Practical sculpture

The muted winter palette at a bend in the creek, somewhere behind Rail's End and Woods Creek Forge.

If you look closely you can see that this row of concrete slabs is covering a large black pipe that skirts the creek at this point. I've always found this "sculpture" to be strangely attractive -- it reminds me of the sets of old bridge piers from long-lost bridges - flooded out, mostly - that you find along the Maury River near here (and many other places, of course).

Sisters' walk

One of the piers supporting the sorority footbridge at Washington and Lee.

At present there are three footbridges spanning the Woods Creek ravine on the campus of W&L. I posted the newest one here. I'm still wrestling with getting a good shot of the oldest one. Today's photo is of the 2000 bridge which connects the crescent of sororities on the hillside below Liberty Hall Rd. with the main campus.

Interestingly, it is from here - below - that one gets the best sense of the height of the walkway. Up top it feels quite safe and secure, and rather tame by comparison.

Back in early December, a couple of sorority sisters were escorting giant Greek letters:

Monkey brains

The fruit of the osage orange tree (Maclura pomifera) litters the ground in Woods Creek Park.

An interesting tree, native to the United States. The tree, its wood, and the (inedible) fruit have numerous uses. (See Wikipedia.) Its main use around here is as a playground projectile and, most importantly, as a slightly creepy curiosity (especially when thrust toward your sister). The regional nickname, "monkey brains," aids in this effect.

Here's a close-up of the fruit:

Still waters

The pool above the Jordan St. dam on Woods Creek.

A fenced garden and shed are reflected on a particularly calm winter day. This pool is a favorite with children (not for swimming -- but for fishing, rock skipping, and throwing things in to watch them go over the dam) since it's just beyond the school playground.

There's a great blue heron who frequents this spot. I've been stalking him, but so far to no avail. It's good to have creatures around who are still too wild to let you get close.

Just beyond the dam, to the right of this photo, is this bridge.

Theme Day Jan 2009: Best Photo of the Year

Being new to both photography and daily photo blogging, I didn't have a large number of images to choose from for this month's City Daily Photo theme -- Best Photo of the Year. But I have found, through looking at the many excellent pictures my fellow bloggers post each day, that photographs that engage my imagination have the most staying power for me.

So, I've chosen a slightly different perspective on the photo I first posted here. (I had a hard time choosing between the two for my initial post.) I think this second one adds a little something to what was intimated in the first. I also think the existence of this little door in a gnarly old tree along the Woods Creek Trail somehow brings together many things I particularly like about Lexington.

On this first day of the New Year I want to thank everyone connected with City Daily Photo for the very warm welcome I have received for my blog from people all over the world, and for the daily efforts that go on behind the scenes to bring so many blogs together. It is much appreciated!

Daily City bloggers around the world are exhibiting their year's best photographs. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Pink shorts

This is the newest of the three footbridges over the Woods Creek ravine, which divides the Washington and Lee campus in two.

On a 40°F (4°C) day in December, the student's ensemble of choice will be: shorts and a down jacket.

Above Woods Creek trail

Another bridge over Woods Creek, this time on Nelson St./Rt. 60 heading west out of town.

The bridge is nothing much to speak of up top, but underneath - where it's constantly damp from the creek and the storm runoff - the concrete has acquired a beautiful patina.

Secret door ...

... in an undisclosed location on the banks of Woods Creek.

The pre-school set maintains that the troll will answer messages.

Along the creek

After days of rain the skies cleared today, and I went for a walk on the Woods Creek Trail, which follows the creek for 2 miles -- from the southwest end of town, through both college campuses, to the Maury River.

This is the little bridge over Woods Creek on Jordan St., next to the elementary school. The rusty color is beautiful in any weather.