I just spent a few days roaming around Northern New Hampshire, where peak foliage has arrived right on time. The weather was gorgeous for just about the whole weekend, which made the hikes and drives extremely enjoyable, even though the light didn’t always go as planned.

Last night provided the best light and my best series of images. I hiked up Mount Prospect in Weeks State Park for sunset, and was treated to great light on the surrounding mountains.

I took off up the auto road at about 5PM for a 6:30 sunset. The road is gated late afternoon, but it’s an easy walk on easy grades. Given the perfect weather, I was surprised to have the place to myself…that was until a moose crashed out of the woods about 25 yards from me. It was a young bull, and it was staring me down. Now, it may look and sound crazy, but in these situations, I find it best to talk to the moose. So I did…and the tension decreased. And he started up the road. So I followed. For about a half a mile we had a chat as we walked, until a family coming down spooked it off into the woods.

Taking a walk with my new friend...

By this point the light was changing, so I switched focus to the sunset. The view from the east outlook is tremendous…from the Kilkenny, centered on the Presis, over to the Pemi. And all of it began to glow as the low light accentuated the autumn colors.

The East Overlook - Weeks State Park

Right before the light dipped behind some clouds right on the horizon the light was most intense. The Kilkenny Ridge, a by day a mottled sea of hardwoods in various autumn colors was ablaze in bright red. Mount Washington, a bit further distant had a bit more blue haze, and the lowlands were dotted with wetlands, softwoods, villages and color. A beautiful scene!

Intense Autumn Light and Color - Weeks State Park

Plenty more pictures to share…time will limit updates through October…

Sneaking out of an AMC hut is a bit science, a bit art, and still not the least silent. The hut is creaky, and through hikers sleep in the main dining area right next to the door. Outside thought, the world was silent, the wind had died overnight as Orion rose over the silhouette of the mountain I had to finish climbing. One false summit had me doubting myself in the race with the sun, but I arrived as an orange predawn glow was back-lighting Mount Washington to the east.

Predawn Glow Behind Mount Washington

As the sun rose, the ridge line to the south acted as a division of color between the warmth of the sunlight and the cool blues in the shadow. To the north fog filled the valleys…though none filled the Pemigewasset Wilderness spread out before me as I had hoped. Reason to return, but not to tarnish the moments of spectacular beauty as I watched the shadows retreat in the valleys.

Alpenglow on the Franconia Ridge, Looking South

Back at the hut for breakfast, I was greeted by eager hikers and hearty smells, and went back to work in the kitchen while the guests ate. I could continue on and on about how much I always enjoy my experience in the huts with the croo, but a last morning shot, through the coffee steam, should replace the words.  A fantastic morning!

Godrays in Greenleaf

Knowing that, I have to be mindful of my mindset while out shooting autumn. Autumn days are beautiful. Crisp, breezy, perfect blue sky and golden foliage. I’m out there to enjoy the day AND work for the shot, but not every day out delivers the photographic scene I seek. I cannot let the latter dictate my day…

For about a year, I’ve envisioned a dramatic display from Zeacliff as the ultimate White Mountains shot. I dreamed of a valley filled with mist or fog, or a dramatic sunrise over Mount Willey spotlighting Carrigain across the way. I scouted the location this summer, and tried to time the peak foliage perfectly.

Saturday seemed perfect…and the forecast held potential. Crisp and clear during the day; clouds moving in at night. Sunday morning would be an all or nothing sunrise, with the sunrise racing the incoming storm.

And Saturday was the perfect day to hike up. But the perfect light during either golden hour never occurred, blocked by clouds and rain at sunset and daybreak. I ultimately hiked 8+ miles with full overnight gear, only to spend the night ¼ mile from the car…

How do I feel now that I’m back home…great! I had the privilege of spending time in one of my favorite places, and spend the time with a good friend. Met some nice folks and fellow VFTT’rs along the trail as well! And, though lacking the drama that I usually strive for in my photography, I came away with some nice, colorful shots before the clouds moved in! Now in browsing through these photos, I can’t help but think that perhaps these shots capture the feeling, mood and spirit of a gorgeous autumn day even more than most of my dramatic or moody shots…

View Over Wildlife Pond…

View From Zeacliff…