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Another View from Above I love mountains. I always have. But life circumstances planted me in the midst of flatland along the Gulf Coast. Even many of our vacations have steered us away from the high country, missing the higher altitudes and views that accompany it. I'm going to have to do something about that in the future. My most recent trip to the mountains were those of Virginia almost two years ago now. This is another one of the great views along Skyline Drive during that same trip.
Mountain Flowers None of my family or relatives, as far as I can remember, have been the type to spend a lot of time in the flowerbed. Oh sure, you'll find a row of bushes or some flowers here and there, but not a really sculptured garden like you'd see in a magazine. But that's okay, because sometimes it just takes a little bit of color in just the right place to make everything else that much prettier. Like the Blue Ridge Mountains need any help to look any prettier, this small flowerbed does make a nice foreground looking out from my aunt's backyard.
Montpelier, Home of the Madisons The National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired the property known as Montpelier in 1984 and carried out a major restoration from 2003-2008. Much of the work was to return the mansion to its original size of 22 rooms during the years when it was occupied by President James and Dolley Madison. They have done a remarkable job and it is well worth a tour if you find yourself in the area.
Bede BD-5B The BD-5 is a small, single-seat, homebuilt “kit” aircraft by the now-defunct Bede Aircraft Corporation in the early 1970s. It has a small, streamlined fuselage holding its semi-reclined pilot under a large canopy, with the mid-engine and propeller mounted immediately to the rear of the cockpit. The BD-5 sold over 5,000 kits or plans. Only a few hundred BD-5 kits were completed and many of these are still being flown today. There was even a version with a jet engine, like the BD-5J from the James Bond movie Octopuss, now on display in the Pima Air and Space Museum in Arizona. I remember seeing these in magazines as a kid, so it was a treat to view this one sitting under the wing of the Boeing 307 Stratoliner. Both aircraft can be found at the Boeing Aviation Hanger at the Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the National Air and Space Museum.
The Red Gate This red gate opens into a Virginia pasture where you can find a few head of cattle and occasionally a deer or on a rare occasion, a bear.
More of the Boeing Aviation Hanger This is another view of the awesome Boeing Aviation Hanger at the Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the National Air and Space Museum. Without getting too specific, it's home of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress (Enola Gay), the prototype 707 (America's first jet airliner), a Boeing 307 Stratoliner Clipper Flying Cloud (the first airliner with a pressurized cabin) and a Concorde supersonic airliner. The sheer size and quality of the exhibit impresses everyone, whether you're a plane nut or not (there's a pun in there somewhere). If you ever fly through Dulles International Airport, take a half-day layover and take in the sights. You'll be glad you did.
Down in the Valley Compared to most landscape photographers, I have traveled very little. I've never had a job that afforded me the opportunity to jet around the country or world. And up until a year ago, I wasn't too concerned about the geography. But now that my camera has been surgically attached to my hand (okay, it just feels like it sometimes) I find the cravings to wander growing the longer I stay home. The trip along Skyline Drive looks westward down into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
The Stream by Graves Mountain Lodge One of the nicest things about the country are the small streams you find. Some flow year-round, while others flow only after a heavy rain somewhere upstream. The glistening water cascading off of rocks, combined with the sounds of the rushing water entices the visitor to stay a while and enjoy the peace of the moment. And enjoy that moment you should, for reality sweeps back all too soon and reminds you, of what just moments ago, you were trying to forget. This little footbridge spans over the stream by Graves Country Lodge in Virginia.
See photo in original gallery.
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Tim Stanley Photography - All images covered by the Creative Commons License and not for commercial use, without prior permission.