Variable

After staring at bare branches for weeks and weeks now, it was pure joy to see trees beginning to bud, although I am concerned that it might still be a tad early. I checked my records, though, and saw where we've had similar temperatures before. But we've also had very cold temps. So I guess you would have to say our weather here in southeast Virginia is, in a word, "variable."

Denial

I think that even the trees now are in denial that this is still only the end of January.

 

Shingle Oak

 

One of the many new trees being planted in and around CW after several legacy trees had to be removed. It would be interesting to know why the folks responsible for CW's arboretum chose this particular species as well as why they planted it in this location. I'll have to check the QR code next time I pass. Maybe there is a link to that information there.

American Sycamore

 

Yellow

 

Leaves from the gingko tree in front of Colonial Williamsburg's wheelwright shop

Coppertone

 

Or how would you describe these colors?

Autumn Leaves

 

 A classic: Nat King Cole - Autumn Leaves (Capitol Records 1955)

A slightly snappier version :-) Oscar Peterson Autumn Leaves 1974

And still another: Oscar Peterson & Stephane Grappelli Quartet [Paris, 1973]

Ginkgo

 

Linking today with Skywatch Friday

Powhatan Creek

 

I recently carted my old Penobscot down to Powhatan Creek for another afternoon float.

Headed upstream . . .

passing beneath numerous bald cypress . . .

and beside their myriad "knees".

Hemlock Trail

 

Follow the Highland Lake Trail long enough and you can eventually connect with the Hemlock Trail, which quite understandably leads you through a lovely Hemlock forest.

Compton Oak

 

Magnolia

Colonial Williamsburg 

First Landing State Park

"The park is where English colonists first landed in 1607. Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th-century schooners and modern cargo ships have navigated the park's waterways. Its cypress swamps were a source of fresh water for merchant mariners, pirates and military ships during the War of 1812. Legend has it that Blackbeard hid in the Narrows area of the park, and interior waterways were used by Union and Confederate patrols during the Civil War. Built in part by an all African-American Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933-1940, the park is a National Natural Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places." -- Department of Conservation and Recreation

 

Bald Cypress Trail

Norfolk Botanical Garden VIII

 

Norfolk Botanical Garden IV

Redwood Tree

 

Sweetgum