2017 RETROSPECT / 9

Cranberry Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

One of the most interesting places we have been during our vacation in West Virginia was the Cranberry Glades in the Cranberry Wilderness, all part of the Monongahela National Forest. This photo was made not far from the glades near the site of the Mill Point Federal Prison camp, a former low level prison which was in operation from 1938 till 1959. It was demolished after its closure. Some interpretive signs and photos provide information for interested hikers. Nature took over and it needs some power of imagination to envision the former prison camp.

WATOGA LAKE - EASY CLICK

Watoga Lake, Watoga State Park, Allegheny Mountains, West Virginia ————

The further south we went in West Virginia the less we saw fall colors. Some trees had already lost their leaves while others still showed a lush green. However, it didn’t deduct from the beauty this part of the country has to offer. Watoga State Park was our second base camp for exploring more of the Allegheny Mountain Range and Monongahela National Forest, a vast paradise of forest land and natural wilderness areas.

Just before the sun was about to set behind the mountain ridge the clouds opened a small gap and suddenly the texture of the forest across the lake came to life. The reflections on the lake had to be included. It was an easy click!...

WV - Wild and Wonderful

Falls of Elakala, Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia -------

The tent and camping gear is unpacked, with other words we are back from our vacation trip. This year we explored the mountains and woods of West Virginia and Virginia. West Virginia welcomes you with a sign that says, WEST VIRGINIA - Wild and Wonderful, and this is almost an understatement. Our first destination was Blackwater Falls State Park, which is surrounded by Monongahela National Forest. At this time of the year most people go there for fall colors and of course the waterfalls. The photo shows not the most visited waterfall in the park, but I thought it was the prettiest with its swirling pools in the foreground and leaves scattered all over the rocks.

Nikon D750, Nikkor 16-35mm / f4, @ 35 mm, 1.6s, f/20, ISO100, triple exposure in camera,  B+W F-PRO Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC filter, Induro GIT 404XL tripod, KIRK BH-3 ball head