Lagerstroemia

 

"Lagerstroemia, commonly known as crape myrtle (also spelled crepe myrtle or crêpe myrtle), is a genus of around 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, northern Australia, and other parts of Oceania, cultivated in warmer climates around the world. It is a member of the family Lythraceae, which is also known as the loosestrife family. The genus is named after Swedish merchant Magnus von Lagerström, a director of the Swedish East India Company, who supplied Carl Linnaeus with plants he collected. These flowering trees are beautifully colored and are often planted both privately and commercially as ornamentals." -- Wikipedia

Favorite Garden

 

Welcome again to one of my favorite Colonial Williamsburg gardens. As often is the case here during the growing season, there are a few surprises to go along with my old friends.

In this case, the surprise came in the form of these "bunching" peppers.

Guardians

 

Guardians of the past and future (!) at the now relocated Bray School of Colonial Williamsburg

Waterfront

 

Just a last couple of shots of the Yorktown waterfront showing the Coleman Bridge above and the statues representing an imagined conversation between Gen. George Washington, Adm. Francois Joseph Paul, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Comte de Grasse.

Bowsprit

 

Tied up very near to the Schooner Virginia was this much smaller sailboat. In contrast to the Virginia, I noticed the bowsprit.

Profiles

 

I finally took leave of the Schooner Virginia after these last two profile shots. Quite appropriately, I just finished reading David Grann's excellent new book entitled The Wager last night--fuels the imagination while also offering a stark reminder of what life aboard these ships was really like during the age of sail.

Pinrail

 

"A belaying pin is a solid metal or wooden device used on traditionally rigged sailing vessels to secure lines of running rigging. Largely replaced on most modern vessels by cleats, they are still used, particularly on square rigged ships.

A belaying pin is composed of a round handle and cylindrical shaft. The shaft is inserted into a hole in various strategically located wooden pinrails (lining the inside of the bulwarks, surrounding the base of masts, or free-standing, called fife rails) up to the base of the handle. A line is then led under and behind the base of the pin then round the top till at least four turns are complete.” — Wikipedia