Dropping
(HDR image of a blazing yellow maple tree standing alone in a pool of its own dropped leaves.) The sun peeked through as we ascended the gravel drive/road, dramatically illuminating this tree standing alone in a pool of its own leaves in the high meadow behind the winery. We parked quickly. I grabbed my camera and pointed. I only remember saying, “that tree.”
End of the (VA Wine) Trail
(HDR image of a vineyard and woods beyond in full fall regalia.) We arrived at Mountainrose in late morning after a beautiful, scenic ascent through Virginia coal country, through gorgeous farmland and glorious fall foliage. The trees were already at their peak and the fresh mountain wind was already beginning to denude the colorful woods. It was mostly overcast up in the hill country that day; for much of the day we had a glowering, dramatic sky (threatening, but never actually raining on us) — but every once in a while the fresh wind would rip away the cloud cover to briefly reveal a brilliant blue sky.
Fincastle Fields HDR
(HDR image of fence and fields at sunset, in Fincastle VA.) Yesterday evening we found ourselves in Fincastle, Virginia, rolling up near closing time at Fincastle Vineyards and Winery (also a B&B). Nancy hurried into the tasting room, hoping we weren’t too late. I had to pause. The long rays of the sunset light brought extra warmth and glow to the early fall scene, turning the white picket fence a little yellow and emphasizing the occasional fall yellow or maroon reds (not yet at full glory, but just a little more dramatic for their sudden appearance in a landscape that is still mostly green).
Old Barn HDR
I found this barn quirky and full of character. Not having grown up in the country, I have no idea what might have been the purpose of this unusual structure. Standing there in that field, I was struck by the way the builders arranged the building with a pass-through and on the level, even though the place where they put it clearly is not level. I wondered about that old building’s many stories as that day’s bright sunlight illuminated the grass and trees around and brought out the textures and colors of the old wood in the open passage, doors, and walls.
Visiting Wineries
Photo taken on the back porch outside the second-floor tasting room at Sharp Rock Vineyards on a very hot and bright day in July. I loved the wood tones inside the porch. The empty old porch was to my eye beautiful and contrasty as it as lit by the sunlight washing in through the open side that overlooked vineyards, but the bright sunlight glare from outside made getting the right exposure a challenge.
