Blog Entries
Perch with a view
An Osprey perched on an old tree alongside the Atlantic Ocean on a cloudy, rainy day along the coastline of Florida on Sept. 30, 2023. (Photos by Mike Tripp / F8 Explorer)
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Offerings of stone
An offering bowl filled with stones rests in front of a statue in front of a residence in Abemarle County, Va., on Sept. 27, 2023. (Photos by Mike Tripp / F8 Explorer) -------------...
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Droplets in the web
Droplets of water are caught in the strands of a web in a flower garden in Abemarle County, Va., on Sept. 27, 2023. (Photos by Mike Tripp / F8 Explorer) -------------------- Phot...
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Walking life's wheel, finding purpose again
This photo might not seem like much, but for me it represents something deep and meaningful. About the photo ... It comes from me simply playing around a bit and experimenting. Orig...
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Mother with fawns
A mother grazes with two fawns in a front yard of a home in a residential neighborhood near Charlottesville, Va., on July 23, 2023. (Photos by Mike Tripp / F8 Explorer) Photogra...
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A field of sunflowers
Sunflowers grow in a field along a country lane on a farm in Albemarle County, near Charlottesville, Va., on July 23, 2023. (Photos by Mike Tripp / F8 Explorer) Photographer's ...
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Hummingbird ... Finally got him!
A male ruby-throated hummingbird seeks nectar within a Persian silk tree, aka. a Mimosa tree, in Staunton, Va., on July 22, 2023. (Photo by Mike Tripp/F8 Explorer) Photographer's Note...
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"Contorting for that perfect shot"
Slipping through defenders, Gettysburg's Gabi Conner stays airborn, contorting her body to fire off a shot that will slip past the William Smith goalie for a score during the NCAA Divisio...
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Snow-covered Natural Chimneys
Photos by Mike Tripp From an informational sign ... "The Cyclopean Towers" "The natural chimneys have aroused imaginations for two centuries. Artists, poets and gentlemen of...
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Workshop gives new life to old wood
Story and photos by Mike Tripp, contributor Business owner Aaron Johnston leans in as fellow craftsman Josh Wilson shows him something with one of the credenza's being constructed in the w...
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Nuts for Lunch
A squirrel perches on top of a feeding, eating peanuts straight out of the shell ... one-by-one. (Photos by Mike Tripp)
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Walking the Snow Road
A lady walks along a snow-covered path that leads away from Bell's Lane in Staunton, Va., on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: Captured this photograph afte...
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Backstage at the Food Pantry
Jonathan Toms, community development manager for Smithfield Foods, hands a spiral ham to Michael McKee, CEO for Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, the first links in a human chain unloading donated h...
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Although slightly remote, new charging station offers glimpse of off-the-grid future
Alleyn Harned, executive director of Virginia Clean Cities, shares the giant scissors with Keith Holland, the associate vice provost for research and innovation at James Madison University, a...
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Tree supply short, abundant cheer
A sign points out directions for those arriving at Ostlund Christmas Tree Farm. Story and photos by Mike Tripp, contributor Dennis Beck of Harrisonburg carries the handsaw while he and ...
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He lets the good times roll
Nathan Edwards adjusts the cutting depth of his lathe as he prepares to restore a roller skate wheel in his workshop. Story and photos by Mike Tripp, contributor Nathan Edwards stood at...
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"The Strawberry Moon"
The Strawberry Full Moon rises over trees visible along Barterbrook Road in Staunton, Va., on June 24, 2021. Two photographs taken from the same spot via tripod -- one exposed for the trees an...
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Batteaux at Hatton Ferry -- Gallery
Flat-bottomed 18th-century style batteaux navigate through the rapids on the James River at Hatton’s Ferry about four miles west of Scottsville, Va., during the James River Batteau Festival on...
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"7 Islands at Hatton's Ferry"
The 18th-century style batteau, 7 Islands, navigates through the rapids on the James River at Hatton's Ferry about four miles west of Scottsville, Va., during the James River Batteau Festival ...
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Visited for Father's Day weekend
Amy, Mars and Mike Tripp standing in front of the larger than life Theodore Roosevelt among the ruins of Presidents Park near Williamsburg on June 19, 2021. (Photo by Unknown) Pho...
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"One-Eye Behind Me"
" Sparky seems to be looking over my shoulder while we wait in the line of cars outside the school in March 2020. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: Ran across this photo while org...
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"Seashell Hunt at Sunrise"
Hunting seashells around the pier at sunrise at Myrtle Beach, SC, in August 2020. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: This was a special morning. Loved watching the sunrise with my fam...
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"A Float Down River"
The batteau "Maple Run" floats down the mighty James River during a James River Batteau Festival back in the 1990s. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: This photograph pre-dates ...
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Norfolk Southern Arch Bridge
The Norfolk Southern Arch Railway Bridge located on Route 602 in Page County, Virginia --- built in 1932. Photograph taken on June 9, 2021. (Photo by Mike Tripp) THE FACTS Overview Stone arch...
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Ice Plant Mural in B&W
The creation is by muralist Nils Westergard and adorns the side of the old ice plant near Constitution Park in Waynesboro, Virginia. Photographed on June 8, 2021. (Photo by Mike Tr...
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"Little Help with Moving In"
A U-Haul moving van is parked outside the Beverley Apartments in downtown Staunton on June 8, 2021. When Virginia L. Beach told future neighbors via social media that she was moving to the Que...
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Moffett Creek Schoolhouse
The one-room Moffett's Creek Schoolhouse built in the late 1800s sits on property at the edge of Mt. Hermon Cemetery along Va. 681 in Newport in Augusta County, Va. Even though on the National...
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"Waiting at Home"
Texas Lutheran University's catcher Bailey Hudgeons waits at home plate with the ball to tag out Virginia Wesleyan's Katelyn Biando during the third and final game of the NCAA Division 3 softb...
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"The Falcon"
The Millennium Falcon occupies one of the landing pads at the space port at Galaxy's Edge, located at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Oct. 26, 2019. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: T...
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"Memorial Day"
Flags mark each soldier's grave at Staunton National Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia, on May 30, 2021. The graves are marked as such each year for Memorial Day Weekend. (Photo by Mike ...
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"Wings Spread"
On a cloudy day, a hummingbird hovers over a bush in the whispering grove. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: This is a photo of a hummingbird I captured while testing out a super lon...
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"Mongolian Rock"
"The Hu" live in concert at The Broadberry in Richmond, Va, on Nov. 11, 2019. They are a Mongolian folk rock band who perform using traditional Mongolian instrumentation, including the Morin k...
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"Lily Rose"
A flower arrangement of lilies and roses given in celebration of wedding anniversary. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: A wonderful thing about photographs is that even though ...
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"GOAL! ... TUFTS!!!"
Tufts University's Claire Wright slips through and fires off a goal to score during their NCAA Division 3 women's lacrosse championship match against Salisbury University, played in Salem on M...
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"Participation Matters"
A Denison University player jokes with a teammate as each player receives a trophy for making it to the final four in the NCAA D3 Women's Lacrosse Campionships. Denison fell to Salisbury Unive...
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"Basket of Balls"
Just a few of the balls in a basket of used baseballs kept behind the fence, behind home plate at the ODAC baseball championship series between Shenandoah University and University of Lynchbur...
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"Mural in Ashland"
A mural painted on the side of a building in downtown Ashland, Virginia, celebrates the history and community that is Ashland. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: Found this...
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"Game Data"
Lt. Commander Data is one of the fans watching a Randolph-Macon College women's volleyball match on March 21, 2021. During a year of COVID-19, cardboard faces occupied the se...
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"Old Chevy Pickup"
An old Chevy pickup truck on display out front of Troyer's Farm Fruit and Produce near Waynesboro, Va., on May 19, 2021. (Photo by Mike Tripp) ---- Photographer's Note: Foun...
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"Meet the miller for Wade's Mill" - replay
Photographer's Note: This video is one I did for the News Leader in 2016. Sharing it again just because of my love of history, this place and those now owning it. Reminds me that I need to hea...
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"Championship ... So Close"
Stuarts Draft's Ethan Cash wipes away a few tears after the end of a close game.. Stuarts Draft fell to Appomattox County in the VHSL Class 2 state championship, played in Stuarts Draft on S...
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"ONELOVE ... Excitement ... W.I.N."
Dension College's Charlotte Godfrey cheers with teammates as they listen to their coach just after defeating University of Chicago to win their NCAA Division III women's lacrosse quarterfi...
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Officially launching "F8 Explorer" website
This week, I began construction of my new personal website "F8 Explorer" with it officially launching as of today. The name draws from the photojournalist motto of "F/8 and Be There!"&nb...
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"Wildflowers" - photo
Wildflowers growing in the Whispering Grove in Staunton, Virginia. (Photo by Mike Tripp)
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"What? You Looking At Me?"
Squirrel realizes he is being watched as he raids a backyard birdfeeder in Staunton, Va., on Feb. 20, 2021. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: Sometimes I believe I'm one of th...
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Actors Now Lead The Show At American Shakespeare Center
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. Since its artistic director resigned earlier this year under a cloud of allegations, the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton has embrace...
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Welcome to "Lone Henge"
Photos by Mike Tripp Welcome to "Lone Henge" by local artist Mark Cline --- his creation for April Fool's Day 2021. This local artist has been doing these kinds of displays for 30 years ...
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"Good Morning, from Loki"
Something catches Loki's eye during his morning walk. (Photo by Mike Tripp) Photographer's Note: As I get back to my photography roots, I present Loki who was very intently looking at so...
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Random Rancor Coaster Patch
Last night, I was looking around my office and saw an old Nikkor 50mm lens that is so old, it is of the manual focusing type — built to last with that cool metallic when touched. It was one o...
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ODAC Football Championship 2021
Emery & Henry College faced off against Randolph-Macon College in the ODAC football championship played in Ashland, Va., on April 3, 2021. Photos by Mike Tripp/Special to Sideline...
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"Moving the Ball"
University of Richmond’s Hannah Antonick challenges Davidson College’s Shannon Lytle for the ball during a match played in Richmond on April 1, 2021. (Photo by Mike Tripp/Special to Sidelin...
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The Blue Ridge Tunnel
After issuing the exploration challenge to my fellow members of the U.S.S. Calypso to visit the Blue Ridge Tunnel, I made sure to visit the location myself back in December. To quo...
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The Legend of Frank Padget
Photos by Mike Tripp The story of Frank Padget is one I’ve known for the past 30ish years. Also seemed like a good place to begin my 2021 journey in what I’m dubbing …. “The Year of Adventur...
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A Classic Holiday Production... With A Radio Twist
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. Like most local theater companies, ShenanArts in Staunton has had to think outside the box to reach audiences this holiday season. WMRA’s Mik...
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Former Stuart Hall Teachers Open New School In Staunton
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. Stuart Hall School in Staunton is phasing out its elementary grades, but a group of teachers has joined together to open their own school to ...
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Around the Apple Orchard
Photos by Mike Tripp This past weekend, we decided we wanted to get out of the house and do something. As wife had a hankering for apples, we chose to set course for Carter Mountain Appl...
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Staunton's New School Board Chair Shares Life Lessons
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. The new chairman of Staunton City’s school board made history last month. WMRA’s Mike Tripp has this profile of Kenneth Venable. Kenneth...
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Overcoming The Cold Voice Of Quarantine
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. For those with developmental disabilities or mental illness, the pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders have created isolation from servi...
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More News, But Fewer Reporters: Local Papers Lay Off Or Furlough Staff
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. Local newspapers have felt the sting of the economic downturn. Many have been furloughing and even laying off staff, including reporter...
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Staunton Shops Slowly Respond To Relaxed Restrictions
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. As Governor Ralph Northam continues to lift coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses, how are shops in downtown Staunton respondin...
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Waynesboro Street Art
Photos by Mike Tripp It’s been around since last Fall, yet I’ve only ever seen it from a distance. The creation is by muralist Nils Westergard and adorns the side of the old...
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The Road Less Traveled
The Start of Exploration Photo by Mike Tripp Not quite a year and a half ago, I thought about beginning trips out exploring …. then I was laid off. This past Februar...
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Staunton Neighborhood Howls Against The Pandemic
Audio story and Photos by Mike Trippfor WMRA (NPR) radio. LINK TO STORY ON WMRA During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to feel alone. One Staunton neighborhood handles the isolation by...
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Devils Backbone Provides Food Boxes For Those In Need
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. During the pandemic, Devils Backbone Brewing has found a way to help families in need in both Nelson and Rockbridge Counties. WMRA’...
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Rockbridge Activist Group Turns Focus to COVID-19 Aid
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. An activist group called 50 Ways Rockbridge is working to connect people into a network to help one another during the Covid-19 pandemic. WMR...
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'Poor People's Campaign' Grows in the Valley
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. Over the past couple of months, a local chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign has taken root in the Shenandoah Valley, gaining members as th...
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So… When Will Those Fall Colors Peak?
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. You may have noticed that autumn leaf colors seem a bit late this year. WMRA’s Mike Tripp paid a visit to Shenandoah National Park to ...
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Quidditch in the Queen City
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. Unless you’ve been living under a sorcerer’s stone, you’ve probably heard of a game called "Quidditch." And you may be aware that it e...
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Rocktown Rollers' 'Nerd' Returns To 'Organized Chaos'
Audio story by Mike Tripp for WMRA (NPR) radio. It’s been 11 years since the Rocktown Rollers brought the sport of roller derby to Harrisonburg. WMRA’s Mike Tripp recently visited wi...
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Going rogue at Queen City Magic & Mischief
Stepping into Harry Potter's universe as a Klingon Jedi with his daughters. Attending quidditch on Friday at Queen City Magic & Mischief was straightforward and easy as I was on the c...
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