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

I am fortunate to live within an easy drive of some of New England’s most beautiful places, and continue to make a commitment to capturing them in dramatic light and atmosphere. I had many mornings and evenings of beautiful light, and saw some amazing natural features and events. What I cannot capture on film, the sounds and smells, and the people whom I shared them with, are still motivating factors to me, and in many cases the reason I am out there shooting.

Also this year however, I had many times where the elements failed to come together, and when it became difficult to bring home shots to share. I’ve gained perspective on the fact that magic happens, and sometimes, I’ll be there to capture it. I have many plans to revisit many great locations and share more in 2010. I hope you continue to join me on the journey!

In chronological order…My top 9 of ‘09…

#1 Below Zero in Portsmouth Harbor…
I had been scouting this location in southern Maine a few times, waiting for the right conditions. On a morning that dawned -9F at my house, I figured I’d either get sea smoke, or some fun tide ice. This was beyond my expectation…

Sunrise at Ethan Pond…
A nice sky, a still pond and a mountain spotlight greeted me after dawn on the spring outing club trip I ran for the high school.  Hard to shoot on these trips…but there’s some time to sneak away…

Grass Pink Orchid in June…
I’ve been after these for a few years.  Just an amazing flower that grows in tough to shoot places.  I found this one at one of my favorite new places to visit this year…Ponemah Bog in Milford, NH

Morning Mist in Sugar Hill…
Self explanatory…

September Frost at Ponemah Bog…
A third trip to the bog this year…a chilly morning pumped lots of moisture into the air, and great light effects abounded!

Tye-Dyed Hippie Plant…
I know I’m not alone on this forum with my affinity for hobblebush…this was one of the best leaf pairings I’ve found.  Humerously, I found it because I was being ‘that guy’, taking a phone call in the woods near a waterfall, and moving away from the falls to hear I found this one!

Stillness and Storm, Little Cherry Pond, Jefferson…
On a hike with Ryan for a sunset at Big Cherry Pond, we realized the light wasn’t going to happen on the mountains, so we went over to little cherry pond.  This place is a gem in itself, but a thunderstorm to the NW, and not a breath of air really made this scene, and whole experience, pretty amazing…

Waiting For Snow…
I was helping a friend move in North Conway for the weekend, and stole away at dawn to a spot I’ve been meaning to hit for a while.  Conditions really came together well!

First Snowfall of the Winter Season…
Close to home…I often overlook the opportunities right in my neighborhood.  This is right down the street…after the first snowfall…

Hoping for better light while at elevation this coming year…but I shouldn’t complain, as any day out is a good day!!!

All of these will soon be prominently integrated into http://www.jimsalge.com