In the Fall Zone

Photo from May 10, 2025.

The Richmond metro area is ringed by various streams, bottomlands, and swamps. So people traveled around following natural ridges in the landscape. (Some of our oldest roadways were already established Native American trails.) So I can imagine a local in older times giving a newcomer directions on how to get around the "Big Swamp."

I couldn't identify these small, pale purple flowers, but it made me smile to see them again this year in a park near the river.

This park lies within the Richmond Coal Basin, where the first systematic coal mining operations occurred in the U.S. Nearby are coal mining ruins that reached their peak in the 1830's-1840's. A branch of Falling Creek winds its way through the park, and its sooty appearance is noticeable.

Despite the roar of interstate highway traffic just behind the trees on the right, this local stream flows along over smoothed granite bedrock. It seems unbothered by how LOUD some motor vehicles actually are.

Photo from May 19, 2024.

Based on a photo from May 31, 2026.

Based on a photo from May 25, 2025.

Photo from May 9, 2026.

Based on a photo from May 15, 2026.

Since I don't know her actual birthday, I use her adoption day (June 8, 2018) as Charlotte's anniversary. She was estimated to be 3 years old at that point. She's technically a "senior" kitty nowadays, although she doesn't really act like it at times. Eight years with this cat, who thinks she's my manager. 😆

Virginia Creeper is a North American woody vine with five pinwheel-arranged leaflets. Here in the U.S., it's found in the eastern and central states — not only in moist, wooded areas, but also in suburban environments where it has to be pulled off of buildings, fences, walls, utility poles, and even street lamps. In Autumn, its leaflets turn beautiful shades of red, and by Winter I find myself missing its semi-jungle vibe.

Based on a photo from May 15, 2026.

Based on a photo from May 15, 2026.

Based on a photo from May 31, 2026.

Based on a photo from May 15, 2026.

This is one of the old warming huts that were originally built beside the quarry pond for winter ice skaters. (I believe there was another hut on the opposite side of the pond since there is a remnant concrete slab there of about the same size.) On the roof, you can see a chimney.