Sunrise in the Kingdom

[MrBumps]

Got up very early this morning to head to the Northeast Kingdom. Wanted to be at Lewis Pond Overlook for sunrise, and then explore from there. I was a bit disappointed in the color. I was hoping it would be closer to peak. There were a few patches of vibrant color, but overall I thought it was a bit behind. Not sure if it will even be peak this weekend, but things can change fast. I may head up there again on Sunday. I hit some spots in Sutton area I like. One of my favorite spots on the King George Road the leaves were almost gone. Must of been some stong winds in that area. I took Wheeler Mountain Road from the Lake Willoughby Area (which is still early color) over to Route 5. I do not recommend taking this road unless you have four wheel drive with high clearance. Many high rocks and washed out areas. Wheeler Pond (close to the Route 5 End) did have some very nice color (a lot of reds) around it. The road is fine from Route 5 up to the pond. I also went through Danville, then over through Hardwick and Wolcott via Route 15. Colors were OK, but still seemed several days from peak. I took 100 down through Stowe. I didn't head up through the notch, but the color in the area still seemed early to me. Hopefully some more color will pop over the weekend.

Had a big Cow Moose jump right in front of my car on Four Mile Road on the way in to the overlook this morning. She escorted me down the road for about 50 feet before darting back into the woods. Definitely got my heart rate up!

The picture below is a Pano from the Lewis Pond Overlook just after sunrise. I took Eight verticle shots and then stitched them together, then cropped. Hard to see the detail in the small Jpeg, but it was a glorious morning.

[anniep]

Beautiful picture ! Thank you for posting.

[Brandon]

Very nice picture. Thanks for the report. Sounds like I won't be too late for Lewis Pond early next week.

[ctyanky]

Hi Rich: Great shot. We are heading to Lewis Pond with mmvt on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday depending on weather.

I am green with envy about your moose encounter and I hope that this moose decides to visit me as well. Lucky you! We looked for one the whole trip yesterday and of course, NADA. We will be going to Victory Bog after Lewis Pond at dusk for more moose hunting!!!! That must have been so exciting for you!!!! Did you get any pictures???

[MrBumps]

No pics of the Moose. By the time my heart rate fell, and I thought about getting the camera, she was back in the woods.

I think you will be hitting the Overlook just right for color. Have Fun.

[pwt54]

Oh boy, I wished you hadn't mention the moose. If I don't find Ctyanky a moose, she'll exile me to New Jersey!