Northeast Kingdom Drive And More!
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 2:58 pm
I took a long drive through many NEK towns today. Parts of Newport are really good, especially around Lake Memphremagog. If you get up this way, take a drive up Shattucks Hill Road (off route 5, across from Community Bank) There is a great view of the lake from there.
From there I cruised past Derby, West Charleston, and Westmore (Route 5a) by Lake Willoughby. These areas are past peak, with many leaves completely gone. I was quite disappointed! A few golden and yellow leaves remain.
From there it was onward to Newark, East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow. Again, past peak in these areas. Still spotted with yellows and golden, but many bare trees. Then it was on to Lyndonville, where the few remaining pretty yellow-orange trees on the green remained. But they won't last long!
From Lyndonville it was a short drive down I-91 south to Exit 21 to pick up route 2 West to Danville. The scenic overlook on route 2 in Danville still looks real nice if you happen go out that way. You will also pass some pumpkins and gourds that are neatly stacked in apple barrels which make for good photo taking!
From route 2 west I picked up route 15 west through Walden, eventually turning left onto Cabot road. Went all the way into cabot, grabbed route 215, and did a loop back to route 2 west into Plainfield. Again, the leaves and colors are spotty at best. Many bare trees. From Plainfield I jumped onto route 214 north to N. Montpelier, and quickly jumped onto route 14 towards East Calais and Woodbury. I made stops at N. Montpelier Pond, Sabin Pond "Woodbury Lake". From there I went on to Hardwick and Greensboro and stopped at Lake Elligo. From there it was on to Albany and Irasburg. Leaving Irasburg behind, I hopped on route 58 east, and then to route 5 in Coventry and made my way back to Newport. For a total of about 150 miles today.
In summary, there were many bare trees, many areas past peak IMO. I was still able to grab some photos that were ok, but I expected much more. I think last weekend was better (Oct 1st). Not to be outdone, I'll be heading south to have a look tomorrow.
Hope this report helps
From there I cruised past Derby, West Charleston, and Westmore (Route 5a) by Lake Willoughby. These areas are past peak, with many leaves completely gone. I was quite disappointed! A few golden and yellow leaves remain.
From there it was onward to Newark, East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow. Again, past peak in these areas. Still spotted with yellows and golden, but many bare trees. Then it was on to Lyndonville, where the few remaining pretty yellow-orange trees on the green remained. But they won't last long!
From Lyndonville it was a short drive down I-91 south to Exit 21 to pick up route 2 West to Danville. The scenic overlook on route 2 in Danville still looks real nice if you happen go out that way. You will also pass some pumpkins and gourds that are neatly stacked in apple barrels which make for good photo taking!
From route 2 west I picked up route 15 west through Walden, eventually turning left onto Cabot road. Went all the way into cabot, grabbed route 215, and did a loop back to route 2 west into Plainfield. Again, the leaves and colors are spotty at best. Many bare trees. From Plainfield I jumped onto route 214 north to N. Montpelier, and quickly jumped onto route 14 towards East Calais and Woodbury. I made stops at N. Montpelier Pond, Sabin Pond "Woodbury Lake". From there I went on to Hardwick and Greensboro and stopped at Lake Elligo. From there it was on to Albany and Irasburg. Leaving Irasburg behind, I hopped on route 58 east, and then to route 5 in Coventry and made my way back to Newport. For a total of about 150 miles today.
In summary, there were many bare trees, many areas past peak IMO. I was still able to grab some photos that were ok, but I expected much more. I think last weekend was better (Oct 1st). Not to be outdone, I'll be heading south to have a look tomorrow.
Hope this report helps
