Valley Forge is one of my most photographed areas. I just can’t help myself. The first location is Lord Stirling’s Quarters. I have long wanted to photograph these buildings but have not been able until recently. Unfortunately, like most park locations, these buildings are not open to the public and not in good repair. Valley Forge is sadly underfunded, like most of our national park system.
The next area is known as the Artillery Park. I bird and photograph around here a lot.
An day drive around the lovely Kimberton area of Chester County. As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
The Leaman’s Place Covered Bridge spans Pequea Creek. A county-owned and maintained bridge, it is also known as Eshelman’s Mill Covered Bridge and Paradise Bridge. The bridge has a single span and a wooden, double Burr arch truss design with the addition of steel hanger rods. The deck is made from oak planks. It is painted red, the traditional color of Lancaster County covered bridges, on both the inside and outside. Both approaches to the bridge are painted in the traditional white color. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The land that the Leaman’s Place Covered Bridge is situated on was settled by the family of Mary Ferree in 1712, a land grant by William Penn in an area inhabited by the Pequaws Indians. It was not until 1845 that James C. Carpenter built the covered bridge across the Pequea Creek at a cost of $933. In 1893. Elias McMellan rebuilt the covered bridge at a cost of $2,431. The bridge was rehabilitated in 2004.
And for something different … Dutch Haven, a well known landmark on Route 30 with a great bakery and gift shop.
This week we are taking a look at Green Lane Park, a location I have visited many times before. I usually go there to view waterfowl. This spot could be so much better, though. There is a long shoreline here, but only a few spots are safe to pullover and observe wildlife. Several times, I saw waterfowl but I was unable to stop and get a better look. These shots are from within the park, around Green Lane, and along Route 29.
This post also contains photos that are part of my experimental old tech efforts. I used an Olympus D380 of mine to take these shots. This camera is a 2 MP “beast” and was released in March, 2002. It does tend to overexpose on auto settings.
The presence of a snowy owl in the area causes great excitement. Even the local news take notice. A bird in eastern Lancaster County recently created the expected onslaught of birders. I set out one Saturday to have a look as well. Note to self: don’t go looking for an owl without your “good” camera.
The bird was close to the road but not in front of the most photogenic backdrop. The online consensus is that it is a “she,” but I’m not sure how you tell juveniles from females.
I will be taking a break for a couple weeks to celebrate Christmas and my birthday. Here is a look back at some Christmas pasts.
This Winter I traveled to northwestern Chester County in search of a snowy owl and some horned larks. I didn’t find either. However, I did find some pretty farms, interesting buildings and charismatic farm animals along the way.
Here are some photos of snowy Valley Forge National Historical Park and Chester County. Snow becomes less agreeable to me as I age, but it still looks very pretty.
These views of Valley Forge look down the hill from the Varnum’s Quarters area.
The park was quite full with walkers and sledders under the circumstances.
A drive around northwestern Chester County follows.
Here are some scenes from around my local area which I shot during a short drive after Christmas dinner with family. Here’s hoping everyone had a safe and happy holiday ands is looking forward to the New Year.
Here are some more local houses.
Heavy rain last night washed away our remaining snow, so there was no white Christmas, but a joyful time was had by all.
