Mabry Mill
black mamba
Registered Users Posts: 8,325 Major grins
Undoubtedly, the most photographed place/feature along the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Heck, I probably have no less than 200 hundred images of it on file myself....shot in all seasons and weather conditions. Get me close to it and I scoot over and snare a few more shots...can't help myself. Unfortunately, the high noon lighting was less than desirable. You win some and loose some.
The flip side to the place....not one that is often published. The left section houses a small lumber mill operation for ripping planks from felled trees. The center and right sections house the milling equipment and smaller woodworking functions, all powered by the water wheel.
The large, round objects are discarded grind stones. Interestingly, there is a small but active collector market for these old stones. Most end up being used in elaborate landscaping schemes. Last year, I saw one sell at auction for $5,000. I've heard of them selling for even more than that.
The flip side to the place....not one that is often published. The left section houses a small lumber mill operation for ripping planks from felled trees. The center and right sections house the milling equipment and smaller woodworking functions, all powered by the water wheel.
The large, round objects are discarded grind stones. Interestingly, there is a small but active collector market for these old stones. Most end up being used in elaborate landscaping schemes. Last year, I saw one sell at auction for $5,000. I've heard of them selling for even more than that.
I always wanted to lie naked on a bearskin rug in front of a fireplace. Cracker Barrel didn't take kindly to it.
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http://www.moose135photography.com
Thanks, Wayne. For the first time in several years, I took time to really explore the Shenandoah Valley....spent the whole time down in the valley, stayed off of the Skyline Drive. It's truly a magnificent place to wander around in. Rode by Mabry Mill on the way back to Boone so I naturally had to jump out and fire off a few of that old friend.
Take care,
Tom
Yo John,
Yea, I remember when you tangled with that dear up there. There's no fun in that venture. The last time I rode the motorcycle from Front Royal down to Boone, I counted over 300 dear that were on or along the Skyline Drive and BRP. I had a few that wouldn't budge as I crawled by them while they stood on the road.
I just got back from spending a month up in that area. However, I had very little time for photography as I was focused on some real estate matters. Hopefully, I'll be back up there this Fall for the leaves changing and have more time for fun and games. If so, I'll give you a holler.
See you, buddy,
Tom
This is one place one could visit probably everyday of the year and come back with something unique and beautiful! You didn't miss my friend! You were missed!
Super shot! Green is pronounced and lovely!
Thanks much, Taz, for the very kind words. Your assessment of the photo possibilities with this old mill is spot on. I'd love to give you an afternoon of shooting with the mill and see what your interpretations and perceptions look like. That would be a real treat for me.
Take care, my friend,
Tom
to have my tripod-mounted camera snap a family group with this in the background?
I was trying to hurry and get out of your way, but you know how it is with group shots.
You have to take a series hoping one will show everyone to their best advantage.
http://tonycooper.smugmug.com/
I like the zig-zag of the fence, nice shot!
www.mind-driftphoto.com
Hi Tony,
It wasn't me. Actually, it was kind of strange. There wasn't a single person, other than Darlene and I, that was anywhere near the mill when I shot these scenes. And the parking lot, gift center, and restaurant were packed with folks. It was right at high noon and, generally, the people are crawling everywhere like ants. In all my years of visiting the mill, it was only the second time that I had the immediate grounds all to myself.
Take care, buddy,
Tom
Thanks much, my friend. It's nice to be able to devote more time to photography, but even better to get back into the mainstream with all you great folks on the forum.
See you,
Tom
Thanks, Carter, for the mighty kind words. When you can shoot with real passion, it can only make the resultant images that much better....and I'm very passionate about old buildings that saturate the Appalachians.
Keep the good work coming,
Tom
Job well done on #1
Hi Rags,
Thanks so much for looking in. I appreciate your support.
Take care,
Tom
Best
-Len
#1 is so beautiful and idyllic... awesome shot!
Great to see you posting, best wishes!
I tell you, Len, when the deciduous trees up in the Appalachians come out of the Winter doldrums, they come out with a vengeance. The " greens " they blush the lands with are beyond stunning. And the grasses everywhere, wanting to get in on the action, follow suit. It is truly quite a sight.
Take care,
Tom
Thanks, Eric.
You know the old saying " If you got it, flaunt it ". Well, like I told Len, when the Appalachians open the spigot for " green ", they don't hold back.
Take care, buddy,
Tom
Be my guest: Alex Braverman Photography
To answer your inquisitiveness expressed above, I'm afraid I have no answer for you. I'm not likely to follow that route.
Tom
Be my guest: Alex Braverman Photography