Virginia is full of wonderful places to go for a hike.  One such location is St. Mary's Wilderness near Raphine, VA.  St. Mary's used to be an area where they mined iron ore from a mountain top.  Now it has been converted to a natural area.  Hiking, swimming and even primitive camp sites are available for a quick day or overnight stay.

One of the things I do when photographing pets is to document the relationship between the owner and the animal.  There is something special not only with the love of the pet, but also a deeper bond when that animal is also a working animal.  Urbie Nash is a grouse hunter and has several dogs that go with him on hunts, but he has a special relationship with Kip his English Setter.  Kip typically always goes with him on his hunts.  This video is a showcase of the images from a mock hunt between the two of them.

Urbie Nash and KipKip the English Setter

I had a run in with this creature a couple of years ago, one early morning.  I saw a bunch of deer and they took off all of a sudden.  Then I saw two ears just above a bush. And ten feet away from me he appeared.  They are not normally known for attacking humans, but I did not take any chances.  I had my knife out just in case I had to protect myself.  Needless to say I was unnerved.  All I saw him do was pounce on a few field mice.  That was it.  I will know better next time not to be so scared.  This was the only image i had a chance to take.

Coyote (Canis latrans), Shenandoah National ParkCoyote in Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park. One early fall morning.

Having lived in Virginia all of my life, I  love its history and culture.  For the last ten years, I have lived in central Virginia, very close to the Shenandoah National Park.  Growing up, I vacationed and visited the park at least once every year.  Since I've been in the area, I find that I spend every chance I can get there.  About 4 years ago, I made the decision to volunteer my time and skills to help out.  I spent some time working in the Archives with 14,000 objects, that depict the natural and cultural history, since the formation of the park.  I've also helped out providing basic visitor information, trail clean up and providing photographs to the park of reunions, scenery and people.  For the last couple of years, on an extensive print series of the Shenandoah.  I am now please to announce the sell of photographs of the Shenandoah National Park.  Please visit the link to the gallery to purchase your piece of the park!