Photo By NCL Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : Monday (9.19.11) people living and visiting Wintergreen were in the clouds. None of the distant mountains could be seen.

Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
NCL Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura, perfectly captured the weather here in Nelson this past Monday. If you live or visit Wintergreen, you have been seeing lots of clouds. Up in the mountains above 2000 feet it’s been one cloudy mess.

Look or that trend to continue this week with sunshine returning by the coming first full weekend of fall!

©2011 Paul T. Purpura & The Afton Group, LLC -(May not be reproduced without written permission) Paul enhanced the photo from the other night to bring out the quality. Look at it now!

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia
We told you about NCL’s Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura and his great get the other night when he was shooting fireworks at Wintergreen Resort. Now that Paul has had some time to actually process the image. This is an enhanced version. Check it out now!

Way to go Paul!

Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2011 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Snow melts on the Dobie Slope at Wintergreen Resort during the recent warm weather.

Nelson County, Virginia
No question we have had some back and forth weather over the past several days, but sure signs of spring are in the air. The 87° high on Monday in the valley with a 74° high in the mountains at Wintergreen Resort, is a proof of warmer days ahead. NCL Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura, grabbed a few shots over the weekend of the clues to real spring weather.

Cyclists with the Fat Frogs bike team take a practice run up Route 664 toward Wintergreen in preparations for next month's Wintergreen Ascent Race.

A look down toward The Edge from A-Side at Wintergreen Resort shows snow from this past season's bang up year melting fast as warmer days move in.

A member of the Fat Frogs Cycle team pushes up the mountain toward Wintergreen in a practice ride.

Though we’ll see slightly cooler temps mid week, we’ll be back in the 70′s and 80′s by week’s end!

Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : A youngster sits by three candles lit in remembrance of Connor Craig at this year's Lovingston Christmas Parade.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
The 2010 Lovingston Christmas Parade was special in so many different ways. First it snowed! That made it a perfect backdrop for the Christmas season. But more importantly, this year’s parade held a special remembrance for 7 year old Connor Craig of Shipman who tragically died over Thanksgiving weekend, from a hunting accident. Countless people held candles in memory of Connor.

Our NCL Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura, traveled down from the mountain and braved the cold to grab shots at this year’s parade!

This pair of youngsters represented two of the hundreds and hundreds that held candles in memory of Connor Craig.

The Nelson County High Marching Governors braved the cold snowy Saturday in the 2010 parade.

Brooke Berry, Miss Nelson County, was all smiles during the 30 degree temps and snow.

Rebecca Duncan - Miss Virginia Fabulous Belle

Rachel Thompson - Tiny Miss Nelson County

Santa waves at the crowd during the 2010 Lovingston Christmas Parade.

Folks lined the street during a snowy Saturday afternoon at the 2010 Lovingston Christmas Parade.

In spite of the cold and snow, the 2010 parade went off perfectly.

Members of the VFW at the 2010 Lovingston Christmas Parade

McGruff The Crime Dog even showed up for this year's parade!

Lovingston Fire Department at the 2010 Christmas Parade.

It was a day to bundle up for the folks on the Tye River Elementary float.

View some of the past Christmas Parades by clicking here.

See you at the 2011 Christmas parade next year!

Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Fall's on the way out here in Nelson and in the eastern portion of Virginia too! Our Paul Purpura grabbed this shot of a lone beach goer over Thanksgiving Weekend at Virginia Beach, VA.

Virginia Beach, VA
We think all about fall and winter here in the mountains of Virginia, but sometimes forget 2-3 hours off to the east the summer season is long gone too! NCL’s Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura grabbed these shots over Thanksgiving Weekend 2010 while there visiting family. A whole different look when the temperatures drop!

Two children play along the shoreline at Virginia Beach over Thanksgiving Weekend.

A deserted shot of the beach. This was one of Paul's favorites saying : You seldom see this.

Sandpipers on Virginia Beach just weeks before winter arrives.

Sea gulls in flight at Virginia Beach in the final days of fall 2010

Photo By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Cold temps continue providing perfect condition for Wintergreen Resort to make snow. These shots were taken by Paul early Sunday morning.

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia
Temps near 20 degrees over the past couple of nights continue making ideal conditions for the crews at Wintergreen Resort to keep pumping out the snow. Our NCL Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura, grabbed these shots early Sunday morning.

The resort has added many new snow guns to their arsenal for the upcoming season, allowing for faster snow making.

Wintergreen says, Eagles Swoop, Upper and Lower Dobie, Lower Wild Turkey, and The Plunge Tubing Park, all have snow making underway as of Sunday morning.

According to Wintergreen's site: Opening Day is only 2 weeks away; we plan to ski, ride and tube on December 10th. Cross your fingers and toes for cold weather. If Mother Nature cooperates, we will try and get you on the snow before the 10th - Excellent!

To get the latest slope report from Wintergreen Resort, click here.

We’ll also have a handy link you can always go to under The News And Weather Alerts tab at the top left of our web page. That will be in place shortly.

All Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : In their final game of the season, Running Back Quncy Murphy of The Govs, is tackled by Defensive End Dustin Arnold (75) assisted by Line Backer Delvin Woodruf (6).

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
Hard as they may have tried, the Nelson County High Governors couldn’t pull out a win for their final game of the season. Alta Vista shut out The Govs by a score of 41-0. Nelson had only one winning game this entire season, their homecoming, against Chatham at the end of October. The Govs end the season 1-9.

Our NCL Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura has tirelessly made the trip to most every game this season. He was there for this final one. Paul tells us,” They played their hearts out as usual,” but in the end it wasn’t enough.

Altavista wide receiver Blake Smither (10) of Alta Vista looks Defensive Back Rodell Smith (9) square in the eye just before he is tackled.

Line Backer Trevor Saunders (23) and another Nelson player (76) tackles Altavista Quarterback Ricky Adams (3)

Alta Vista Quarterback Ricky Adams (3) trying to outrun Line Backer Zack Clarkson (52) of Nelson

Nelson Running Back Quincy Murphy (35) turning the corner and being pursued by defensive backs Mike Robinson (11) and Daquan Duncan (20), and Line Backer Lee Miller (21) of Altavista

Altavista Quarterback Ricky Adams (3) is tackled by Line Backer Trevor Martin (4) and Defensive End David Withers (53) of Nelson.

Wide Receiver Mike Robinson (11) tries to fend off Line Backer Clay Clarson (24) of Nelson.

Nelson Quarterback James Saunders (5) on a keeper that unfortunately did not make enough yardage for a first down.

This shot sums up the night. Quarterback James Saunders (5) alone with his thoughts after just having thrown an interception.

Tight End Trevor Martin (4) tries to get around Defensive Back Adam Emerson (15)

Another heart breaking play. Nelson Wide Reciver Andre Thompson just misses this pass. He is pursued by Defensive back Robert Yuille of Alta Vista.

All seniors in the band, cheerleading squad, and football team received recognition before the game. Their names were announced along with who was escorting them, their school activities, along with what they wanted to do after graduation.

The entire season stats via MaxPreps by clicking here.

All Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Erika Toliver with Nelson county (Outside Hitter) slams the ball this past Saturday afternoon against Campbell County. October 30, 2010

Campbell County, Virginia
The long list of wins for Nelson County High Girl’s Volleyball took a hit this past Saturday (10.30.10) afternoon when they lost against the Campbell Generals. Our Paul Purpura made the trip there to cover the action. In order to win, you have to win at least three of the games. Nelson fell short this time around. (Campbell-Nelson): 25-20, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17 According to MaxPreps the season stands at 9-1. (We don’t know if this stat includes Saturday’s loss as of this post)

Madison Carter of Nelson getting the ball over the net.

Brittany Crawford (Liberos) returns a volley. Note: In volleyball the libero is a designated back-row player, intended to be used as a ball-control specialist.

Madison Carter prepares to set up an attack.

Ashely Wells on the attack

Ashley Wells (Outside Hitter) again on the attack.

Madison Carter (Middle Blocker) preparing to attack.

Erika Toliver (Outside Hitter) prepares to attack.

Nichole Taylor (Defensive Specialist) fires the opening serve of the match.

Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2009-2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Paul Purpura spent the last year compiling the chage of seasons at Lake Monacan in Nellysford''s Stoney Creek at Wintergreen.

Lake Monacan
Earlier in the week we showed you a recent fall shot NCL’s Paul Purpura grabbed over at Lake Monacan. Now we can show you his collection of all 4 seasons at the lake. What a wonderful group of pictures. Very nice Paul!

Fall at Lake Monacan.

Summer at Lake Monacan.

Spring at Lake Monacan.

Photo By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Paul captured the beautiful maple trees outside of Rice and Rice last week in Nellysford.

Nellysford
NCL’s Paul Purpura knows how to capture the beauty of fall and he didn’t disappoint in this shot at Rice & Rice in Nellysford, Virginia last week. Leave are at full peak here in Nelson County and are on the way to falling rapidly. Enjoy while you can!

All Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : One of the bright spots at the Govs game against Dan River was this $1500.00 check presented to the NCHS Athletic Department by Danita Harris of Wachovia Bank in Nellysford. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
It’s been a very tough year for Nelson County High Govs football. This past Friday night the Govs lost another game to Dan River High by a score of 20-41. This puts the NCHS Govs season record at 0-6. In spite of Friday’s night’s loss, the alhletic department at NCHS got some very good news. Danita Harris with Wachovia/Wells Fargo Bank in Nellysford presented a check for $1500.00 to the school.

Thanks again to our NCL Mountain Photographer, Paul Purpura for making the trip over to grab these shots!

Trevor Martin, senior, (4) scores for Nelson.

Rodrell Smith, junior, (9) scores for Nelson.

Andre Thompson, senior, (85) recovers a fumble for Nelson.

The colorguard cheers on The Govs this past Friday night October 15, 2010 in Lovingston.

Tyler Vest, a NCHS sophomore, (18) eludes a tackle from Shaq Pannell , a junior at Dan River (4)

Jerome Glover, NCHS, (3) trying to deflect a pass to Justin Gunter, Dan River, (15).

Tyler Vest, NCHS, (18) on a running play.

In a defensive move, Zack Clarkson, a senior with NCHS, (52) takes down Trey Edmunds, a junior with Dan River, (3).

Next week and October 22nd The Govs play at Appomattox County.

Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Fall quietly settles in over Lake Monacan in Stoney Creek as summer like temperatures take a back seat to cooler days and nights. Click on photos to enlarge.

Lake Monacan/Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
First, take a look at these fabulous photos by Paul Purpura. Wow! There’s two things Paul shoots really well, sports and still life photos like the ones in this post! Nice job Paul!

After a very warm start to the week (90° as recently as Tuesday) we settle back into more fall like weather for the coming weekend. There’s a slight chance for some scattered showers late in the day Friday, but the weekend itself is shaping up to be very nice with sunny skies and mild weather. Cool at night.

More details over in Tommy’s Audio Weather here. Listen!

Summer memories fade into the shoreline along Lake Monacan in Stoney Creek as fall takes over.

We used the photo below in our Thursday weather, but felt it needed a post here on the front page! This is a dandy from Crabtree Falls out near Montebello and Massies Mill. Nice!

In the southern part of Nelson County, fall settles in over Crabtree Falls.

Have a great weekend!

Festival Photos By Hayley Osborne : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : People pack the grounds at Devils Backbone Columbus Day weekend 2010 for The Festy. This is a view from the top of DBBC looking down on the event. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Roseland / Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
The weekend long Festy got underway with some preliminary events kicking off Friday night and continuing until late Sunday night – October 10th. NCL Photographer, Hayley Osborne, made this year’s festival and captured some of the the sights from the two day camping / music event.

Rob Mezzanotte, with Trees On Fire takes to the stage this past Saturday night, October 9, 2010 at The Festy.

The Festy is all about music certainly, but defintely some of the best microbrews from around the area!

You seldom see her in front of the camera, but NCL Photographer, Hayley Osborne, wanted this moment captured! Her brother Scott snapped this picture right after Hayley scaled to the top of DBBC's roof to get the shots down below. Little did we know Hayley had to overcome a little fear of climbing up on buildings! Yikes!

Hayley's brother Scott, checks out the view from the roof while Hayley snaps away at pictures down below.

Another view from up above at The Festy. The Blue Ridge Mountains are easily seen off in the distance on the clear Saturday afternoon.

Rob Mezzanotte (right) talks with one of the sound engineers at The Festy.

Trees on Fire was just one of the countless bands performing at The Festy 2010.

In addition to music, this youngster took a stab at the rock climbing wall.

Part of The Festy Experience is being able to camp on site for two nights. Over 1000 campers pitched a tent or RV for the weekend.

Bike Race Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Another part of The Festy icluded two bike races, The Blue Ridge Burn and The Devils Backbone Challenge seen in this photo.

Crossing the finish line at The Devils Backbone Challenge Sunday afternoon, October 10, 2010.

To see updates and winner information visit The Devils Backbone Challenge Facebook page by clicking here.

These peope try a little juggling at The Festy!

Many more bands will be on stage through Sunday night at The Festy. Click on the link below to see the lineup.

Here’s a lineup of the bands that have played and the remaining one Sunday night.

All photos by Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Jerome Glover (#3) a junior at NCHS goes mid air this past Friday night during the Govs first home game here in Nelson. Click any photo to enlarge.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
Not a good night for the Nelson County High Governors. Madison County won the evening easily by a score of 56-27.

The NCHS Governors take to the field this past Friday night, September 17, 2010 at their first home game.

So far the firts two games of the season haven’t been kind to The Govs. In their first game of the season last week against the Riverheads, they lost by a score of 55-35.

NCHS tried as best they could to keep Madison County from advancing.

Next week The Govs will take on Lunenburg Central here at home.

Scroll for more photos that Paul grabbed at this past Friday night’s game.

Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : A youngster takes a plunge into Lake Monacan in the final days of summer. Click to enlarge any photo and scroll for sequence shots.

Nelson County, Virginia
We’ll have one more hot day today, then things cool back down again for the next several. Some people will make the 90° mark then we are talking upper 70′s and lower 80′s for afternoon highs during the remainder of the extended outlook. There’s even a slight chance of a stray thunderstorm today as a cold front moves through, but most people will see nothing. A slightly better chance arrives on Sunday.

More over in Tommy’s Audio weather.

Yesterday we didn’t get the chance to include all of Paul’s shots from the Labor Day weekend, but he did a very neat sequence shot over at Lake Monacan. Here they are below!

Enjoy!