A Frigid 'New Year'

The start of a New Year has brought with it frigid, sub zero temperatures. A 'bomb cyclone' as the meteorologists term it is making its way up the Eastern seaboard tonight with 60 mile an hour winds and snow and ice and sleet. This frigid weather immediately took me back to a visit I made almost a decade ago in January to Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio. I watched and waited for the perfect opportunity when frigid cold and snow would leave an ethereal landscape of white. Then I set out to photograph the frozen waterfalls in Hocking Hills.

My favorite image was of the Upper Falls of Old Man's Cave. A twisting path lead down to the waterfall with a thin layer of snow that had blanketed the region the night before. The path was slippery as the snow had covered the remains of an ice storm earlier that week. Temperatures were in the mid 20's so I drove to Walmart in Logan and bought thicker gloves to wear. My North Face jacket, wool scarf,  thick gloves, boots and jeans were just enough to achieve my goal against the cold. It was simply stunning to see huge frozen icicles hanging from what I later learned was Blackhand Sandstone cliffs. I fell straight down on my bum once making my way to the base of the falls. Here's an excerpt about Old Man's Cave.

Old Man's Cave derives its name from the hermit, Richard Rowe, who lived in the large recess cave of the gorge. His family moved to the Ohio River Valley around 1796 from the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee to establish a trading post. He and his two dogs traveled through Ohio along the Scioto River in search of game. On one side trip up Salt Creek, he found the Hocking Region. Rowe lived out his life in the area and is buried beneath the ledge of the main recess cave.

This next image is the very frozen over Middle Falls of Old Man's Cave with barely a sliver of water falling over. I struggled to get a decent vantage point to snap this image. I finally gave up and snapped this image and moved on. Sadly though, I couldn't reach the Lower Falls. The stairway down was a solid sheet of ice. You couldn't get down and you would never get back up. There is also an Upper and Lower Gorge between the different falls which I didn't photograph. The entire length of the trail to these falls and gorges is approximately a mile.

Thanks for coming along with me on this trip back in time. I would love to be there right now taking new images in various perspectives having learned so much more about photographing waterfalls since that day. Stay warm and bundle up if you go out of doors. Thoughts of warm mittens, hot cocoa and warm bowls of soup come to mind as I put up this post. ENJOY!

Merry Christmas to All

I wish everyone a wonderful and joyous Christmas with loved ones and friends alike. ENJOY!

Winter's Beauty

Winter has finally made its way to Tennessee and points South. While many in the Southeast are experiencing Winter Storm Benji in places like Atlanta and points East, Nashville is dry. However, there are snowflakes flying on the Cumberland Plateau. just East of Nashville. I would love to be in the Smokies right now to photograph the beautiful snow falling in the mountains. Just to get you in the Christmas spirit, here's a Winter beauty shot I captured several years back in Kentucky after a major snow storm blanketed Louisville. I love the fountain in the background coupled with the beautiful Fir tree in the foreground. I added a touch of pencil sketch effect just to liven it up a bit. This is one of my favorite Winter shots. I hope you like it. I also hope you enjoy my new header to the blog as I wanted to show a representation of all of the seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Have a wonderful weekend. ENJOY!

There Will Be Spring

Early Spring, Crab Apple Orchard, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

As we watch the last of Autumn's leaves float wistfully to the ground, covering our lawns and fields and forests,

 we anxiously await the first snows of Winter, with its light fluffy flakes that fall gently onto the landscape, leaving a blanket of white.

Winter comes with it blustery winds and drifting snow and a cold that chills to the bone. 

Least we forget, on the horizon is a season of salvation. There will be Spring. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend as I leave you with this beautiful image I captured in years' past of the gorgeous Crab Apple orchard at Bernheim. I miss the beautiful serenity of Bernheim's landscape. Have a great weekend all. ENJOY!

Scenic Winter Landscape

A beautiful Willow tree sits patiently waiting out Winter's wrath. I captured this image in La Grange, Kentucky in January 2013, after a previous day's snowfall. I especially love the blue water and the arched railing on the wooden bridge. Admittedly, I love all of the elements of this scene, the least of which being Mother Nature who did her best to decorate the landscape. Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm if you are in the path of the impending 'Polar Vortex'. ENJOY!

Stable Barn, Long Hollow Pike

After Friday's major snowfall, I finally made my way out to the grocery today. Before heading home, I drove along Long Hollow Pike to view the landscape. There are several farms along this road. The road runs parallel to Main Street in Hendersonville.

This beautiful red barn caught my attention as I came upon it so I pulled into a subdivision to take a few images. Something about snow and barns. A perfect mix. There is a large pasture to one side of the barn where several horses were grazing.

This barn is very small, but I love the shape of it. I think it's a stable barn as best I can tell from Google. What I like about it most were the cupolas on top of the barn. There were three cupolas with the center one housing a weather vane of a horse perched above it.

Keep in mind when driving after a snowfal, there are less places to pull your car over to stop and take photos. So you have to pick the time and place wisely. Hope everyone is safe and warm especially those folks in the States who have encountered Jonas. ENJOY!    Linking to the Barn Collective

Winter Snowfall

Mother Nature has not been kind to the lower Midwest, the south and most of the eastern United States this week. Wednesday came with a sheet of ice to all of middle Tennessee. The temperatures climbed above freezing very very early Thursday so the ice melted quickly. Late Thursday evening rain began followed by snow in the wee hours of Friday morning. I awoke to find four inches of snow. As the day wore on, Winter Storm Jonas dumped nine inches of snow in northeast Nashville, specifically Hendersonville, and almost as much south of the city. Southern Kentucky received a foot of snow in some parts.

Stepping out on the patio to capture this image, reminded me of just how cold it is. While I have to dig out my car today or tomorrow, I am not looking forward to it. The temperatures are in the twenties with wind chill in the upper teens. Notice the pine cones hanging from the tree? All of the fir trees have tons of pine trees hanging down from them around my place. So beautiful. Take care if you are in the path of Jonas. Stay warm, stay safe. ENJOY!

Photographer's Note: My blog was remodeled earlier in the week. One wrong key stroke and my layout and template was gone forever. I thought I had a backup copy, but I could not find it. Things are more or less back to normal, give or take. Back up your template by saving the HTML code under Template. All you need do is go inside the template HTML and copy and paste it to a word file. Since I know some CSS code I was able to recreate the template for the most part. Back soon.

Rejoice the Season

Years past, winter enveloped the landscape with snow and ice and biting winds.

Bundling of coats and scarves and gloves was in order when venturing out of doors.

A chilly afternoon was abound as I captured images of the season's beauty.

As we approach this holiest of weeks, packages are wrapped and tied with bows.

Halls are adorned in greens and reds and pines are decorated in golds and silvers.

Season's lights twinkle brightly illuminating the darkest of nights.

The day draws near for all to gather together in the warmth of our homes.

Gift giving, glasses clinking, smiles beaming, carols singing surround us.

It is the holidays for one and all.

With Hanukkah past, Christmas and Kwanzaa draw near.

CHRIST IS BORN, REJOICE AND BE GLAD!

Winter Blues

Winter I am done with you! 

Done with ice, sleet, freezing rain, snow, bitter cold, dark and dreary days. 

I am done with dry skin, slipping on sidewalks, sliding in the parking lot, scraping ice off car windows. 

I am done with wrapping my scarf tighter, putting the gloves on, taking the gloves off.

I am done with grabbing more logs for the fire, turning the thermostat up again, reaching for a fresh mug of hot coffee.

I know that most of you have had a much harsher Winter than I have had in Kentucky and Tennessee.

I know here the bitter cold cannot compare to that of the northern States, not to mention the Canadian Provinces. 

So forgive me for being done, but I simply can't take any more.

This week we had an inch of ice, the following day an inch of snow.

The following day the temperature dropped to sub zero whilst we attempted to dig out our lives. 

Then yesterday snow, sleet and freezing rain fell all within one evening's time. 

Today it is raining. A rain that brings icicles crashing to the ground.

A rain that makes for a dark and dreary Winter's day.

A rain that just will not stop and no doubt will bring with it flooding. 

One would expect on such a day to find Noah guiding the animals to the Ark 'two by two.'

I long for sunny days, bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds that slowly move across the sky.

I long for warm breezes that brush against my cheek and turns my frown into a smile.

I long for flowers in every shape, size and configuration on every walk, stroll or hike.

I long for Spring. 

And while I am longing for Winter to be done, I ask, are you with me? ENJOY!

A Bluegrass Winter

Winter in Kentucky, the Bluegrass State.

Icicles form on every surface creating needle like patterns.

Evergreen branches hang low to the ground heavily laden with snow.

A snowy bridge crosses a soon frozen pond as bitter cold sets in.

A new blanket of snow hugs the sides of a Fir tree in the Arboretum.

Snow covered limestone steps lead to a path unknown.

Winter wind whips around the Pavilion while layers of snow lay across its rooftop.

Crab Apple trees sit dormant as a blanket of fresh snow covers every surface.

Freezing rain clings to every twig and branch forming an intricate patchwork of art.

Winter in the Bluegrass State brings snow and ice and bitter winds while we seek shelter from the cold.

Wood sits ready on hearths waiting its turn on the warm crackling fire.

Blankets hang loosely off the arm of the chair ready for wrapping ourselves in warmth.

Travel slowly on the icy snow covered roads and stay warm from the cold all. ENJOY!

Linking to The Scoop at Stonegable

Linking to Our World Tuesday

Winter's Landscape

At this time last year, there were several inches of fresh snow covering the ground at Bernheim. One of the many places I visited during that Winter was the Arboretum. I have spent many seasons at Bernheim. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. I have walked the snow covered paths, felt the bitter cold seeping through my jacket and knew my toes would be frost bit soon if I did not soon retreat to the warmth of my car.

I have spent a considerable amount of time photographing here capturing countless images of the birds, the animals, the insects, the plants, the lakes, the flowers, the trees, the blooms. There is nothing so beautiful in Spring as the Arboretum. First comes the crocuses, and then the Daffodils break free from their Winter's ground. Later the Japanese Magnolias burst forth in bloom with varying colors of blush pink to bright yellow. Shortly thereafter, the Crab Apples sprout their tiny blossoms. Colors of bright pink and soft white cover the tree branches and hang low to the ground draped like a carpet surrounding the base of each tree.

As the days grow warmer and the sun shines longer in the sky, the Goslings begin to crack free of their shells. Slowly, they wobble their way among the reeds and grasses along Lake Nevin waddling in single file behind Mom and Dad, pecking about the ground for food. The Robins sing a new song heralding in Spring while the Butterflies begin to emerge from their cocoons and flitter away in the breeze.

Yet before these wondrous, beautiful scenes take place, there lies a carpet of white blanketing the landscape covering the bushes, the trees, the prairie. Tree branches lay bare whilst waiting for their buds to burst forth harkening Spring. Layer upon layer of buds cling to their twigs and branches as Winter's harsh winds blow through.

Winter, in all its wonder, is still and quiet now, while Spring patiently waits its turn. ENJOY!

NOTE: It has been a busy yet stressful week as I attempt to pick up my roots and slowly prepare to relocate my life. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts from my last post and for allowing me to share. Your words and comments give me strength.

Linking to Weekend Reflections

Peace on Earth

 

I give you this beautiful winter scene on the eve of this holiday and hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and sound this holiday. Have a wonderful Christmas all. ENJOY!

Linking to Good Fences, Run A Round Ranch Report

Winter, Kentucky's Scenic Byway

Early February in Kentucky, I find myself driving the beautiful scenic byway which runs along the Ohio River in Louisville.
Taking a quick detour, I visit the horse farm area of Oldham County, just north of the small town of Prospect.

A significant snowfall, followed by an equally significant ice storm had just taken place a few days prior.

When two major winter weather events combine, I know there are surely photo ops to be had. 
It is amazing what Mother Nature's fury can do and how it transforms our landscape. 
I hope you will find your way outdoors this Winter to capture scenes such as this. ENJOY!

Winter Kentucky

A brief note to say hello and let you know I haven't taken any new images this week, but I did want to share some of the images I captured in the past few weeks with you around Kentucky.

All of these images were taken at Bernheim except the fourth image of the icy coverd branches on the tree. It was taken in Louisville. The snow is hanging on here still covering the ground thanks to the ice storm that sealed it in the day after it fell. We made it above freezing today and will get well above that in days to come. Although I hope we melt some snow and see some signs of Spring, I have heard talk of snow on Friday or at least a wintry mix. Hope all is well in your part of the world. Be safe. ENJOY!

Winter at Bernheim

The weather has been playing cruel tricks on us this winter. As I awoke this morning, there was more snow on the ground. Checking the radar online, it seemed the skies might clear in the afternoon. So off I went to Bernheim.

As I entered through the main gate, the road had not been plowed and had about four inches of snow on it. Only a few car tracks were imprinted in the snow so I made a few new ones. I made my way slowly until I reached the parameter road that leads around the entire lower section of Bernheim. The road to the left which takes you to Isaac's Cafe was closed, but the road to the right leading to the Pavilion was open. I captured a few images of Lake Nevin as you see in the first few images.

Fortunately, the skies cleared and blue could be seen through the clouds and eventually the sun peeked out as well. Just what I had hoped for. There were about 5 or 6 cars max at the Pavilion parking lot. Only the brave were venturing into Bernheim today. One person had made their way to the Pavilion as was evidenced by the tracks in the snow. It was beautiful walking around the Pavilion and checking out all of the snow covered trees and branches and snow laden bushes. As was expected Robins, Cardinals and a few Song Sparrows were foraging for food kicking up the snow and digging out so as to reach the ground and any food that might be hidden under the snow.

I visit Bernheim in all seasons and while I may be partial to Spring with it's gorgeous Japanese Magnolia blooms and blooming Crab Apple Trees and Fall with it's golds and reds and orange leaves, I am starting to have a fondness for Winter especially when the snow flies. There are so few visitors on days like today and I love that because it makes for a more personal feel when you are out in nature.

I thought I would leave you with this beautiful image of a Red Cardinal who allowed me to photograph him for a few minutes before he took off. He was in one of the beautiful craggy, moss covered trees that surround the Pavilion. What a beautiful walk in nature. ENJOY!

Winter Snow Scene

Winter came in like a lion bringing with it cold and ice and snow.

Snowflakes fell like pebbles across the landscape. The trees, the branches, the leaves all bathed in glorious white . . . glistening, beckoning.



Wild Eastern Turkeys wonder winter's blanketed field in search of nature's bounty buried beneath the snow. ENJOY!

Today's Catch, Mustatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

As I drove into the entrance to Mustatatuck earlier today, I hadn't even gotten a tenth of a mile in when at the first open field on the left side sat this gorgeous bird of prey, an immature Hawk, surveying the field in search of a meal. I have a photo of him giving me the ole dead eye I'll share later. I also have some images of this same Hawk in a field down a ways as I was leaving Mustatatuck. He must have been really hungry as he was surveying that field as closely as he was the first.

All the swamps were mostly frozen, as was Reichart Lake today, with the exception of a small open area in the middle of the lake. The gravel road traversing the refuge was very, very icy and snowy, but I was able to navigate it with just the minimum of work. I've traveled this road when it had a good 3 inches of snow on it so I was pretty sure I could manage it today. Have you been outdoors lately? I have always hated Winter, but last year I decided to get outdoors more in the Winter and see if I could kill some of that dislike. It's working. I enjoy Winter much more now. Before I leave you today, and least you think I had forgotten, as for the holidays . . . I have officially decked my halls. And I only have a few gifts I have to buy each year and those are on their way to me via USPS right now. Now the real question comes . . . have you finished decorating, shopping, wrapping, etc. etc. And can you believe that Christmas is a week and a half away. Where did the time go? ENJOY!

Winter Wonderland

Winter paints the landscape as an early storm moves swiftly across our country. First comes a frigid icy layer covering everything, then . . .



comes a white dusting with several inches of snow as if Winter is blessing each branch, each tree, each patch of earth in an effort to transform the landscape.



Only Mother Nature could create a scene so beautiful as this one as I stroll about the city taking in the beauty Mother Nature left behind.



Tendrils of water droplets frozen in time tease this Robin red breast. I suppose he'll have to wait for Winter to bring a warming sun to melt away the icicles it has left behind. Tomorrow brings a deep freeze. An early Winter across North America. Stay safe, stay warm. ENJOY!

Waterfall, Wolf Pen Branch Creek

Wolf Pen Branch is a creek that originates from the larger Harrods Creek which is a tributary of the Ohio River. In Prospect, a small community, northeast of Louisville, there's a beautiful waterfall that sits right next to the road.



Not having an easy place to set up a tripod to photograph the waterfall unless you are standing along the side of the road is not an opportune situation. However, I gave it a try what with the ice and snow having kept most people indoors today, not to mention 25 degree temps. The photo, in my opinion is too blown out, so I gave it an art feel and decided you should see it regardless because it's such a beautiful winter scene. ENJOY!
ENJOY!