Daystar in Winter

Yes, I aimed my camera directly at the sun, in defiance of all common sense.

I don't know about you, but considering how this picture turned out I believe the risk was worth it.

And Then, The Trail Announced It Was Going On Vacation

While hiking through the Greenbelt, I came across a section of trail that had apparently succumbed to the forces of erosion and gravity. While not a complete 90º drop-off, the resulting angle was still plenty steep, and there weren't a whole lot of places left to put one's feet while crossing. The trail at that point was about 10-15 feet up off the creekbed, and there was no way to get down to it without having to either make a jump or go back down the trail a ways.

Which left two options: Going across the gap (thus the presence of the chain), or back the way one came. I chose to go across, which for me was a rather adrenaline-surging experience considering I have a fear of falling. Normally I don't think I'd have even attempted it, but considering how much of an adventure I was already having that day, it seemed fitting that I should challenge myself.

Cathedral

I snapped this picture sometime in 1999, while living in Arlington, VA. Kudzu vines grow absolutely nuts up there, and this shows a ring of trees overtaken by the aforementioned plant (more like "pest in plant-form"). Since I took the shot using an actual 35mm camera as opposed to digital, I hadn't realised at the time how well the sun had come through.

Honestly, I consider this to be one of the best photographs I've ever taken. If I had to choose an image that I believed to represent the condition of my soul, this would be it.

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