The Tygart Valley River
By Arnout Hyde Jr.

      The Tygart Valley River has its origins high in the mountains of Pocohontas County, the "Birthplace of Rivers." For much of its journey northward, it is a meandering stream that passes such communities as Valley Head, Mill Creek, Valley Bend, Beverly, Elkins, Belington, and Philippi. However, the character of the river changes dramatically downstream from the village of Arden in northern Barbour County. As its valley narrows, the tree-lined stream begins a quick descent, and frothing rapids full of boulders alternate with the still waters of occasional pools. These photographs were taken along that portion of the river. Downstream lie Tygart Lake and Valley Falls. The Tygart flows on to meet the West Fork River near Fairmont, where together they form the Monongahela River.

      I prefer to photograph streams and the trees along their banks on lightly overcast days when the light is soft and even, and there are no harsh shadows. The photos shown here were taken during the morning of just such a day. I used Fuji Velvia film and my equipment included a Canon EOS10s body, 24-50mm and 75-300mm lenses, a warm polarizing filter, and a Bogen tripod.

For more information on Van Slider's photography, write to him at: 115 Helen Street
Paden City, West Virginia 26159
Website: http://www.ovis.net/~vslider
Email: vslider@ovis.net