NEK Report 10/8

[edmcguirk]

Today (10/8) was very overcast and foggy in the NEK. Color around Saint Johnsbury is peak to slightly past peak. With the wind and rain today, the foliage for Saint J and north is probably done for. There were many trees with bare limbs and lots of leaf drop. I ended up spending this morning photographing in the fog in the Kirby area. I know most leaf peepers don't like overcast and fog, but some of us shutterbugs enjoy it, see attached. In the afternoon I drove to Peacham (very much past peak), and Wells River area (peak to slightly past peak). The area to the east of Saint J. (Kirby/Concord) still had pockets of good color, I assume because proximity to the CT. River delays the peak.

This morning I also made a quick foray into Victory Basin WMA just to see it, and a gigantic bull moose was strolling down the road. He hightailed it into the woods before I could get a picture though.

[minnesotaman]

Always best if the moose decides to go the other way.

[edmcguirk]

Always best if the moose decides to go the other way.

Indeed, he was closer than I would have liked. I was glad he took off into the woods, I much prefer no pictures to a destroyed car.

[ctyanky]

Wow Ed! Lucky for you to see a bull moose in Victory! I'm so happy for you! Especially since your trip was so rewarding this year. I can sense your satisfaction through your emails and photos. I'll be looking at your website to see your VT photos when you get a chance to load them. Bravo for you for a enjoying such a great Vermont foliage vacation!

I decided to leave tomorrow. I've been here almost two weeks and it is time to get back to a schedule, um, what am I thinking, I'm not even working anymore!

Will be in touch over the weekend by your email on your website. You'll know it is me. Get ready for Quabbin

[markm]

Good report and pics!
What road and town is that red barn from?

[ctyanky]

Could that be Kirby Mountain Road out of Victory Ed?

[edmcguirk]

Could that be Kirby Mountain Road out of Victory Ed?

ctyanky, no this is on Brook Road in S. Kirby, just slightly to the east of Kirby Mountain Road. i am heading home to Massachusetts on Wednesday morning. I have no idea of the status of the foliage progression in the Quabbin area, but I plan to go to Petersham Friday morning for photography, and will let you know what I think about the best timing for a trip there. Emailing me via my website will work fine.

[From_the_NEK]

Today (10/8) was very overcast and foggy in the NEK. Color around Saint Johnsbury is peak to slightly past peak. With the wind and rain today, the foliage for Saint J and north is probably done for. There were many trees with bare limbs and lots of leaf drop.

I disagree to some extent. There are still A LOT of leaves on most of the trees. Yes, the top canopy have blown off on the higher mountainsides which make the grand long range views a bit less filled in. However, many of the trees that have experienced leaf drop are being made up for by the the later turning yellows. Additionally, many field side maples and "foliage tunnels" are peaking right now as the lower level leaves are peaking with intense oranges and yellows. Although we are on the back end of peak, it certainly hasn't passed. Depending on how hard it rains on Thursday, I think foliage chasers will still have an excellent experience in most of the NEK for at least the next 3 days and maybe into the weekend.

From yesterday in Lyndon:
Hillside Cows-4642 by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

[markm]

Thanks Ed and Tim, great pics and info!

[edmcguirk]

I decided to leave tomorrow. I've been here almost two weeks and it is time to get back to a schedule, um, what am I thinking, I'm not even working anymore!

Will be in touch over the weekend by your email on your website. You'll know it is me. Get ready for Quabbin

ctyanky - email me via my website. I got home on 10/10, and based on the foliage here, I would say the Quabbin area will be ready this weekend. Based on the weather forecast it looks like Sunday 10/14 is the only sunny day until 10/18. The New Hampshire foliage report from yesterday said the Monadnock region is 85% of peak, and the Quabbin turns about the same time, since it is so close and a similar elevation.

[ctyanky]

Hi Ed! Sunday it is! I will meet you at the Quabbin Visitor Center if that is ok. I'm going up 84 to 32 to 181 to 9 so I can check out the foliage in northern CT for road trips. I will now email you on your website! Crazy, one sun day in that period! Stay tuned. CT