The Shot Tower

May 3, 2013 by LB

After traveling toward home from Raleigh NC in 3 hours of driving rain, I was glad to see the clouds finally part. In the distance, visible from the interstate was Shot Tower Historical State Park, located in Wythe County, Virginia. Even though I’d driven by it many times, I’d never visited and decided it was time.

Overlooking the New River, The Shot Tower was built more than 150 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/shottowr.shtml

Doesn’t it figure that the park was closed for roof repairs!

Disappointment was brief however because right there at the intersection of Shot Tower Rd and Pauley-Flatwood Road, were several old farm buildings that begged attention from my camera.

Though the rain had stopped, the mists over the mountains created a beautiful backdrop.

First True Ride on the New Bike

April 9, 2013 by LB

Two weeks ago I picked up the bike, rode home from the dealer, around town just a bit, and then the snow came. So this past weekend was the first time I was really able to get out and learn the bike. And learn it I did!

Even though this bike sits lower than most (24.5 inches) and even though I had it modified for short arms and legs, I find that there are still adjustments to be made. Most importantly, I have to stretch just a bit too much to reach the left handlebar. Other things such as the weight and being able to back it up, will come along with time. Despite the low seat height, I only stand at 5ft tall, so no matter what I ride, I will be always be challenged just a bit.

Having said all that, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bike! It rides so smoothly and runs so well … I am thrilled!

On Sunday, I rode with friends for the first 80 miles. We rode to Smith Mountain Lake and then I headed out on my own. My goal was to focus on how the bike handled (and how I handled the bike) without worrying about keeping up with friends. I thought it fitting that I took the first half of my first long ride with the guys who have taught me the most (see this post to learn about them) https://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/my-guys/.

I left the lake area, where I of course had to stop and take a few photos …

I was really too focused on the bike to spend time on photography, but it was so beautiful that I had a hard time not stopping! I headed over Catawba Mountain, through Ellett Valley and home through Tom’s Creek. A total of 170 miles and a wonderful, wonderful day!

The Farm, At a Distance

March 27, 2013 by LB

This is the second of three posts that includes photographs that I took at a local farm. The first photos were close up shots of various parts of the red barn that sits on that property. These shots reveal the wonderful uniqueness of 2 outbuildings that are part of the farm. I loved the shadows that danced all over them that day.

The Farm, Up Close and Personal

March 26, 2013 by LB

About a month ago, I posted a photo of a red barn that I had been eyeing from the road for over a year. I took that picture while leaning way over the fence. The owner gave me permission to access the land and so this past Saturday I spent some time walking around taking pictures of the barn and miniature horses. It was a bright, beautiful day, so much so that the red on the barn was a bit washed out in the sun.

How strange that just two days ago, I was walking around on a sunny 50+ degree day and ever since, we have had low temps and a Christmas type snowfall.

Fall leaves … in a snowshower … at the beginning of spring