On Tuesday (the 9th) we decided to go for a walk over the Manassas Battlefield Park. It is a most serene place to spend time, though its history of the two Civil War battles obviously belies the scenes that we see today.
We passed by this huge tree towering over us, loaded with bright red berries. I had to stand on my tippy toes with my arms stretched high above my head to reach its lowest branches for these photos. It is the American Holly and is always a welcome sight at any time of the year, but I love it when it is adorned with those bright red berries. This is a tree (below) that we have been passing by ever since we discovered we were so close to the battlefield nearly 30 years ago.
Several years ago we visited and were concerned when we saw it almost splitting in two. The park people had pulled it together with cable and also staked it to the ground. It had lost several large branches off the main trunk.
It looks a bit lopsided but is surviving and we are thankful. I truly hate to see these old trees go.
Instead of our usual Chinn Ridge walk, we went on the opposite side of the road where the visitor center is. Their parking lot is quite large and we found a spot away from the other cars. There were several young people gathering at the entrance (the above photo shows the back of the visitor center as we look from the old Henry house.) It looked like they were waiting to get on the small bus parked nearby. A few adults were with them, probably teachers and parents .
We avoid indoor spaces and didn't intend to go into the center. We decided to walk over to the Henry House, to enjoy the fresh air and the exercise. Apart from one couple and a man on his own far ahead of us, we had the place to ourselves. It was very cold and between the hat and mask I wore, they gave me a lot of warmth and at least my face didn't feel cold. Sweet other half was similarly dressed and was very comfortable. I joked that I was well prepared, pulling my hat down over my eyes. He laughed and could not resist taking this photo.
The old Henry house can be seen on the right of the next photo. Here is a closer shot of the Henry house. There is a short history of it here, a sad tale about 85 year old Mrs. Henry and one I know well by now. First the back of the building, and the one below shows the front.
A close up of the windows.
It has had work done on it since the last time we visited. The stain is new. The cold finally got to us and instead of going further along the trail, we turned back towards where we parked our car. It was a wonderful walk and we will be back in warmer weather. No matter how many times we have visited, we never tire of our walks here.
The skies were beautiful as you can see.
Our weather is rain and snow showers for the next few days, so we probably won't be out walking until next week.
Thanks for visiting and enjoy your weekend.
Star of Bethlehem - Ornithogalum umbellatum. It grows in clumps with hollow, dark-green leaves. Easily confused with wild garlic, but lacks a distinctive odor. It blooms in April to mid June.
Golden Ragwort - Packera aurea - Aster family (Asteraceae). This is a perennial wildflower and blooms from mid to late spring and lasts for about three weeks. 
The Northern Dewberry, Common Dewberry - Rubus flagellaris. It is part of the rose family and its most active growth is from mid-spring to early summer.
Buttercup - Ranunculus species. Most bloom spring through to Fall, with some lasting until frost.
Virginia Waterleaf - Hydrophyllum virginianum. It is native to Virginia. A perennial herb commonly found in moist, wooded areas of eastern North America, including Virginia. Its young leaves and shoots are edible and were traditinally used by the Shawnee and other Native American tribes as a potherb or in salads. The leaves are typically eaten cooked, but can also be enjoyed raw when young, which is why they were used for a ‘salad'.
Sweet White Violet - Viola blanda. It has fragrant white flowers and blooms from April until the end of summer. Prefers damp woods and moist meadows.
