Category: USA – Virginia

The Quest for Blooming Rhododendron near Roanoke, Virginia – part 1: taking the scenic route

June 2022 Rhododendron catawbiense are the purplish flowering of these soul-comforting mountain shrubs and are euphoria to witness in bloom. There are several sub species of Rhododendron, this one widespread throughout the region but only in bloom for a short time…sometimes as short as two weeks in certain areas. Generally, this happens in Southern Appalachia […]

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Ballads of Fancy Gap

“Down in the Virginia mountains, On U.S. fifty-two, There is a long old mountain That truckers blood does stain. Four miles from top to bottom, That trailer brakes will burn, Many curves ahead, They call it Fancy Gap.” From “Ballad of Fancy Gap” by Jim Marshall of Hillsville,VA Some of my first memories are riding […]

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Marsh Music – Back Bays

Estuaries and wetlands of Virginia Beach, in summer, fall, and winter Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, on the inland side of Sandbridge island (Atlantic coast) The refuge is known as a habitat for east coast migratory birds, and on a cold January visit to the barrier island section, there are several photographers out along the […]

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