The reward for a hard climb is not just the view, but the sense of accomplishment, and achieving a goal that at times you may have believed was out of reach. Here, the boys are on the summit cliffs of Hawksbill, the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Images
Autumn Color
From the Blue Ridge of Virginia, looking north from atop the cliffs at Bearfence Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Autumn is here! Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Saw-whet
One last specimen from Raptor's Eye - a tiny Saw-whet Owl. Named for its raspy hooting call that is reminiscent of sharpening a blade across a stone, these little guys are adorable, but deadly. Their main diet is mice, about a quarter of their own size. Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Not Just A Pedestrian
I've posted this shot before, but prompted by the word "Pedestrian", I had to share it again. Taken from back in the days when I used an enormous external frame pack, this is a single-frame ode to walking, and encapsulates some of my fondest memories. Backpacking is a sublime combination of personal challenge, solitude and…Read more Not Just A Pedestrian
Not Just a Pedestrian
I’ve posted this shot before, but prompted by the word “Pedestrian”, I had to share it again. Taken from back in the days when I used an enormous external frame pack, this is a single-frame ode to walking, and encapsulates some of my fondest memories. Backpacking is a sublime combination of personal challenge, solitude and…Read more Not Just a Pedestrian
The Dove
In 1634, two small ships, the Ark and the Dove (replica shown here) landed on a small island in the Potomac River and thanked God for a successful voyage, marking the first Catholic spot in the New World. The voyagers then sailed back downriver, and found a place to settle, establishing the colony that would become Maryland, at…Read more The Dove
The Dove
In 1634, two small ships, the Ark and the Dove (replica shown here) landed on a small island in the Potomac River and thanked God for a successful voyage, marking the first Catholic spot in the New World. The voyagers then sailed back downriver, and found a place to settle, establishing the colony that would become Maryland, at…Read more The Dove
Windows
Most windows bring the outside in, but these are meant to project the sanctuary of the civilized world out into a storm-wracked sea. Built in 1796, the beacon in the 110-foot-tall tower of Montauk Point Light can be seen 17 nautical miles out to sea, helping ships find their way. Here, the view is northwest,…Read more Windows
Dunes
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are no stranger to wind. Over the course of the year, the dunes migrate east and west with the onslaught of Atlantic hurricanes and strong winter storms. The native grasses and sea oats are essential to providing a barrier, and a foundation, that keeps the protective dunes from wandering…Read more Dunes
Camp Chair
A little different from my usual post, but this is about a year old and I was reminiscing. Lash together a tripod, and loosely suspend a crossbar with some rope webbing, and you can make a great camp chair! This was my second iteration - I had much nicer poles on the first, but one…Read more Camp Chair
Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
In Acadia National Park, Maine, the tides change as much as 12 vertical feet. Life here adapts to the timing and the twice-daily overhaul of the local environment. Mussels and sea stars stay deep, close to the permanent tide pools. Barnacles and seaweed cling to rocks, sealing in moisture when the water recedes. Snails graze…Read more Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
In Acadia National Park, Maine, the tides change as much as 12 vertical feet. Life here adapts to the timing and the twice-daily overhaul of the local environment. Mussels and sea stars stay deep, close to the permanent tide pools. Barnacles and seaweed cling to rocks, sealing in moisture when the water recedes. Snails graze…Read more Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
Steady Change
The ocean is constantly changing. Day by day, minute by minute. Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Writing Spider
'Tis the season for spiders. Another orb weaver (also known as the Golden Orb Weaver), Argiope aurantia is fairly common in the south. Named for the stitching in their webs, the female Writing Spiders can be frighteningly large, but they're not dangerous to humans. Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Pumpkin Spiders
They're really a type of orb-weaver - but they're orange, they start building massive webs in late Sept and through Halloween, so around here we call them "Pumpkin Spiders". Love them or hate them on principle (too many legs?), their webs are impressive!
Flying Squirrel Outdoors 