A weathered marble dove on a pillar in the Crenshaw plot.
The weather didn't disappoint, and the light WAS perfect! Because of the on-again, off-again sprinkles, the place was practically deserted and it almost felt like I had it all to myself.
It's difficult to describe Hollywood Cemetery to someone who has never been there. It's a huge place, nestled into the hills overlooking the James River, adjacent to downtown Richmond. Though the city, and Virginia Commonwealth University, are right outside the cemetery gates, the atmosphere inside is a world away.
In the background of this shot, you can see some of the tall buildings in downtown, and the Route 1 bridge over the James River.
The cemetery is full of sculptures, and trees, and ROSES! The roses I will show you today are the beautiful ones that are carved on some of the monuments.
Everywhere I walked, I could point my camera and photograph something beautiful.
This sculpture is my very favorite! It is on a grave adjacent to the grave of President Monroe (there are SOOOO many famous people buried in Hollywood Cemetery!) and it is in deep shade, so it's very challenging to get a decent photograph. Yesterday, all the conditions were perfect, including the flower that someone (not me) had left there, and I finally got the perfect shot!
I'll finish today with a little tease to show you a bit of what's to come. The Tea and China and Noisette roses throughout the cemetery were blooming their little butts off, and I captured some great photos of them. There are so many that I will probably break them into two posts. Trust me, it's worth the wait.
That's Safrano, a tea rose, beyond this statue.
Wandering a cemetery is such a peaceful thing to do on a cloudy afternoon. Having one as beautiful as Hollywood Cemetery within an hour's drive of me is wonderful!
