Shenandoah

This new Series features 28 recent images from: Shenandoah NP including the Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway; Historic Staunton, VA; Natural Bridge, VA; and Harpers Ferry, VA. Brilliant Fall colors were in full glory during a short 3 day/2 night road trip from home base in Maryland.

Entering Skyline Drive from the North, at Front Royal, VA

Near the North Entrance to Skyline Drive
Heading Down the Ridgeline On One Amazing Highway
Late Morning Cloud Layer Lifting to Reveal Better Views
Enhanced view with 200mm zoom
Driving Above and Below a Cloud Layer
Tunnel near MP 32
One of 75 Pull Out View Points on the 105 Mile Skyline Drive
Dark Hollow Falls, Reached via the Rose River Fire Road Trail
Ranger Talk at Big Meadow Lodge – MP 51
Pioneer life was 100% about growing & preserving enough crops & meat to survive the next winter. October was prime canning and meat curing season.

Overnight at Historic Staunton, Virginia

The historic town of Staunton was untouched by the Civil War leaving many old structures to enjoy today. Modern building codes require all utilities in the Historic Downtown to be underground preserving the old character. It is a convenient location to overnight, just 18 miles from Rockfish Gap. That is where Skyline Drive ends and the Blue Ridge Parkway begins. Main streets align east & west making for nice sunset photo opportunities after dinner. Digital art images below were created using primarily Photoshop’s posterization and cutout filter tools.

Sunset on Main Street
VFW Meeting Tonight
Last Glimmer of Sundown in Staunton
Ye Old Cigar Store
Pick your poison – head shop, bar or movie
So Many Dinner Options…
Last Call for Window Shopping

Natural Bridge, Virginia

About 50 miles south of Staunton, either via I-81 or the Blue Ridge Parkway, is Natural Bridge State Park.

The Natural Bridge and Cedar Creek ~ Digital Painting Oct. 2021

Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall arch was carved by the flowing Cedar Creek. People in the picture are viewing a marker and initials in the stone wall said to be carved by a young 23 year old surveyor, George Washington.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Only able to explore the first 60 miles of the 230 mile Parkway that goes from Rockfish Gap all the way to Smoky Mountain NP. (Another future Road Trip)

Highway 56 off of Blue Ridge Parkway near Montebello, VA
Entering the Lower Crabtree Falls Trailhead
The Largest of Three Crabtree Falls Cascades
Otter Creek Trail with Stepping Stones for Bridges
Blue Ridges Rolling to the Horizon
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Buena Vista, 2350 ft. Elevation

Traveling Through Harpers Ferry, WV

Our route home included Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Some additional color on our road trip and as the banner in one picture says “Happy Fall Y’All”.

Painting the Town in Harpers Ferry, WV ~ Digital Painting Nov. 2021
Shenandoah River flowing into the Potomac.

Standing in WV at the Point, near John Brown’s Fort and looking to the tunnel in MD with VA across the Potomac on the right shore. Note the hikers on the bridge, as the Appalachian Trail crosses this bridge and within a few miles, passes through all three states.

Looking Down High Street
Looking Up High Street from Shenandoah Avenue
Shenandoah Avenue Looking toward the Point
Hope you enjoyed some Fall color this year.

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Prior Special Featured Shows

List of Archived Prior Shows Available to Revisit:

Sedona Arts Village

TLAQUEPAQUE Arts & Crafts Village Series
Sept. 12 – Oct. 31, 2021