Grat Fall Park Virginia -- Nick

Lovely morning at Great Falls

A romantic morning at Great Falls, Virginia, just as the sun rose

"The early morning hour has gold in its mouth", my grandmother always used to say. And certainly, we witnessed a beautiful morning as we met at Great Falls, Virginia. 

 As we arrived we saw these vultures in love, having a romantic tête-à-tête from their outlook of the river

 Another vulture stretched its wings in happiness of the new day and to demonstrate that he is the protector of this rock

In the middle of this swamp lured Mr Trump, but even he was unusually soft and just greeted us before he retreated to the bottom again. I was too slow to get a picture of him

Glade Stream, Reston, VA -- Nick.

Barbara had asked me about the other locations I visited.  There were primarily 2 other locations I visited to shoot during our class: 1. Crow's Nest Nature Preserve near Stafford, south of Quantico.  There are 2 entry points: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brooke+Road+Trailhead/@38.3687485,-77.3478611,16.03z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x89b6e61272403ec3:0x5240be0452016fe3!2sCrow's+Nest+Natural+Area+Preserve!8m2!3d38.3620192!4d-77.3421574!3m4!1s0x0:0x81fe8b585c1bf295!8m2!3d38.3713211!4d-77.3325491

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crow's+Nest+Hiking+Entry+Road/@38.3729535,-77.3533065,16.03z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x89b6e61272403ec3:0x5240be0452016fe3!2sCrow's+Nest+Natural+Area+Preserve!8m2!3d38.3620192!4d-77.3421574!3m4!1s0x0:0x8ad9532a61b1ef09!8m2!3d38.3741283!4d-77.3589997

I was told by the steward of that park that there were some eagle nests on the southern part of the park.  These shots below are taken from the northern side.  My posts are from the southern trail area.

The other location is closer - south of Mt. Vernon, but before you get to Lorton on Route 1:
It is Mason Neck State Park:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mason+Neck+State+Park/@38.7065254,-77.2159216,12z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x89b7aad3aa24aa89:0x29df2643fc9e4abf!2sMason+Neck+State+Park!8m2!3d38.6394037!4d-77.192042!3m4!1s0x89b7aad3aa24aa89:0x29df2643fc9e4abf!8m2!3d38.6394037!4d-77.192042

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck?rewrite_uri=state_parks/mas#general_information

It sits right on Belmont Bay and is quite scenic and pleasant -- during the week.  There are a number of trails there and in surrounding Parks and Reserves.  I was a little disappointed in the trail that I hiked (Meadow View). However, my favorite aspect of the park was around the visitors center where they had set up bird houses to attract quite a few varieties.  They advertise that there are eagle nests in the area.  I did not see any, but will return at some point to hopefully get some good shots.

Tripod Info

Some members of the class were asking about the tripod I used to get low to the ground:

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-tripod/

In full disclosure, the specs say it weights 5.4 lbs (my previous cheaper Ambico tripod was only half that), but I have to admit that the Vanguard seemed heavier, especially after 2 or 3 miles up and down the hills.  However, I've gotten used to it, and perhaps that's all that is needed.  I actually bought it off Amazon, but at $30 less than the price they are showing now:
https://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-Alta-Pro-263AB-100/dp/B003WKOENO

The 12 images for today's class

Hello! Looking forward to your images today. Here are mine,

I tested these files on Windows and they all looked overexposed but on Mac Sierra and HP monitor they looked fine to me.

See you all in a few minutes.
Rosalinda

Mason Neck SP 4/20 - Chris