Looking Out from Mt. Holyoke
I was up in Northamptom, MA today doing some geocaching, hiking and photography. It was a nice overcast day which meant that the colors were evenly lighted and the trails were cool.
Most of the morning was spent on Mt. Holyoke which is in Skinner State Park near Hadley, MA. The mountain itself is a little over 900 feet high but rises very quickly, so the trails to the summit are quite steep.
What a great day to be walking through the deciduous forests of New England. Color was everywhere. Squirrels were busily getting ready for the winter. Hawks circled looking for prey. The sound of leaves falling was everywhere.
Fall continues to be my favorite season. I typically start up in New Hampshire to see the color and then get to enjoy it for several weeks as it slowly moves down south as the cool air becomes the norm.
Please view my other photos for the day (4 photos).
Hope your day was nice!
Michael
- Written by admin on October 13, 2008.
A Piece of Sabaday Falls
I wandered this morning along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest.
It was an absolutely beautiful day; partly cloudy with patches of sun that lit the surrounding mountains. I was in the mood for waterfalls and went to my favorite place called Sabaday Falls.
This is a stunning waterfall that cascades down a basalt fissure sandwiched between two huge granite slabs. The falls are estimated to be about 10,000 years old and formed during the last Ice Age melt.
Sabaday Falls is never disappointing. I have photographed here for quite some time. I suspect that I will continue to come here.
Years ago a very close friend told me that angels can frequently be found around waterfalls. I tend to believe this as the healing power of this place is quite amazing. By healing power, I mean the sense of well-being and tranquility that fills your body, emotions, mind and spirit. I suspect that there is one really powerful angel residing here.
Have a great day!
Michael
P.S. Here are some links to my best of New Hampshire 2008 photos:
New Hampshire October 5th, 2008 (3 photos)
New Hampshire October 6th, 2008 (7 photos)
- Written by admin on October 6, 2008.
Albany Covered Bridge
I decided to go up to New Hampshire and see some fall color. It’s become an annual trip. I really love the entire White Mountain region and the Kancamagus Highway.
The region is rich in flora, fauna, dramatic scenery and idyllic settings. Hiking trails are abundant as are the waterfalls.
I relish the color, geology and history of the White Mountain National Forest. It seems that every year I discover something new or something I hadn’t experienced before.
But, really I come back every year because of the deep feeling of contentment I get from wandering among the trails, roads and streams. This is probably my favorite area on the east coast. Yosemite would be my favorite on the west coast. Vastly different but both are enormously powerful in the effect they have on my very soul.
Birch Trees
My favorite place to stay is at the Red Sleigh Inn Bed & Breakfast in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Loretta and Bill own and operate this quaint New England B&B.
I come back every time because their customer service is outstanding. The breakfasts they serve in the mornings will last for hours if you can finish it. 
The Red Sleigh Inn is popular throughout the year and is very close to several ski resorts. I highly recommend it.
My two favorite trees up here are the red maple and the birch tree. This is the second year I have taken the birch trees on the right. They can be found at a popular vista viewing area along the Kancamagus Hwy. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell if this is a painting or a photograph. The bark does interesting things in the light.
They are just one of thousands of nature’s treasure nuggets that can be found all over this area. Every season has something to offer. You shouldn’t miss any of them.
I’ll continue tomorrow in my wandering exploration off the Kancamagus. Who knows what I might find around the next bend.
Have a great day!
Michael
- Written by admin on October 5, 2008.
Erica and I spend a wonderful day in the White Mountain National Forest. The morning started off with a lot of clouds, fog and drizzling rain. Most people were not in the mood to go out in all of this weather. I never let that stop me from doing something I enjoy. In fact, this type of weather is perfect for photographing the fall color. The moisture and the soft, even light from the cloud cover generates spectacular colors. Another bonus is that the crowds are much less.
One of the reasons that I seem to have a good time almost everywhere I go is that I don’t put constraints or restrictions on my activity. I just go with whatever happens. I’ve visited Yosemite National Park and the White Mountain National Forest in pouring rain. You would have seen me hiking and taking photographs just like any other day. When I go somewhere, I’m there to enjoy whatever is coming my way.
Some people tend to have difficulty with this concept. It really takes letting go of your expectations. I had to practice this technique for quite some time before it became a habit. Now, I find that I enjoy almost everything that comes my way, because of the lack of expectations. I’ve turned the habitual expectation mindset to anticipation of what may come. It’s like getting a present when you don’t know what is inside.
So, the dreary day that most people were experiencing was not our experience. Erica and I saw fantastic color, wonderful waterfalls, met some really nice people, relaxed in nature, had a leisurely drive and generally had a purely fun-filled day.
In the future, try practicing this concept when you have plans. Leave room in your agenda for some “random” things to happen. When they do, just go for it. Don’t complain. Instead, adapt and enjoy what is before you.
Have a great day!
Michael
- Written by admin on October 10, 2007.
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