Today (meaning November 1, despite the fact it’s after midnight) was the last day of my friend Ryan’s visit to Virginia. We had planned on going to the Smithsonians like dutiful tourists, but when I woke up this morning, I could barely move my feet. So instead we opted for a last minute, totally unplanned road trip through rural Virginia. That turned out to be way more fun than any museum could have been.
We hopped in my Dad’s silver BMW and drove west on US-50, otherwise known as John Mosby Highway (don’t ask, I have no clue who that Mosby fellow is, and I don’t feel like doing any research right now.) We left around noon and just kept on driving until we’d spot something too pretty we just couldn’t keep going without first stopping to get a picture. The autumn colors were pristine and as we’d reach the crest of hill after hill, we’d both exclaim “Ooooo!” and I’d pull off to the side of the road. It was great, but the afternoon turned out to be full of even greater surprises than just pretty trees. Check out the landscapes gallery to see those pictures, if you’d like.
After passing through Middleburg (home to many rich people and an Olympic Equestrian champion from the Sydney games) without stopping, we came to the small town of Upperville. Driving through the town, I soon noticed a very old looking Baptist church. In a split second, I spun the car into the driveway, parked in the back, and leapt out of the car to take a picture. Turned out there was a huge gorgeous field in the back which was very photogenic. But as Ryan and I were taking pictures of trees, a man came up to us and said that we should go to the other side of the highway because the shot frames of beautifully.
We thanked him and he introduced himself as Pastor Bill. He said he watched us pull in and didn’t recognize us, so he thought he’d say hello. Ryan and I were very glad he did, because next he asked us if we wanted to see the inside of the church. It was originally built in the late 1800s and the interior was pretty much all original. He got the keys from a cute elderly gentleman who was mowing the lawn, then took us inside so we could see the absolutely pristine, gorgeous little chapel. It was great! A personal, private, and unexpected tour of a very historic building. Pastor Bill was the hero of the afternoon – he told us all about Upperville, its history, the church, the congregation, everything. And he let me play with Rocky, his pet dog who was very happy to have a girl to play with. Pastor Bill let us take pictures inside the chapel, so if you’d like to see the cute Upperville Baptist Church, click here.
Pastor Bill gave us a few pointers of other pretty places to take pictures. We followed his directions and continued west on US-50 until we came to the only stoplight in Upperville. We turned left and found our way to Sky Meadows State Park, which led us up into the foothills where we found gorgeous landscapes and lots and lots of cows. Thankfully this field was a bit calmer than the previous cow field we’d seen – driving up over a hill, I saw a cow and excitedly pointed out the window and exclaimed, “Oooo! Cows!” Then, as we drew closer to the field, we realized someone had left the bull in the field… Then it was, “Oooh, eww, cows…” If you know what I mean. After a great deal of giggling I finally regained my composure. Yup, I’m mature, haha.
Sky Meadows, however, was very calm and devoid of any bulls. I took pictures of the foothills, the valley below, a couple black angus cows, a neat spider Ryan found, my Dad’s car, and even a stark black cow that happened to have a bright white face. (Click here to see the gallery.) It was very peaceful at the base of the foothills, the breeze blowing, looking out over the ponds, trees, and farmhouses. That just about convinced me that maybe owning a house in western Virginia would be quite lovely.
We wandered back out of Sky Meadows, but as we were heading for US-50 yet again, we spotted another part of the park – stables! Another quick turn off and we found ourselves only a foot away from a whole gaggle of horses. The animals set against a backdrop of autumn leaves only further convinced me that I’d like a home out there. It’s only 40 minutes away, and yet it’s an entire world of difference. Want to see some pretty horses? Check it out.
Back to US-50 again, we were looking for the town of Paris, VA. Unfortunately, as we kept driving, Paris was nowhere to be found. I did, however, spot a sign for the University of Virginia Arboretum. Another instant turn-off and we found ourselves in a gorgeous area full of exotic trees, fields, and farms. This proved to be the second best stop of the day, second only to Pastor Bill. The trees were beautiful, and at times the road was a single gravel lane, surrounded by a tunnel of gold, orange, and red leaves. After every turn there was another reason to stop the car and pull out the camera. You really, really have to look at this gallery.
That was our last meandering stop of the day. By that time it was 4:00pm and time to head back toward home in order to avoid rush hour, have dinner, and get Ryan to the airport on time. It was a fabulous way to spend the day, although I’m sad to see Ryan go. It’s been a great weekend.
Speaking of great weekends, I finished the galleries from our other adventures. The Glen Echo Gallery is up from the swing dance we went to on Saturday, and there are four galleries from our adventures on Sunday when we visited the Washington National Cathedral and the DC Mormon Temple. The first two galleries are of the Cathedral’s interior and the adjacent Bishop’s Garden. I also devoted a gallery to another escapade of squirrel stalking – I spotted a black squirrel outside the cathedral and simply had to get pictures of him. He was so cute and chubby! Definitely check him out. Then the final gallery is a series of photographs of the Temple at dusk.
I’ve taken so many photographs this weekend, and I’ve been so pleased with the results. I’m especially proud of this photograph from the cathedral – I’ve finally learned how to adjust the light settings on my camera, and I got a perfect shot of the devotion candles.
But today, somehow by chance I managed to get a photograph that nearly makes me cry. A gingko tree was shedding its brilliant yellow leaves, creating a carpet on the ground of soft golden hues. I was taking a photograph of it when I noticed my feet. I slipped my shoes off and quickly took a shot of my feet in the leaves. I didn’t put much thought into the photograph, didn’t think it would turn out, and yet, look at it. I am in love with that photograph and I don’t even know why. The full-size version, ooh, it’s just fantastic.
Now it’s 3:15am, I’m exhausted, but I’m pleased that I finished up all my galleries. Tomorrow I’ll try to add some commentary to the galleries themselves, but right now I need to get some sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow to go vote. Don’t forget! Go cast that ballot, vote with your heart and your head, and encourage your friends. There, I did my part. Sweet dreams, and if you’re ever in the area, call me up and I’ll take you for a drive to Upperville. We can go say hello to Pastor Bill. 🙂