Great Falls Tavern -- Maryland

The Great Falls Tavern and Lockhouse (aka  Crommelin House) was built between 1828 and 1831 as a house for the lockkeeper along the C&O Canal in Montgomery County Maryland (just outside Washington, DC).  The keeper managed Lock 20 as cargo and excursion vessels move between Georgetown in DC and Cumberland, MD.  Beginning in 1831, it served as a hotel for passengers along the canal.  It is accessible within the Great Falls National Park in Potomac, Maryland.

Several years ago, my "regular" job had me working about 10 minutes away from this location in Bethesda, MD.  I would often take my lunch breaks here to snap a few photos.  One October afternoon after a grueling morning at the office, I neglected my sandwich and drove over to the park.  We had a few days of cool rainy weather, and this day it was very mild and sunny.  I was heartened by the autumn foliage and blue skies.  

Normally, I would walk down the towpath and take one of the trails out to the river for some falls / rapids pics.  This day, though, I saw the reflection of the building along with the contrast of the white building against the colorful background.  I decided to set up my tripod across the canal from the tavern.  I had my camera set up for at least 15 minutes before taking this image.  There were several other visitors walking around, and I wanted to make sure they were out of the scene before taking the shot.  Eventually, it was clear and I fired off a few shots.  And, looking at my watch, I realized I needed to return to grind at work.  It took a few days before I could see what I had taken, but when I did, I was very pleased with this image.