A really creative composition and a good choice for B&W, Richard. I like your mix of textures & the clarity here. The play of light, shadow, and silhouette really adds to the photo's impact too. Good idea and nice execution. (*) I wouldn't change anything here. If it was possible to get a tad more perception of texture on the wood that might be nice; but, with the other wonderful results achieved with the strong backlighting, I don't know if I'd even want to try the "impossible". Very nice photo, Richard. MFC
PS Wish I was there...just came in from shoveling a ton of snow :-)