Personal

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Hay Rock Trail Hike - Appalachian Trail Roanoke, Virginia

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Quick Saturday morning hike just outside of Roanoke, Virginia to explore part of the Appalachian Trail. This section is referred to as the Hay Rock Trail. Hiking the Hay Rock Trail is 7.8 miles roundtrip from the parking lot and climbs 1500+ feet. The trail offers views overlooking Carvins Cove Natural Preserve and beyond to Roanoke City (Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, and downtown Roanoke).

Again we brought wonder dog Arya, a 1.5 year old standard sized Wire-haired Dachshund. This was Ary’s second hike of the week and she crushed it. At the end of the week Arya had conquered 18 miles of hiking and climbed over 2900ft.

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Sharp Top Trail - Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking

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The views atop Sharp Top are jaw dropping. If you’re a bit more daring, there are multiple boulders to climb, which allow for even more impressive and even more unobstructed views of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Been Working R-overtime Lately

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Virginia Land Rover Defender 110 For Sale

Explor’n

The official vehicle of Jonathan Heisler Photography makes its debut in Virginia.

Lately, I've just been trying to find stuff to photograph and work to, well, work on. The Corona Virus epidemic has decimated the event photography industry, just like other industries. While in Roanoke, Virginia I’ve been updating my website, puppy raising our future service dog Ruby, and planning for the return of business post-Corona Virus. I’ve also been working on my 1992 Land Rover Defender 110 pictured here. This is the truck’s first time venturing around these parts. It's been a blast!

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How to volunteer as a photographer

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Volunteer Service Dog Raiser _ America's VetDogs

"Do something good. Find a way to be productive." is what I tell people when they say things are "just very slow right now".

With my downtime, between jobs and under quarantine, I am helping raise future service dog Ruby for America's VetDogs - Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Ruby has taught me a whole variety of new skills, and not just how to raise a dog. Skills such as how to be more patient and never being afraid to ask for help. Raising a future service dog can require a lot of patience, it certainly requires some time, and it definitely requires a great community of other raisers who are always willing to help.

As an individual I am volunteering my time to care for and train Ruby, and as a professional photographer, I am volunteering my photography to create countless photographs. My work will be used in the organization’s marketing and advertising pieces. However, most importantly Ruby will go on to help a veteran.