Thanks for stopping by! Due to today’s interruption, we’re posting a “best of” picture and will resume posting tomorrow.
September, 2008
15
Sep 08
Spring 3
Since I’ve recently come to the realization that summer is over, I’ve been trying to think of what I did this summer. I came up with lot of blanks. Here’s the last thing I remember: Springtime.
Not all blossoms are cherry blossoms. Here is a whole line of white trees just outside the driveway of a church. They actually go around and encompass the entire parking lot.
12
Sep 08
MDP – On Location
Today’s Picture comes from corresponding photographer Brett, who gives us the first picture on MDP that wasn’t taken in Maryland. However, as you can tell, it’s still Maryland themed. The Maryland cookies were captured at the airport in Malindi, on the east coast of Kenya. Maryland cookies are so awesome that each package includes 33 extra cookies for free!
11
Sep 08
2-6-6-2
More tain pictures you say? Well more train pictures you shall get.
Meet the 2-6-6-2 #1309, from the C&O. Currently residing at the B&O museum. This is not, as some people believe, an Allegheny. Can you tell me why?
9
Sep 08
Linden Oak
This tree, the Linden Oak, is the tallest and oldest White Oak tree in Maryland, and possibly the oldest tree in the state. Its age is estimated to be over 275 years. A plaque (one of three) embedded in a rock on a nearby road states that this tree was a sapling almost two decades before George Washington was born.
It is in such a strange location that it is very difficult, despite its size, to notice. The elevation of the ground in which it sits is anywhere from 20 to 30 feet lower than that of the streets surrounding it. In short, it blends entirely too well with its surroundings. The three plaques that tell an observer that they are in the presence of a unique piece of agriculture are embedded in stones at ground level and are not only difficult to notice, but practically camouflaged. I have ridden my bike past this intersection many times and have never noticed a plaque. I certainly didn’t notice the largest white oak in the country sitting 10 feet away from the path.
Despite its ability to keep a low profile, this tree has great significance. It was named the Maryland Bicentennial Tree on account of its age, but also in an effort to save it from destruction. The Metro tracks run not 20 feet away from the branches of this tree. The Metro was supposed to run right through the location of the tree, but the efforts of a member of the community and a Maryland Delegate, Idamae Garrott, saved the tree. This was done by naming it the Bicentennial tree.
The tree’s story is further complicated as its lowest and largest branches have been removed, hiding its age from afar, just as cosmetic surgery will tend to do. It’s when you get close that you really begin to understand. The tree has a large footprint. In fact, no grass grows in the shadow of the tree, and when you step into that area where grass has been replaced (almost sadly) by wood chips which are presumably from the lower limbs of the tree, you know that this tree has been growing for centuries.
I am well aware of the fact that this is not the shot to prove its size, but I like this shot as I feel it helps with the story I wanted to tell. I’ve included a link to another picture without the sign, but I will admit that my work with this tree is not done. I will do this tree justice, but I will need to retun there to do so.
9
Sep 08
While I’m at it
Here’s another picture from Cumberland. I don’t know how to describe the arcitecture in the picture any better than the picture itself can do. However, I can say that this was taken on Baltimore St. in Cumberland, one of the prettiest historic districts in the state.
8
Sep 08
Benches
Just a bench from inside the WM train station in Cumberland. I really like these old benches. I was taking a train from Baltimore last week and as I sat in the station, in a nice, but not too comfortable bench, I was reminded of this picture.
5
Sep 08
Bollman Truss Bridge
This is the last remaining Bollman Truss Bridge in the world. It’s located in Savage, MD. Why is the Bollaan truss bridge important? Becasue it was the first successfull bridge design made entirely of metal, and it was designed and built right here in Maryland. This particular bridge was actually moved to its current location in 1887. It is a national historic landmark, and its so famous that they named a neighboring elementary school after the bridge.
