Historic Train bridge over the river at Tuckahoe River State Park in Queen Anne, MD
Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go in a make-believe train at the Tuckahoe State Park. The bridge has been out of service for many, many years but still stands over the Tuckahoe River along Route 404 in the center of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in the Fall.
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge as see from a car driving past on Route 404 – getting to see this for a fraction of a second.
The Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Queen Anne, MD is a beautiful and important landmark that has been part of the community for over 100 years. Located near the intersection of Route 404 and Route 50, this bridge is an integral part of the local history. Built in 1909, the Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge stands as a testament to the engineering genius of its creators. Tucked away in the woods and now partially overgrown, this bridge is quite hard to find. It was originally built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and is a one-lane concrete and steel structure that spans the Tuckahoe River. Its overall length is over 100 feet and it stands 26 feet tall. The bridge is located at the southern border of the Tuckahoe River State Park and is “briefly” visible to vehicles passing by on Maryland Route 404 near Queen Anne, Maryland.
“Tuckahoe State Park is a public recreation area located along Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, United States. Adkins Arboretum, a garden and preserve maintaining over 600 native plant species, occupies 500 acres of the park.” (from :Wikipedia)
The above photograph was taken in 2014 and has been a popular image of Bill Swartwout Photography’s online gallery. So, of course prints are available along with a variety of home decor items.
Here is a “colorized” image from more than a century ago.
Built in 1858, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history for the small towns of Fenwick Island, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse “colorized” panorama photograph.
Looking way back, this panorama photograph of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in coastal Delaware was created and colorized from an 1891 faded black and white image downloaded from the United States National Archive website.
The Fenwick Island Light Station from the National Archives, National Museum of American History
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse Station has been aiding navigation for mariners since August 1, 1859. Today, the historic structure is a popular tourist destination, especially for photography enthusiasts. The “Fenwick Light” is an historic landmark located in southernmost Delaware right at the border with Ocean City, Maryland.
Fenwick island Lighthouse Panorama processed as an abstract to give it a more “painterly” appearance.
Oldest Lighthouse in Delaware
A quote from the website: “The official opening of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, when the light was first lit as an aid to navigation, was on August 1, 1859.” That makes the Fenwick Island Light the oldest lighthouse in Delaware.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse as a simulated canvas painting.
The beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is gorgeous on a breezy day in the Fall.
Fenwick Island, Delaware is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean and provides a picturesque beach for visitors to explore. Located in Sussex County, it offers a unique coastal experience with plenty of activities for all ages. With its pristine sandy beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking views of the ocean, Fenwick Island is the perfect destination for a family vacation or weekend getaway.
Fenwick Dunes and Waves Wall Art
Fenwick Island, Delaware is a beautiful vacation destination that offers plenty of activities and attractions. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island has become increasingly popular for its pristine beach and clear waters. Whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Fenwick Island offers something for everyone. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities, visitors can explore the area at their own pace while taking in the sights and sounds of the beach.
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in Blacks and White
The beautiful beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is a must-see destination for beach-goers. An island on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island is a tranquil paradise situated between Ocean City, Maryland and Bethany Beach, Delaware. With its white sand beaches, boardwalk attractions and miles of shoreline, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in Fenwick Island.
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in a Panorama Format
For browsing or shopping, each of the images clicks to a more detailed page and see them without watermarks. The links below are more generic but will show you some gorgeous landscape and seascape photography.
The mythical guardian of Cape Charles stands tall along the Virginia shoreline.
When the sun sets on Cape Charles beach, a local legend comes alive. It is said that King Neptune, the ruler of the sea and protector of all marine life, rises from the depths to guard the sandy shores. As night falls and waves crash against the shoreline, those who know about his presence at Cape Charles feel comforted by his watchful eye.
King Neptune guards the shore at Cape Charles, Virginia.
It is said that King Neptune, the ruler of the sea and protector of all marine life, can be seen guarding this Chesapeake Bay shoreline in his grand majesty. According to local folklore in this Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) town, King Neptune’s presence has been felt since ancient times when sailors used to visit this particular beach for protection from bad weather and unpredictable waves. But regardless of its origin, one thing remains certain – locals firmly believe that King Neptune watches over Cape Charles and Northampton County with divine power and strength.
King Neptune Jigsaw Puzzle
Visitors to Cape Charles have reported seeing an impressive figure in royal attire standing on top of a tall rock formation at the very edge of the shoreline. Some say they’ve heard him bellowing out orders as if commanding an army while others claim he’s simply gazing out into the horizon with a look of pride and determination in his eyes. The majestic King Neptune has been watching over the beach at Cape Charles for many years. As an unique area landmark, his presence is a reminder of the long-standing history of this scenic waterfront town located on a small peninsula jutting into the Chesapeake Bay. Every day, curious visitors flock to its sandy shores to get a glimpse of this grandiose statue that stands tall above everything else.
King Neptune is the mythical guardian of the beach at Cape Charles, Virginia. Every summer, tourists head to this pristine and picturesque stretch of shoreline for some fun in the sun and a chance to meet King Neptune himself! With his trident firmly in his grasp and a seaweed crown atop his head, King Neptune stands tall as he greets visitors with a smile.
The legendary figure has become an iconic presence on the beach since he first appeared at Cape Charles nearly two decades ago. His mission is simple: to protect this beautiful stretch of coastline from any harm while bringing joy to those who visit. He often spends time with vacationers, whether it’s posing for photos or teaching kids about maritime safety tips. He may even be seen with a dog at his side. Just kidding, really…but you never know.
King Neptune with his trusty sidekick, Miss Hannah.
Designed in 2004 by Paul DiPasquale, this statue of King Neptune at Cape Charles is actually the preliminary study, a seven foot tall prototype, for the large statue of King Neptune in Virginia Beach. The King Neptune Statue (2005) on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at Neptune Park is 24 feet tall, more than three times the size of “The King” at Cape Charles.
Shop for King Neptune Wall Art and Home Decor.
The images in this article are “clickable” if you would like to see more details about each photograph. You can also click the links below to browse and/or shop.
Bushel Basket Holiday trees in Grasonville, MD and throughout Delmarva…
Celebrating the Watermen of the Chesapeake Bay is series of non-traditional Christmas trees, three of which are located at the Fisherman’s Village complex, just east of Kent Island.
Crab Basket Christmas Tree at the Kent Narrows in Grasonville, MD. Note, please, that utility poles, wires vehicles and advertising signs have been “removed” from the original image.
Merry Crabby Christmas – Merry Crabness. This tree, along with two others are located at the Waterman’s Memorial in Grasonville, Queen Anne’s County, MD. Bushel Basket Trees are a common site on the Eastern Shore in several of the small water-oriented towns. Other sightings: Cambridge, Rock Hall, St. Michaels, Berlin (on the road to Assateague Island). In Maine and other New England states they have lobster trap trees – similar but not the same as “From the Land of Pleasant Living on the Eastern Shore!”
Three Bushel Basket Christmas Trees in Graysonville, MD
We got started on this photo project because we saw a picture and then found this bit of description on a Facebook post: “These baskets are at fishermans inn in Grasonville , they also have a lot of meaning , mostly not all but a lot have our local waterman’s names and drawn pictures of their boats ect on them that worked on the water most of their lives its located at the watermans memorial , I think there is 3 trees this year” (by Commenter, Michael Timms)
Here are three popular variations of the crab-topped Crab Basket Holiday Tree featured above. They are (l to r) a simulated watercolor painting, a simulated charcoal drawing and the original photograph presentation.
Interesting items about the Crab Basket Holiday Trees
Each tree has a meaning and each basket has a meaning: history, celebration, honor, remembering and/or holiday spirit.
The watercolor rendition of the Crab Basket Tree looks great as a T-shirt design.
202 baskets were used to make the first tree that was erected in Kent Narrows in 2020.
There was so much interest that two trees were created in 2022.
Interest continued to grow – with three trees being constructed in 2023.
Located at the Fisherman’s Village complex at the Kent Narrows (Kent Island Narrows), Grasonville, MD.
Every painted basket has a “story” to honor and/or remember someone or may simply be to share the holiday spirit.
There are “memorial baskets” to honor watermen who passed away in the previous year.
Proceeds from project activities support local watermen and families in need.
Basket painting was done by local citizens of all ages.
Each tree has a meaning and each basket has a meaning. Themes might include history, celebration, honor, remembering someone and/or simply the joy of holiday spirit.
Here is a Bushel Basket Christmas Tree found near the town of Berlin, MD along Route 611.
Crab Bushel Basket Christmas Tree Near Assateague Island, MD
Watermen’s Association 2022 Crab Basket Tree sponsor sign.
These trees would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors. The sign thanking/acknowledging them, erected by the Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Association, is located at the site.
The Sponsors listed are: Armin’s Garage Doors LLC, Bay Tree Service, Bayside Insurance Associates Inc, Clements Creek Ventures, Fishergate Graphic Design, Fisherman’s Inn & Crab Deck, Harris Crab House, Jennifer Norfolk–Coldwell Banker, Kent Island Rotary, Kent Narrows Development Foundation, Kentmorr Marina, Molly Maid, QAC Economic & Tourism Development, Queenstown Bank, R&D Electric, Rag Lady Inc, Ruth Brothers Portable Toilets, Shore Lumber & Millwork, Shore Septic, Shore Sign, Shore United Bank, TJ & Sherri Hunter, VFW Post 7464, and Wye River Marine. The sign is thanking … First Mate sponsors and all who purchased a basket. Thank you!
Christmas Lights
Of course a Christmas Tree need lights for viewing at night. These Crab Basket Trees are no exception.
The Crab Basket Christmas Tree is lighted at night.
Yes, you can purchase the wall art photographs in a variety of substrates as well as on Home Decor, Apparel and Other Items.
We rival the colors of New England fall foliage right here in Delaware.
The first hint of autumn is always a welcome sign after a long, hot summer. In Delaware, the turning of the leaves signals the start of fall celebrations and all things pumpkin. One of the best places to enjoy the crisp autumn air is at Coursey Pond in Frederick.
Autumn at Coursey Pond Wall Art
This beautiful autumn scene was captured at Coursey Pond in Frederica, Delaware by Bill Swartwout Photography. It appears to be two scenes in one, with the colorful fall foliage and brilliant blue sky being reflected in the still waters of Coursey Pond.
Jigsaw Puzzle of the Autumn at Coursey Pond Photograph
How about the challenge of working a jigsaw puzzle with the intricate designs created here by Mother Nature.? Would you give it a go – or perhaps gift one to a friend or family member with an affinity for puzzles?
As relative newcomers to Morgantown and West Virginia, our first drive down Main Street before we found a home was a little depressing. Like many towns, shopping has migrated out and the traditional main street shops have become dollar stores, it seems. So, although the scenery around this part of West Virginia is spectacular, I wasn’t sure the architecture of the town itself would interest me.
But then I discovered Woodburn Hall! Built in 1870 as one of the core buildings of West Virginia University, it has a warm and intriguing design and right from this first image taken in 2016, I knew I would be back!
Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV
And I was! I was down there in the early evening, hoping for an interesting sunset as the lights on the building provide a warm contrast:
Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University
I’ve been back after a fall of snow again in the late afternoon to get a winter view of the buildings surrounding the gardens here:
Sunset over snow covered Woodburn Hall
And I’ve done some compositing work to move the famous Mountaineer Statue, beloved of the football team, from its position across the road to a more pleasing artistic location!
Mountaineer Statue against Woodburn Hall
Finally, as my technology improved, I decided to try for an aerial view to show how this centerpiece of WVU fits in with the town and the river winding its way across the plain.
Aerial Drone Panorama of Woodburn Hall at WVU
CLICK the images above to browse/shop the available wall art.
What all this made me realize is that with an attractive and historic building such as this, there is never one great shot. There are so many possibilities, and I realize that I haven’t really got any spring or fall images, that you really need to spend as much time capturing its nuances as you do trying to get that perfect fall leaves photograph! Several of these images have proved popular with collectors – I am sure some of them are gracing the walls of the offices of WVU graduates as they start their careers!
Guest Artist Steve Heap
Steve Heap has a broad range of travel and landscape imagery available with free shipping and a 30-day money back guarantee in his Pictorem portfolio.
Steve writes about the stories behind his photographs at BackyardImage.com.
Photographing ships on the St. Clair River on a blustery day.
It is not often that far distant art photographers with a similar passion for photographing ships actually get to meet in person. Mary Bedy lives in a perfect Michigan location to photograph the freighters, ships and boats that ply the waters of the Great Lakes. Bill Swartwout lives on the Atlantic coast and is only able to photograph ships while on vacation somewhere. The passing freighters along the coast are far too distant to shoot but, fortunately, he also enjoys shooting bridges.
Bill Swartwout and Mary Bedy on the boardwalk in St. Clair, MI (photo by Nancy Swartwout)
Bill and his wife, Nancy, were vacationing in western Michigan and had planned to visit the city of Frankenmuth, MI on the way home. Frankenmuth was close to St. Clair – so a lunch meetup was arranged for the next day. The three of us met at the Voyageur Inn on the St. Clair River and boardwalk – the very same boardwalk that offers Mary a wonderful vantage point to photograph any ship that passes from Lake Huron to Lake Erie (or vice versa).
We opted for a window table, of course, and during our time there we had the opportunity to see four freighters pass by the boardwalk and restaurant. Well one was really the barge, Joseph H. Thompson with pusher-tugboat, Laura L. VanEnkevort – but it “looked” similar to a freighter.
Joseph H. Thompson Barge by Mary Bedy
A rare occurrence of ships passing on the river…
After a wonderful lunch and great conversation we move out into the cold and blustery October day to the boardwalk for the obligatory selfies (photo session). As we were doing that there were two ships approaching and doing something very seldom seen. They were passing by one another right in front of us. There must be something to be said about two artists who live 700 miles apart meeting at this location and point in time.
Freighters Michipicoten and CSL Laurentien are about to pass, port-to-port, on the St. Clair River in front of the boardwalk in St. Clair, Michigan
This was , indeed, a wonderful opportunity for two photographers, passionate about their art, to be able to meet in person. Before this day they only knew one another through their common use of Fine Art America to produce their photography as Print-On-Demand wall art and home decor items.
Find wall art photographs by Mary Bedy and Bill Swartwout
The wind, waves and broken clouds add excitement to this evening scene at Grand Beach, MI.
The beauty of a sunset:
As the sun sets over Lake Michigan, the water turns a beautiful shades of orange and pink. The sky is a stunning purple color as the waves march to the shore. It’s a peaceful and calming sight to see.
Lake Michigan Sunset at Grand Beach, New Buffalo
The colors of a sunset:
This Sunset over Lake Michigan was one of the most beautiful sights of our recent road trip to Michigan. The colors are so vivid and the sky is so clear. A sunset over “the lake” a must see for anyone who loves nature.
The peace of a sunset:
As the sun sets over Lake Michigan, the sky is ablaze with colors of orange, yellow and pink. The cool breeze blowing off the lake is a refreshing contrast to the warm summer temperatures. This is a perfect time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Whether you are watching the sunset from the shoreline or out on a boat, it is an experience you will never forget.
The conclusion:
The sun slowly sinks behind the horizon, casting a beautiful orange hue over the waters of Lake Michigan. It’s a perfect evening for a stroll along the beach, or perhaps a romantic dinner overlooking the water. As the last rays of sunlight disappear, you can’t help but feel a sense of peace and wonder at the natural beauty of this place.
Created with Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography
October, November and December are the months for calendars – plan for 2023. #ShopEarly #BuyIntoArt Assateague Ponies, Ocean City, Indian River Bridge and Fire Control Towers are what I have created from my photographs and offer for sale at the amazing “Zazzle.” Click the image or the link below the image to browse of shop…
