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A Land Trodden by Early Native American Indians

2010.05.21

And here begins my journey. Like most of the paths I have faced before, an uncertainty of where it would lead.

It quickly became evident that this would be a very beautiful experience....

..... turn after turn.

Amongst the lush growth there where trees in decay which offer homes to many insects and forms of fungus and molds.

The decay was in varies stages, from the newly fallen trees to the completely decomposed.

Wish I could identify this really cool looking fungus.

Any guesses?

This was a reoccurring scene. Mainly on the north side of the trees.

Many birds were present. Most were black birds.

Eatable?

Just one of the bark variations,

A few fallen trees which will succumb to decay, returning it's energy to the earth.

And the path home.

There was a fenced mound at the site of this sign. No visible markers just 4 colored rocks around the mound at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. I don't know if that is significant or not. Pausing and giving respect brought to mind many souls I have met, love and lost, and I gave thanks for the opportunity.

This set of photo was taken in First Landing Park in Virginia Beach. There was a settlement of Native American living on this very land in 1607 when the English colonist landed here on route to the Jamestown settlement. It had rain earlier on the morning of my visit and there was still an occasional dizzy, so the trees were wet and added wonderful contrast to my photos. During my walk, I would stop often and envision the early inhabitants in their daily routines. And I seemed to smell the home fires burning. The mind can perform feats of wonder if called upon to do so, and we let go and trust in it's safe journey.

Just saw these come through, Ray...the second shot is amazingly beautiful and intricate; nice find on the 11th; and the last one is precisely perfect!

djnana · 2010-05-21: 09:01

Very good colors, Ray! Congrats!!!

dico1 · 2010-05-21: 12:18

Very beautiful set Ray! Love the fungii and thanks for all the historical information!

darfoster · 2010-05-21: 16:23

Thanks for sharing the history. Beautiful photos.

paulamarquis · 2010-05-21: 22:51

Wow, this is one of the most beautiful post I ever seen. I love them all. So beautiful, so rich, so colorful. I also love your last sentence "The mind can perform feats of wonder..." Great post!

????? · 2010-05-22: 01:02

What a wonderful journey! So beautiful!

jet28 · 2010-05-22: 07:04

Very interesting post Ray! Love the walk back in time, lots of history. Excellent photos!

ArtBee · 2010-05-22: 08:05

Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Ray.
I've always loved Indians culture and always been on their side and studied and very appreciated them. Mitakuye oyasin...
An Indian mystic said:
It's one thing to live a long time,
it's another thing to learn something
in that space of time.
You've been given the gift of life.
Don't just become an old man,
learn something.
- Dave Lewis

????? · 2010-05-22: 08:06

wonderful set!

tomie · 2010-05-22: 08:54

Wonderful photos and sentiment..I love those places too..I just photographed that mushroom yesterday...I wouldn't eat it..as for the beautiful fungi (love #9) Ricky knows all of that stuff (onlyricky)..

NellyBly · 2010-05-22: 10:16