Category: Landscape

MiddleCreek2015

When I looked at these bare trees in the midst of what seems like the longest winter ever, the word that came to mind was “craggy”.  To me it means rough and disheveled looking, but thought I’d search an online dictionary to be sure.  Merriam-Webster’s first definition was “having many crags”.  Well, that doesn’t help much …. what is a crag?  The second definition hit the nail on the head….”rough in a way that suggests strength”.  Yep, that’s what I was going for!

0885MiddleCreek2015

Actually, it was a cold and windy afternoon!  As the sun was setting on Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, the snow geese were returning to the frozen lake to roost for the night.  Throughout the day, they were feeding in the fields surrounding the lake.  All 75,000 of them.  A hardy bunch of birders and nature enthusiasts watched and photographed as the sky filled with snow geese, Canada geese and tundra swans.  This image shows the viewing area at Willow Point Trail – a favorite spot for photographers!

9080LancasterCounty2015

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania offers a glimpse into the simpler way of life of the Amish.  The contrasts in lifestyle within this part of the state are eye opening.  Do we really need all of the technology that most feel are necessary today?  When you take a step back and look, REALLY look, at the world you live in (minus all of the man-made distractions), you can appreciate even the coldest and snowiest of winter days and the beauty that is all around.

9103_SleighRide2015

…in a one horse open sleigh…o’er the fields we go…laughing all the way!  This scene in Lancaster County, Pa. was Christmas card worthy!  While I expect to see a horse and buggy as I am traveling through the countryside, I was thrilled with the unexpected surprise of seeing a horse-drawn sleigh on a winter afternoon!  I added a painting effect to the photo with Topaz Impression.

9125_Lancaster County 2015

A winter sunset in Lancaster County, Pa.  What a gorgeous part of the state any time of year, but especially in winter.  The landscape is dotted with farms, silos, creeks, old barns, cows, horses, and winding country roads.  On my latest visit, I turned off the GPS and followed a horse and buggy onto a narrow road high above the countryside.  Lost in the photo opportunities before me, it was a beautiful way to end the day!