St. Mary’s Tunnel on the Skyline Drive Oct 29, 2019

Here is a newly edited photo of the fall colors from Shenandoah National Park last Autumn.

Autumn at Hazel Mountain overlook in Shenandoah 2019

There was a parking lot between the tree and me.  I liked the circular feeling.

Shenandoah Autumn 2019

Hazel Mountain Overlook, Skyline Drive

Milkweed Pod in the Big Meadow

Mary's Rock Tunnel in the fog

Skyline Drive

Creek by Brookside

Gate in Luray VA

Skyline Drive October 30, 2017

We arrived at Big Meadows in the rain in time for dinner. I called ahead to be sure our room was near the lodge.  When we checked in, our room had been moved to Hawksbill, the same unit as last time, and I cringed. Isnt that the unit with the long walk down the hill?  Yep.  After dinner, Jim felt bad and had to race to the unit after walking in the rain. Sarita was still sick too. I made about 6 trips to our room using an umbrella and flashlight. Ick!! Then it started to snow!  We have rarely seen snow there and only flurries in May once. Deciding to prepare for more snow, I showered that night while the lights blinked a few times. In the morning, the power had gone out, so I wore pink leggings like long underwear and the waterproof boots. There was an inch of snow outside and Jim had to uncover the car using his cane, since he couldnt find the window scraper (two of the doors were frozen shut, denying access). 

     Big Meadows Lodge

     Gift shop vase

We missed breakfast time, but I asked for breakfast anyway and the restaurant staff obliged us. The whole Lodge was running on emergency power.  Another couple sat by the fire at breakfast.  

We checked on the roads and learned that the northern exits and drive were closed due to icy roads and a downed tree. They suggested using the southern exit on route 33 since it was lower elevation, even though the road to the north would be cleared soon. The snow was melting quickly. 

     I saw my first eagles ever near the Big Meadow.  There were 3-5 of them, but I only got one bad photo before they flew away.

We stopped at South River overlook to see the tree I used in my autumn fog photo years ago (not pictured) and a few other overlooks. 

     Massanutten

     Going down from the mountain

We also stopped at Blue Ridge Pottery on route 33 and bought a small pot. We had lunch at the Exchange Café at the David Rubenstein visitor center at Montpelier, after the weather turned warmer and sunnier.

     Montpelier, once owned by President James Madison

The race track.  The property is also known as a site for horse races.

The End of our October trip.

Onward to Mexico photos...

Shenandoah Autumn

At the last minute we decided to visit Shenandoah National Park when we learned that the autumn foliage was later than usual.  

We had all kinds of weather, rain, fog, clouds and sun in 3 days and saw deer, dogs, birds and even a bear cub.  We hiked to Blackrock Summit because it was the only day we expected sun.  In reality, it rained after sunset!

On Halloween, 

     We had a close encounter with a deer, which Sarita didn't notice.

Then after breakfast, we drove south from Big Meadow...

Before returning for a late afternoon Big Meadow walk.

     Can you spot the deer? (there are 3, but only one is really visible)

A woman gave us a tip that a bear cub was foraging just down the road, so we drove past Dark Hollow Falls till we found the stupid people trying to get close.  I used my very longest lens across the street!  My first bear photo outside a zoo.

The next day, we went north and home.

Here are some before and after the trip travel photos.

     Before

     After

Camera Club Winners

Here are my latest winning photos in the Advanced Digital St. Mary's County Camera Club Competition for February.  

     Bald Eagle Pair 2 1st place taken12/15

    Skyline Trail 3rd place taken 10/21/15