Spring at Colonial Williamsburg

  While living in Virginia Beach, I was able visit Colonial Williamsburg several times, including this year at Christmas time, and most recently this May. Its possible to tour many of the historic buildings, but I never have, I just enjoy walking around. On this particular trip, I stayed until after dinner when all the buildings had closed, and discovered that I was free to wander in and around many of the yards.

 The gardens are beautiful, and I especially love the kitchen gardens, which incorporate flowers and vegetables together. I like the formal design of many of these gardens, often juxtaposed with unruly plants. The colonial farming methods, although not organic, are very interesting too.

Colonial Gardens

  Way back in May I took a break from packing up my house and spent a day in Colonial Williamsburg. I just fell in love with this garden. I love the colors, and the use of plants that would have been common in the colonial era. Next spring I'm hoping to plant a butterfly garden, and I'm planning on using some of these more "old fashioned" flowers, snapdragons, foxglove, and peony.

Blue Ridge Parkway

  Even though my two day trip to the Blue Ridge got turned into a one day trip, due to rain, I really was able to see quite a bit in the short time I had. The afternoon I arrived I did some exploring around Sherando Lake. Then in the morning I headed up to the Parkway, and drove south for about 60 miles, stopping along the way at several of the overlooks, taking a short hike, and having a picnic.

  A fern frond, backlit by the afternoon sun, at the Sherando Lake Recreation Area.

  Last year, when I was visiting the same area, the Mountain Laurel were in bloom. This year I got to see something different, these pretty purple wild geraniums were everywhere. This particular photo was taken on the Fallingwater Cascades Trail, as was the one below. In all honesty I didn't love this trail, it was in serious need of maintenance, and the views of the waterfalls just weren't as great as Wigwam Falls.

  One of the many rivers and streams along the parkway.

  I can't wait to go back! Hopefully I'll have time this autumn to explore the area around Asheville during the foliage.

Trillium and Thunder Ridge Overlook, Blue Ridge Mountains

  Our lunch spot, can you believe we had this area all to ourselves? Thunder Ridge is one of the more interesting overlooks, with a few nice picnic tables, a short walk to an overlook, and access to the AT.

   Trillium! I was hoping to see some of this beautiful wildflower, but initially thought I was either too early or too late. Then I drove past the Thunder Ridge area and saw them covering the forest floor. I guess I just had to be at a higher elevation.

Wigwam Falls

  Last year I took a camping trip to Lake Sherando, and discovered the amazing Blue Ridge parkway, but didn't have nearly enough time to explore. Fortunately I was able to find a few days last month, to revisit the area.

   One of the great things about the Blue Ridge is how accessible beautiful spots like this are, something I appreciate now that my 13 year old dog can't hike like he used to. Just off the road, at the Yankee Horse Ridge Area, is Wigwam Falls. The photos don't do it justice, I had intended to come back to it later in the day, when the sun was at a different angle, but a thunderstorm changed my mind.

An old logging railroad is now a short trail to a picnic area.

  I stayed at Lake Sherando, in the national forest, about 6 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the same place I camped last year. In addition to my National Geogrphic maps of the Washington and Jefferson National Forests, I also got a new guidebook, "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway" a Falcon Guide by Randy Johnson.

52 Photos Project, Raindrops

, originally uploaded by Scarlett Design.

Its been awhile since I participated in 52 Photos Project, not for any particular reason, just busy with other things I guess.

This weeks theme, Raindrops, was unfortunately pretty easy; we've had a rainy spring. I actually took this last month (it was part of the instagram mosaic I blogged yesterday). Its at a park about 15 minutes from my house where I like to walk my dogs a few times a week, in a beautiful woodland garden setting.

Weeping Cherry Blossoms

Pink Cherry Blossoms

White Cherry Blossoms

  Last month I was able to take a day trip up to Washington DC for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Although I was too early to see the cherry trees in peak bloom, I was able to find many beautiful trees around East Potomac Park, behind the Jefferson Memorial. This area is not as well maintained as the Tidal Basin, but I prefer it for the variety of different trees and the lack of crowds.

Here are some shots of the white cherry trees.

Daffodil Treasury

  We are still waiting for spring here in Virginia, so far the only signs that warmer weather is on the way are daffodils and magnolias in bloom.

'Daffodils' by scarlettmade

SunnyGarden $19.9	acornmoon $12	kathyoinspirat... $40	1dollarcraft $12
bomobob $21	CraftsbySigita $14	JILLYFLOWERvin... $17	OliveSpoonStud... $22
sisterscraftco... $23	PaintedTongueS... $5	LarrysArtGalle... $36	funofthefairsh... $3
gildinglilies $20	JudyStalus $17	WunderWalls $24	YouniqueOrname... $12

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Along The Blue Ridge

Last month I packed up the dogs for a weekend and went camping in the mountains. Although I've lived in Virginia for five years, I've only been out to the Appalachians once, for a backpacking trip along the AT. This time I stayed at Lake Sherando in the George Washington National Forest. Its a very pretty area, with a stocked pond for fishing, a swimming area, and hiking trails. The campground was very well maintained with pretty campsites, but crowded, even in early May. Next time I'll go during the week, maybe in the fall to see the foliage.
 
The Appalachian Trail. We didn't hike any of it on this trip, but it is pretty.
 
Chewie and Panzer, at the Ravens Roost Overlook. They make excellent traveling and camping companions. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful road. Fun driving and great scenery.

A mountain laurel in bloom on the Lakeside Trail, and easy circut around Sherando Lake.

Turning into Spring, part 2

More photos from my trip to the botanic garden a few weeks ago.

Someone placed camellias on the statue.

Little trees sprouting from a fungus covered stump.

A pretty mossy pathway.