Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, Maryland

The sub-title of this blog is “Journeys Near and Far”.  Sometimes the places nearest you are just as fascinating and beautiful as those far away.

That is certainly true of the C&O Canal that is just 20 minutes from my house.  It runs about 180 miles from Harpers Ferry (of John Brown fame) in West Virginia, through Maryland, to Washington DC.   I walk along the Canal on the Maryland side at least twice a week--usually early in the morning.  These photos were taken between 6.30 am and

8.30 am on November 11--our first really cold morning (25F) in recent months.

A blood red sun rises above the “steaming” water.  This is the widest section of the Canal

Reflection

Islands in the Stream?  These tiny islands remind me of paintings by the Group of Seven in Canada

The Mather Gorge--looking from Maryland across the Potomac River to Virginia, my home base

Old Heron

Another view of the Mather Gorge, looking towards Great Falls on the Potomac River

One of many small tributaries leading into the Potomac River near Great Falls

There are always ducks on the Canal--these guys were moving too fast to get a sharp photo

Fungus Amongus

A perfect reflection--you can turn the photo upside down and it still looks the same!

Last of the Fall leaves

There are always a few brave joggers on the Canal path in the early morning

Not exactly a close up.  I was standing on the Canal bank directly above this beautiful Pileated Woodpecker.  Unfortunately, I did not have my telephoto lens but he patiently posed for me!