Swans
(Two photos: A pair of white swans, and a black swan.) Keswick Vineyards is different from the vast majority of Virginia wineries; they have swans. We saw the pond (and the swans) when we entered the property. There were two pairs.
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).
Wine Grapes HDR
(HDR image of ripening grapes on the vine) We visited Pollak Vineyards on a bright, sunny day in late July. The grapes on the vines had just turned purple. In the bright sun I had a challenge to capture the light on the grapes and bringing out their color while managing the dark shadows and very bright highs of the sunlit vines. The HDR shot turned out best, giving truly the sense of how bright and vibrant those wine grapes were.
