Earth Day Weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains

When I think of spring in Virginia, I envision the Blue Ridge Mountains. The beautiful pallet of light greens that paints the waking forest after a long winter slumber makes the sunlight radiate even brighter. The clear skies, are once again open to busy birds going to and fro, getting ready for the season. The sound of the rivers and creeks in the mountains as they flow and meander through an endless course, feeding life along the way. It is a special time.

I can’t believe it has already been one year since our last Earth Day weekend get-away. Last year in 2024, we spent it the Allegheny Highlands canoe camping at Lake Moomaw.

This year, we took a slightly slower pace, with a cabin just west of Charlottesville. The mornings were certainly still chilly at around 35F, but the days quickly warmed in the radiant sunlight. Everything was waking up and it was special to experience this time of year.

Mayflies are pretty amazing aquatic insects. Not just an important food source for the native brooktrout in Virginia, Mayflies are often used as the symbol for the ephemeral nature of life. Their fleeting adult lifespan of just 1-2 days is a reminder that existence is finite. They also symbolize rebirth and new opportunities for growth.

I wish everyone good health and a happy spring.

Shot on sony a6700 with Tamron 17-28mm lens

One thought on “Earth Day Weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains”

Thanks for sharing your experience in the Blue Ridge. I enjoy exploring and fly-fishing there just west of Charlottesville. It’s especially fine at this time of year.

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