Virginia Scenics

Sunset Over The Rappahannock River

A colorful sunset over the Rappahannock River in Middlesex County, Virginia. The blue, orange and lavender colors are reflected in the Rappahannock River on a summer evening. We took a drive on a summer evening and stopped at a small beach on the Rappahannock River in Topping, Virginia, just after the sun set.

Morning Sun

Early morning light on Sharp Top Mountain at the Peaks of Otter, along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford, Virginia

Abbott Lake Reflections

Early morning autumn color reflected in Abbott Lake at the Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford, Virginia

Yorktown Fishing Pier

On a cold, cloudless winter morning, the sunlight illuminates the wooden rails of the fishing pier at Yorktown Beach in Yorktown, Virginia

The Williamsburg Inn

The Wiliamsburg Inn is a historic luxury hotel in Colonial Williamsburg. It was built in 1937 and has undergone a few restorations. The hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guest there in 1957 and 2007. Their visits were for the 350th and 400th anniversaries when the British landed in America. This scenic location is a must visit to see the glowing holiday lights and this mirrored reflection of the Williamsburg Inn.

A Blue View From Ravens Roost

The lone tree remains strong among the rocks and surrounded by a late evening blue glow from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lyndhurst, Virginia

On A Clear Day

The lone tree at Ravens Roost is estimated to be over 1400 years old.

Sunset Over Swift Creek Reservoir

Swift Creek Reservoir is a 1700-acre manmade lake in Chesterfield Count, Virginia. It provides 20 per cent of Chesterfield County’s water supply. It was built in 1965 to be a public water supply for surrounding communities. There are two major developments that are built on the waterfront of the reservoir, Brandermill and Woodlake. Public access is somewhat limited to Swift Creek Reservoir. Lake access is through the waterfront communities. Canoes, kayaks and sailboats are popular on Swift Creek Reservoir. Visitors and the communities can enjoy a meal looking out over the lake in one of several lakefront restaurants Swift Creek Reservoir at Brandermill in Sunday Park is a favorite location to enjoy sunsets.

Canola Farm

Just one hour west of Richmond, Virginia the farmers grew acres of canola also known as rapeseed. It was an amazing site to see acres of yellow flowers on Hungary Town Road and Cottage Road in Blackstone, Virginia. Canola is a crop that has been around for hundreds of years. Some farmers in Virginia previously grew wheat in their fields. Some decided to adapt with the times and grow canola. Rapeseed gives farmer an additional winter crop option. After rapeseed harvest, farmers plant soybean in their fields. Rapeseed is a cousin of canola oil. Rapeseed oil has a higher fatty acid content is not used for cooking. The seeds are crushed into oil that is used as a lubricant in various ways. Industries use rapeseed oil as a lubricant in the engines of big ships. It is estimated that 90 percent of rapeseed oil in the U.S. is imported. I returned to Blackstone the following year, only to learn that the farmers did not plant rapeseed. They informed me that if was not profitable.

Peaks of Otter Reflections

Fall has arrived at the Peaks of Otter with reflections in Abbott Lake in Virginia, along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fall Explosion

Fall foliage viewed from the Signal Knob Overlook in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Signal Knob Overlook is found at mile 5.7 at an altitude of 2090 feet on the western side of the Skyline Drive, and provides outstanding views of the Shenandoah Valley

Fall at Beaver Lake

Early fall foliage around Beaver Lake at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Virginia

Serenity After The Storm

One lone fisherman surrounded by a blue lavender sunset at Sunday Park in Midlothian, Virginia

Working Farm

Westover Plantation is a working farm located on the north banks of the James River in Charles City, Virginia

Evening Play

Swift Creek Reservoir is a 1700-acre manmade lake in Chesterfield Count, Virginia. It provides 20% of Chesterfield County’s water supply. It was built in 1965 to be a public water supply for surrounding communities. There are two major developments that are built on the waterfront of the reservoir, Brandermill and Woodlake. Public access is somewhat limited to Swift Creek Reservoir. Lake access is through the waterfront communities. Canoes, kayaks and sailboats are popular on Swift Creek Reservoir. Visitors and the communities can enjoy a meal looking out over the lake in one of several lakefront restaurants.

Evening Fishing

Residence of Brandermill enjoy evening fishing from the boat ramp in Sunday Park in Midlothian, Virginia