Mother Nature, the Beltway PartTwo
By Michael Billert
2 January 2008
Chapter two: We all see snow storms, thunder clouds and here the weather reports. No matter where you are in the country, the weather report will sometimes mention the D.C. area. On summer vacation in the District most of us have done the long sweaty walks from one building to the next. Mother nature is always there when we step out of the A/C.
The part of Mother nature that I have been photographing for the last twenty five years inside the Beltway is striking, sometimes in control sometimes she yields to the whims of mankind, sometimes she doesn't. The current at the base of key Bridge will snatch a fisherman off the slippery rocks and the body will be held 100 feet down at the base of the bridge for weeks before it is found down stream passed Roosevelt Island and even passed the Kennedy Performing Arts Center.
Inside the Beltway has been my focus. Lots of spots you will remember, but I have moved away from the Mall that is under the direction of man to the little spots that seem to be untouched. The Great Falls were some of my first trek's. But lots of little spots all over the District seem to be untouched or have reverted back to the wilds of nature. The two lane that is lower behind the National Zoo is steady returning to nature. There are stories of 150 foot trees falling and sliding down on to the street and blocking traffic for a day or two.
I have tried to see it all for what it is , beautiful with mother nature in control. The boundries are the Beltway and mother nature's touch. All are welcome to try their hand. Lots to look at, lots to photograph.
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Mother Nature and the District
Photo Essay. 17 Jan 2008.
Inside the Beltway is the center of our government and Mother Nature still holds court...
