Cook Forest (Part 2 of 2)

Below are a few more photographs from my trip to Cook Forest in Western Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh). On my weekend camping trip I took photos around the campsite on a Friday, at a military re-enactment on Saturday and then I took these photos on Sunday just before I left to return home. I went around Cook Forest and took in the sites which included peaks and valleys.

On our way off the mountain, we stopped at this horse stable. 

I have always just loved horses and it was great to pet them

& photograph these most magnificent creatures!

Cook Forest (Part 1 of 2)

I went to Cook Forest (located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to go camping from June 7-9, 2013. First, I took some photos around the camp site. Then on June 8th, there was a French and Indian War Re-enactment in the forest that was incredible. Here are photos from the first two days.

Here is a sign from the campground where we stayed.

I got to see this beautiful doe who came right up to our

campsite the first evening I was there. 

She was just magnificent.

All around the blankets of the tree tops were beautiful ferns.

I just loved them and I photographed so many different

picturesque photos with them showcased. 

Here is my favorite close-up shot.

The ground blanketed in a sea of ferns gently blowing in

the breeze.

Showcasing the simple beauty of the forest with this

tree stump.

The rest of my photographs in this post are from the

French and Indian War Re-enactment. Love how the two

soldiers in the middle of this photo are women!

Just thought this soldier's costume and appearance was 

incredibly detailed and historically accurate.

My favorite re-enactor who portrayed a Native American Indian.

Loved the details of the re-enactor as when as the scenery of

the forest in this photo!

Action shot of the start of the battle during the re-enactment.

If you look closely on the far left-hand side of the photo,

you can see the explosive flames coming from the barrel

of the gun.

Charge!

Back at the encampment for the soldiers. Seen here is

 a little girl dressed the part and selling lavender and soap.

 A woman waiting for her soldier to come back home.

I loved the iridescent blue material of her dress. So unique!

Check back for more photos on my 2nd posting from this trip!

Taylor & Jordan Portrait Session

We went to Tennessee to visit and help my extended family over Memorial Day week. We went to help my aunt who is battling cancer and we rode with her to Knoxville for a chemotherapy session as well as just had talk sessions with her, my uncle and my oldest cousin, Jordan, who was home after his first year of college in Kentucky. For the holiday, we had a cookout and Jordan's long-time girlfriend, Taylor, came over and we were able to meet her for the first time. We did a portrait session for my aunt and uncle of Taylor and Jordan in the field in their backyard. They make a beautiful couple and I just loved how these photos turned out! 

My aunt and uncle live in the rolling hills of the Smoky

Mountains of eastern Tennessee. This is the view from 

their back porch.

 My cousin, Jordan (he is the youngest of 3 siblings) and

his girlfriend, Taylor.

 This is my favorite of the two of them. So romantic!

 Walking back towards his house (seen in the background)