekend made it to Baltimore to visit Sherwood gardens at the peak of tulip bloom.  But I was getting a little bored with pretty photos of the tulips (and the tulips were gorgeous) so had a little fun capturing the essence of the soon to be rainy afternoon less conventionally.

Spring along the Potomac

Last weekend along the Potomac Heritage Trail in Riverbend State Park, north of Great Falls, my scouting hike was filled with spring ephemerals - wildflowers welcoming the beginning of spring - bluebells, trillium, spring beauties and more.   Will see what's there this weekend when i lead a group of hikers

light purple bluebells

toadshade trillium

trilling toad -- gribbit!

spring beauty

the trail

Longwood Blues

Longwood gardens in Pennsylvania has an annual display of rare blue poppies and other blue flowers and it is quite stunning.  Very crowded inside the conservatory on a cold March day!

Blue poppy (Meconopsis)

Blue daisies/asters

Cineraria

Albino poppy

Appalachian trail bits

The view below from Raven Rock, looking out towards the Shenandoah Valley, is along the Appalachian Trail near the border of Virginia and West Virginia.  I've done this hike several times starting from the south near Bluemont VA.  This time finally did it from the north, starting from a side trail at Blackburn Trail Center, up a very narrow steep gravel road.   Enjoying the Appalachian Trail in bits.

Pine trees amidst the trail

White blaze signifying the Appalachian Trail

Lots of blow-downs from crazy wind storm the other week