Oh Deer, Williamsburg, Virginia

Deer abound in the Williamsburg area. This beauty lives in the woods along the Colonial Parkway. Many are so used to cars and people going by that they break from eating momentarily, if at all, as they pass. This one graciously posed long enough for this shot.

Scenic Waterways, Williamsburg, Virginia

We took this photo of bald cypress trees in one of the tidal waters around Jamestown Island. There is a large nest on the small tree to the right. We could not tell if it was an eagle or osprey. The Colonial Parkway is visible in the background.

Nesting Osprey, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

In a large, dead tree along the James River and the Colonial Parkway, we saw this pair of osprey working on their nest. We saw one leave the nest and return a few minutes later with new material in its talons, capturing this shot as he landed. It was fascinating to watch.

Spring On The Water, Williamsburg, Virginia

These blossoms are on the banks of one of the ponds along the Colonial Parkway.

Parkway Bikers, Williamsburg, Virginia

Many bikers ride year round because of the normally temperate winters; this year being an exception. With the slightest hint of warmth, they hit the roadways in swarms. This group took a break along the James River on the Colonial Parkway.

Jones Millpond On the Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

The afternoon sun played with the ripples of Jones Millpond and illuminated the remnants of the fall foliage on the Colonial Parkway.  Sights like this make for a very nice afternoon drive.

Buttercups, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

Buttercups along the Colonial Parkway help make it colorful until they mow again.

Repairing The Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

Workers install large boulders along the banks for the York River to prevent erosion and damage to the Colonial Parkway. The stone is delivered by barge on the river.

Parkway Morning, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

The sun streams through the trees on a morning ride down the Colonial Parkway, the federal park connecting    Yorktown,  Williamsburg and Jamestown though wood, marsh and along both the York and James Rivers. In another month, the trees will be full and this area will provide a cool, shady ride in the summer sun.

Riding Tandem On The Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is an odd time of year for outdoor activities in Williamsburg. Winters here are generally mild but the temperature from day to day can easily vary twenty degrees and even a mild day can suddenly feel brisk within minutes of the sun setting. So, when you catch a day in the 60's, a tandem bike ride down the Colonial Parkway with a break along the James River is one of many perfect choices.   

Swan, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is one of three swans we noticed gracing Jones Mill Pond on the Colonial Parkway between Williamsburg and Yorktown.  Many birds winter in the area but few are as beautiful.

Duo Of Does, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

These lovely ladies paid close attention when we interrupted their meal time on the Colonial Parkway. Lucky for us they waited long enough for a photo before gracefully disappearing into the tall grass.

A James River View Of The Surry Nuclear Power Plant, Surry, Virginia

This picture, taken from the Colonial Parkway on the Williamsburg side of the James River, shows the Surry nuclear power plant. Ironically, this modern facility is quite near Jamestown Island where the first permanent English settlement was established in what is now the United States.

The Governor's Palace Ice House, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg is fully equipped with an ice house which was buried deep beneath the mound on which these stairs are built. It was well insulated and allowed for the collection of ice from ponds in the winter and stored for use all summer by palace guests.

Tunnel Under History, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Colonial Parkway is a beautiful country drive through thick wood, along marshes, and adjacent to both the James and York Rivers as it connects Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown; the Historic Triangle.  To do so, this tunnel goes under Colonial Williamsburg, completely unknown to those walking through the 1770's in the historic district above.

Unusual Migratory Path, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

These geese dutifully crossed in the zone marked by the warning sign on the Colonial Parkway. Being in the migration path, the waterways in and around the Colonial Parkway play host to many birds who, from time to time, see fit to cross the road from the river to one of the tributaries that feed it.  On the way, they stop to munch the grass.  Not sure on which side the grass is greener though.

Osprey On The York River, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

This osprey dutifully minds her nest on the York River along the Colonial Parkway.  Her mate was sitting on the branch next to her but flew off just as the picture was snapped making as much noise and fuss as he could in an effort to lure us away.

Cheathem Annex Pier On the York River, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Cheatham Annex includes this pier where the Navy can stock some of its ships given the depth of the York River.  The piers are large enough for trucks and other vehicles to drive to the ship.

Bald Eagle On The York River, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

This bald eagle intently surveyed the York River from the upper branches of this dead tree on the Colonial Parkway between Yorktown and Williamsburg.

Bald Cypress On The James River, Williamsburg, Virginia

This bald cypress tree stands in the water at the edge of the James River waiting patiently for the warmth of summer and the many visitors to its beach.  Bald Cypress trees have roots that spread out from the trunk and then  down into the water. When the tide is out, you can see the "knees" of the tree much better. This beach is at "Archer's Hope" on the Colonial Parkway.