Rose

Gingko Trees

One of my favorite places to wander and photograph is University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm. The State Arboretum of Virginia is located within the Blandy farm.  It is a wonderful four-season experience.  My favorite time, of course, is Autumn.  Blandy is home to a large grove of ginkgo trees. For a brief period in October, the whole grove is golden; the tiny fan-shaped leaves painted gold.  The golden leaves don't stay long on the trees, and when the leaves fall of the tree, it's all at once...and the base of the grove is blanketed in a glorious gold carpet.

 

Blurred Leaves

This is the result of using a slow shutter speed and a moving camera.

Yates Ford Road

I live in the last bit of rural part of Fairfax County, VA; just outside of the tiny town of Clifton.  Yates Ford is a winding, narrow road; go one way and you pass Paradise Springs Winery, and the road eventually ends at Hemlock Overlook Park and Bull Run.  Go the other way, Yates Ford zips onto Clifton Road, then zags back off to the left (never could figure out why) and eventually you wind up back into the hectic/traffic-filled Fairfax County.

Sugar Maples' Glory

Watery Autumn Relfection

Sunflowers

I have always loved sunflowers. They're tall, bright yellow, and you can eat (or feed birds) the seeds.

Two weeks ago I visited the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area  in Poolesville, MD (still a rural area west of DC that runs along the Potomac River).  There are 2 separate fields that are staggered sunflower plantings.  It is a glorious place; a total of 48 acres!! of happy sunflowers...and even happier photographers!

At the end of the trip I took the long way home via White's Ferry.  The ferry is just west of Poolesville and drops you off just south of Leesburg, VA. It's a short trip, but a fun alternative to highways and bridges.