Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Van Raalte Farm

Last Friday I got up well before the sun, because I wanted to experience that magical "golden hour" that photographers love. This is not my first early "golden hour" but it has been a few years. I plan to do more of these this year, because that light is so worth it.

I drove to a Historic Farm that is about 15 minutes from my house.


Van Raatle Farm
The farm is located on 160 acres of land. The founding father of our city, Reverend Albertus Van Raatle, purchased the land from the federal government over 140 years ago for $2.32/acre. This house was built in 1872.

The site has been referred to as "The Maples" due to the large majestic trees planted by Van Raatle that form a dense canopy in the front of the house.


My objective for coming here was to get some pictures of the sap buckets and the Sugar Shack. Our local Nature Center moved their Sugar Shack to this property in 2005, so that they could begin tapping the maples and showing students how maple syrup was made.




Shortly after the Civil War the barns were built. There are two barns and the foundation for what was once a third storage building.



At one time, the land was heavily farmed and had an orchard, peony fields, and diary cows.


I loved exploring here.

*Linking up with Lissa for Walk and Click Wednesday


12 comments:

Simon said...

Golden light is the best. Most anything in golden light looks good. I tried shooting a sap bucket the other day with limited success. I like that shot looking into a "field" of them. Seems this is a site you can visit multiple times and be inspired.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

You always find such lovely places to share ... I love the light on photo number 4 .....

overthefencephotos said...

Wonderful photos! You also have such a gift for storytelling. Thank you for sharing!

The Artful Diva said...

great photos! Looks like a beautiful place. We enjoyed some maple syrup on our pancakes Sunday - so good!

Anonymous said...

Great post and great photos.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots! Well worth getting out that early ~ Light is divine ~ ^_^

Cathy H. said...

This is place I would like to roam around! The light on the first shot is gorgeous. The last one is stunning; wonderful focus and just beautiful back light! I saw a small segment on maple sugar and sugar shacks this week; fascinating and I was amazed at how much sap it took to make a bottle of syrup.

Lissa Forbes said...

Sarah, you did a wonderful job capturing that morning light. It just gives the buildings and tree a warm glow. What a neat adventure to see the maple sap buckets and sugar shack. Thanks for sharing in Walk and Click Wednesday!

Stephanie said...

That barn is a wonderful subject for photographers. I enjoy going out in the golden hour when it's warmer. It's been a long cold winter and I'm looking forward to venturing out again.

She Who Doodles said...

great shots, what a great place to wander.

Zena said...

Such a beautiful place, I´ve been planning to wake up early and experience that golden hour for a long time now, I´ve been too busy and tired to do it but your gorgeous photos have inspired me... maybe next weekend. Thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

I love going with you on your excursions. Oh yeah!...getting up at O'dark thirty was SO worth it! Your photos just glow! I love places with History in them too.

xoxo