January

January…

It has taken a while for winter to arrive, but the winds have blown winter in.  It is definitely here today… at least for the rest of the week.

We have had many days in the 40s and 50s. Not too many of those frigid below freezing days.  The big story has been the rains. Full days of rain and cloudy skies. Inches of rain. I don’t know how much rain we have received but it has wiped out those dry summer months and we are now above average in the rain department.  

Although it has been warmer and wetter than most, the winter of 2024 is finally here.

Now bundle up and choose a book and enjoy the quiet repose.

Before you know it the skies will clear and daffodils and forsythia will be starting the cycle all over again.

The James River out of its banks – January 2024.

One has to wonder…

One has to wonder why someone left these white flowers on the banks of the James River.

They are propped up on a fallen log. Maybe to get a better view.

I wonder if someone’s ashes had just been scattered into the river or maybe another, happier event, had taken place.

Maybe an act of love, a remembrance of something special.

One has to wonder.

Over the River!

Referring to over the James River here in Richmond, VA.

The spring event for makers to sell their wares sponsered by Perk Coffee shop in Bon Air Virginia.

See you there with Amy’s Accessories, April 28th from 10am to 3pm.

Tree Walk

Saturday April 9, we participated in a Tree Walk at the James River Park’s Pony Pasture.

David Welker talking Pawpaw fruit.

The walk was a part of a class sponsored by the Blue Heron Outdoor School and this particular walk was lead by David Welker.

Silver Maple with its’ many trunks.

Some of the trees we identified were: Hack-berry, Ash, Black Locust (good for fence posts), Red Mulberry (good for hunting bows), Pawpaw, Silver Maple, American Elm, Box Elder (a maple), Chestnut, Red Maple, Basswood (or Linden Tree), Black Walnut, Winged Elm, Sycamore, Cottonwood, and lots of plants, Licorice, Dead Nettles, Euonymus, Virginia Blue Bells, Poison Ivy, and Grape vines.

 

Licorice. The roots smelled amazing!

We had sun, snow, and wind but the hardy group had a great time if we never really did walk much.

The James River in the Summer

Taken June 24th on the south bank of the James River in Richmond, VA. One of my favorite places in the world.

February

Usually one of my favorite months, this February has been a killer so far and more snow and cold ahead.

The Photograph of the James River is from January two years ago. © 2013 Kozmicdogz.

James River Sturgeon

Our good friend Anne Wright is a part of a group of scientists that are tacking the endangered James River Sturgeon. These fish who have been around since prehistoric times are making a comeback in the James River. This fish that can grow up to 10 feet in length helped sustain the early European settlers.

In 1974 Virginia passed laws to protect these giant fish. This is some of the results.

James River Rock Pools

If you have ever wondered how those rock pools get formed in the James River, now you can find out and share with your friends and family at Thanksgiving Dinner.

Thank You, Ralph White!

Ralph White, manager of the James River Park System for 30 years retired yesterday. A wonderful man, neighbor, and advocate for the James River, which is just about my favorite place in the world. Take care, Ralph.

Here is a nice article in the RTD by Rex Springson, another article in Style, and a link to the Friends of the James River Park.

Here are some of my more recent James River photos.

River Monsters!

The James River – Up river from the Z Dam – by Kozmicdogz © 2012

Giant sturgeons have been spotted in the James River at the fall line. Although these giant fish have been known to swim up the river from the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Chesapeake Bay for many years, sightings have been rare and once were thought to be extinct. Ralph White and other river enthusiasts have seen the fish this year and been able to photograph them where they believe the fish have come to spawn. Those spotted were estimated to be over 6 feet. Sturgeons have been known to grow to up to fifteen feet.

More detail from a RTD article by Rex Springston and Andy Thompson.