Summer
Winter.
I go for a hike almost every day and cover a lot of the same ground, over and over, in all weather and in all seasons. Exploring new terrain is always exciting, but there is something deeply satisfying about getting to know a trail and the landscape on foot.
When I hike, my camera is almost always around my neck and I’ve come to notice that along well-known trails I often stop to take photos from nearly the exact same spots. By following my artist’s eye for lining up a balanced shot, I’ve amassed a collection of photos of the same scenes, taken from the same spots, at different times of the year, all over the country. I call this series “All Seasons”.
Summer Sun on Rocky Row
Summer Rain on Rocky Row
Fall Colors on Rocky Row
Rocky Row Snow
After a summer on the road, driving from New Mexico to Alaska to Virginia, I’ve been relishing a winter spent mostly in the same place: in southern Virginia, living in a house in the woods right by the Appalachian Trail. Already this winter, I’ve hiked more than 500 miles – a quarter of the trail, mileage-wise – by walking the same sections near my house over and over. I never tire of covering the same ground. Getting to know a path is divinely meditative. Some things are always changing: the light, the leaves, the creeks, the critters, while others never change: the turns, the dips, the hills, the rocks. In the woods, as in life, everything is always changing and yet always the same.
James River Face Wilderness, Summer
James River Face Wilderness, Winter
AT Intersection, Fall
AT Intersection, Winter
James River Valley, Fall
James River Valley, Winter
James River Crossing, Grey Day, Father
James River Crossing, Snow Day, Son
Rocky Row Rainy Day
Rocky Row Snow Day
Soon I’ll be leaving Virginia. Someday, years from now I’ll return to this section of the Appalachian Trail and it’ll feel like coming home. Also check out All Seasons: Tucquan Glen.
Travels with the Blonde Coyote 
Now that you come to mention it……….I do exactly the same! We seem to have 3 different routes we walk with the dogs during the week [then venture further afield over the weekends] and I tend to take pictures of the same *ahem* trees…good for playing on Instagram 🙂
Very nice! Us dog walkers are such creatures of habit. I was just checking out your site. I’m going to hit you up for UK travel tips next fall! I’m heading to Ireland and Scotland!
feel free 😉
you’ll have a blast, so much to see & do (perhaps a little on the small scale, compared to where you’re coming from, ha!). Think of it as the gnome kingdom ^_^
Love the James River Valley pictures – especially the one in autumn.
Thanks! It’s a beautiful area. Gotta love those Appalachians!
Awesome pictures. When I first looked I thought you were hiking with a bear. Thanks for sharing!! Marc
Haha you’re not the first to make that mistake. I usually keep bandannas on the dogs so hikers aren’t alarmed. Bowie especially looks like a lumbering black bear.
So interesting to see the seasons as you hike and take photos. Carol
Thanks, Carol! I love living in a place with four seasons!
Nice shots! You always bring a fresh perspective.
Thanks! I try. 🙂
Wow…. one actually gets bored doin the same stuff.. U made the usual sound Unusual! n the pics r beautiful! 🙂
I love your all seasons concept. The photographic equivalent of the Impressionists studying the effects of light and seasons. Its nice to have intimate knowledge of the places we love.
Hmm, interesting comparison! I’ll have to ask my sister what she thinks about that. Thanks! M
Reblogged this on poetsutopia and commented:
The 4 seasons……..Brilliantly captured !! 🙂
Beautiful photos! I’m dying to get hiking again but I’ve got to heal from my achilles tendonitis :(. Your photos make me feel like I’m right on the trail!
Oh dear, I dread that kind of injury! Get well soon! M
Mary: It was great meeting you, your sister, dad and friend yesterday on top of Old Rag. Your photos are excellent and the pace the four of you made kept me from taking it too easy. I hope your dad fed you and your sister well – I am sure you had the appetite!
Hi Kevin, It was great meeting you too! Thanks for checking out my site and I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Old Rag is an incredible place! Cheers, Mary
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