Great Falls - After the Snow

One of the photos that I found when writing yesterday’s blog was this one taken at Great Falls, two years ago to the day.

Hence when David and I were deciding where to go for a walk this afternoon, Great Falls came to mind.

Lots of people had had the same idea, the car park and even the picnic tables were surprisingly busy.  

Once you turn your lens to the river, though, there are rarely any people in shot and just an uninterrupted view of the power of the water - especially after the recent snow melt.

Looking downstream towards the Mather Gorge, the water looks deceptively calm, whereas in fact as it is squeezed into a narrow channel it is full of currents and moving very quickly.

Having walked the length of the Falls and Gorge we returned upstream and walked up the river towards Riverbend Park.  



The view of the wide, steadily flowing river above the Falls is always a stark contrast to the rapids below.

Two Years Ago..

Two years ago, in slightly warmer weather, a little family made their first visit to the US together.

Great fun at the National Zoo in DC!

...and playing with Grampy at home...

Just one little bite of a Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich at Frying Pan Farm Park!

...and a spot of tractor driving..

At the little park in the woods..

Shopping at Leesburg..

A trip to the Air and Space Museum at Chantilly..

Using the bottom stair to practice trying to stand..

What a wonderful time - one that we will always remember, even though he won’t!

At the Bargain Loft

At the Loft today I was working on jewellery pricing but earlier in the week I took some photos for the Facebook page.

As we had been donated a small collection of dolls, as well as dogs and a bear with porcelain heads and stuffed cotton bodies, I thought I would create a collage of photos.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the first photo in this post, the end result looks a bit sinister.  They need a few smiles perhaps!

Snow Day

Today, as forecast, the snow came.  It didn’t start until dawn but it then kept falling steadily until well into the afternoon.

About 3-4 inches in depth, the snow stuck to everything and caused the birds to be very competitive at the feeders.

We saw many of our usual bird visitors and then small flocks of Scarlet-winged Blackbirds, Grackles and Cowbirds.

The more colourful birds showed up particularly well against the snowy backdrop.

The Snowman Kit that I bought several years ago for David from the Bargain Loft was pressed into service today..

Here is the artist with his creation..

And finally, a snow selfie to remember what will probably be our last fall of  snow in Virginia!

First Day of Spring?

Whereas yesterday was mild and sunny, today dawned with pouring rain, cold wind and the promise of snowstorms which would last for two days.

So far we have only seen sleet, frozen rain and a sprinkling of snow but we shall see what tomorrow brings.

As always when there is bad weather forecast, the birds were very active.  This tiny Carolina Wren has found shelter under the roof of the suet cage by climbing inside to eat.  For the Pileated Woodpecker, it is just a question of balance, using his tail for stability.

Icy Weather

On our way to Shillington yesterday we passed this extraordinary and spectacular icy hedge on a country road where a dip had caused a huge puddle to form.

With each car that passed another layer of water splashed from the puddle and froze on the icicles.

Some of the icicles had been bent by the wind as they formed.

Today it was an early start to get to Heathrow on busy roads in time for our flight.  The early part of the journey, between snowy fields as the sun came up, was spectacular.

Once in the air the snowy ground below made an interesting monochrome patchwork.

Flying over the northeastern states of the US, a similar snowy landscape below.

Moving On

After a lovely couple of days with Lauren and family it was time to move on to see David’s parents today.

The return of the snow was a joy for Theo, despite the freezing temperatures, but Charlie was happy to relax indoors!