It was a beautifully sunny day with puffy clouds, blue skies, and nippy temperatures with brisk winds. A great day to spend hiking around the pristine and serene Prettyboy Reservoir. The second largest and most remote watersheds in the area, Prettyboy allows for stunning scenery in a natural setting. One of the three reservoirs that provide drinking water for Baltimore, the dam at Prettyboy was built in the early 1930’s.
Staying on the southern side of the watershed, lots of twists and turns, out and back treks ended up being a hike of ten miles. Winding through the woods and walking along the water, the scenery was stunning.
There are several stories concerning the origin of the name “Prettyboy” but one considered authentic is that quite some time ago a farmer had a beautiful white colt named “Pretty Boy”, which was the pride of the neighborhood. The colt was out in the pasture bordering a stream that was a tributary of the Gunpowder River. Suddenly a thunderstorm arose and the colt was forced to seek shelter near the bank of the stream. Sadly, the colt fell into the stream and perished. From that time on, in memory of the colt, the tributary was named “Prettyboy”. (Source: http://www.prettyboywatershed.org/some-facts-about-prettyboy).
Walking by the water, beaver activity was evident. Of course, I could not see hide nor hair of the beaver that chewed on this log.
Snaking along the water in and out of little coves I started dreaming of owning a cabin that was built along the reservoir.
It seems at one point there was a residence in the woods near the water. Random artifacts laid in the woods.
So happy to be able to share this beautiful day at Prettyboy Reservoir with you. Aren’t you glad I’m the one that did the hike so you could enjoy it from the comforts of your home?
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Baltimore, Foot Prints, Maryland Area Hikes, Nature, travel
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
I sure am! Although I could certainly use a long hike after being cooped up during all the snowstorms lately! Beautiful images!
Thank you so much Soonie. Have to admit I’m a bit worn out from the day.
Me too. I am home after surgery, so no hiking for me for a while. I liked the story and it is one I would like to believe too.
That’s good and bad..good you’re home, bad you had to have surgery. I hope you recover well and quickly.
I am glad you are out capturing these terrific scenics while I stay warm and comfy inside. 🙂
Job well done Emily!
It was hard work today, but at least I managed to keep with the 67 to 78 year olds. LOL !
Must have been a lovely hike, but I am still waiting for that pretty boy, Emily! 😉
Can you imagine having a beautiful white colt. What a beauty he must have been. Thanks Bente.
Emily, I feel as if I am there! Your photography is brilliant 🙂
I’m so happy you enjoyed walking along the water with me Judy. Hope all is going well on your end.
I live my life vicariously through your post. I love that dreamy picture of black and white.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m seeing more landscape photographers do that B/W effect. Not bad, although I do enjoy seeing natural color.
These are so beautiful. I love the way you caught the expansive sky above the lake. The black and white treatment of the stream is perfect. I love the soft light and pattern made by the leafless trees. Very nice.
Your words are so generous, and I appreciate your kindness with this comment. I took this with my Canon G12 point & shoot. It does pretty good. Especially when you have such a beautiful day as it was that day. Thank you.
I want to be there! Beautiful! 🙂 🙂
You would love this Maggie! I brought home a stick for you that a beaver had chewed on. 🙂
BOL (bark out loud) 🙂 🙂 Thanks for thought! 🙂 🙂
Very nice! To answer your question, No I would have preferred to have wandered around there myself, no offense taken I hope. 😉
I know..it was a perfect place to wander around in solitude. Because of the group, we flushed out early a wood cock and I didn’t get a chance to see it. 😦 Would have if I was on my own.
I was there with you – felt the wind, heard the water lapping and the twigs cracking under my shoe. The power of photography….
You are truly life’s poet. You words are always so magical. Thank you so much Rebecca.
This looks like a beautiful place for a hike, and it looks like the perfect day, with all of that sunshine.
Love the “Beaver Tree.” I actually found one like it on a walk the other day. No sing of the beaver though.
Have a great day!
I know, what’s with these beavers eating trees then hiding? I brought back a small stick that a beaver had chewed on as a present for hubby. Funny, he thought the present would be something better. 🙂
Wish I could have hiked with you! What a gorgeous collection. I was at my desk all day doing a website. Photo expeditions have to wait til next week for me. Thanks for the vicarious adventure!
Wow, you do websites? That is amazing. You are truly a talented lady. what type of website?
I work mostly in WordPress.org, customizing websites for small businesses. Once they’re set up, I often help with ongoing content or sometimes the owner will take over from there. I’m working on two this week! Lots of time in front of the computer and little time with the camera 😦
I’m so impressed ! Sometimes I dabble with the idea of creating a real blog website that is specifically for travel that is filled with ads, etc. Have you done that or rather doing that on your own/
I have done websites with ad capabilities but so far my clients haven’t gone that direction yet. Most wanted to be able to add sponsor logos. Once you know WP.com working with .org is a logical next step. More flexibility but also more time and commitment. 🙂
I looked at wp.org and was in way over my head. You are amazing though. If I ever decide to try to do it full blown, you’ll be the one I call!
Ha ha! Once you dive in it’s not as scary. Although today I did break something that took awhile to fix :). Happy to help anytime!
Love the black and white version! So stylish!
Thank you so much Fatima ! it really was a beautiful little cove.
Very glad! I’m feeling lazy today.. 😉 Thanks for taking us with you and sharing these great pictures!!
The best part is that today, I’m exhausted, but it was well worth it. It is my pleasure to share this adventure with you. Thanks Calee.
Very well written and some wonderful photos… 🙂
Thank you so much Drake ! It was a great hike but I am worn out today.
What a beautiful place! Your b&w of the river is spectacular!
Thank you so much Sheryl ! I appreciate letting me know which photo you like best. I may do more landscapes then this way. 🙂
Good to see your hiking photographs. And thanks all the way from India.
Glad you enjoyed this hike Roto, and welcome to my blog. Hope to see you back soon.