The (Not so) Rural Pennsylvanian

  • A Late Afternoon in Lancaster County

    They say that the golden hour just before sunset produces some of the best pictures. I’m not sure that I agree. In an overcast climate like Pennsylvania, low light can produce some problems for photography. A recent trip to eastern Lancaster County was something of a mixed bag.

  • Another Little Experiment

    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.

    Ott’s Exotic Plants in Schwenksville
    The Duck Inn in Graterford

  • A Northern Visitor

    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.

    On a porch roof.
    Grainy close up courtesy of phone camera.
    Is the bird thinking “There are so many, but are they edible?”
    One of the benefits of an owl on your porch roof is that everyone can see your laundry drying.
    The farm across the road.
    The area is full of lovely farms.
    The hay obsession continues. This is quite a pile.
    Horses had clearly been using this hitching post at Hayloft Ice Cream.
    The Willows Covered Bridge along busy Route 30. Probably one of the saddest covered bridges in the state.

  • Happy Holidays

    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.

    I think this says it all.
    This neighbor is really in the Christmas spirit.
    The Nativity at a local church.
    My town makes a great collective effort with the Christmas lights.

  • Lots of animals, but not what I was looking for …

    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.

    Mom and baby?
    The stare down.
    “Get off our lawn!”
    What do you think is down this road?

  • Snow, Snow Go Away

    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.

  • Merry Christmas to All

    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.

    The town tree at the train station.
    This adorable pup is at a local vet’s office.
    I’ve featured this before but it’s my favoite light display on a local business.

    Here are some more local houses.

    This is my favoite light display on a local home.

    Heavy rain last night washed away our remaining snow, so there was no white Christmas, but a joyful time was had by all.

  • Just a Little Snow

    I took a drive through Berks County recently after a recent snowstorm. The snowfall turned out to be lighter than expected, so by the time I arrived the next day, not much was left. This is a pretty part of Pennsylvania, and I will have to return sometime this year to take some more photos.

    A farm near Plowville.
    I really loved the look of this red barn.
    The obsession with Christmas tree farms continues at Plow Farms.

    We’ve been a little light on snow this Winter. I count this as mostly a good thing. Snow does make for pretty photographs, though.

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