Sunrise at Hogback Overlook 10/4

[edmcguirk]

It rained overnight, and was still raining lightly when I left my hotel in Brattleboro at 5:45 am this morning. But by the time I reached the Hogback overlook on Rt. 9 near Wilmington, there were a few gaps in the clouds to the east. This allowed just enough light for a pretty spectacular sunrise. For once, both the Foliage Gods and Photo Gods conspired in their generosity. They provided me with peak foliage, red/purple colors in the clouds and fog that glowed red at sunrise. This is one of those rare mornings where everything came together.

But the Foliage Gods also had to prove that everything must balance out in the end. While the cold weather coming through this morning created the dramatic clouds and fog at sunrise, this passing weather front also brought 15 to 20 mph winds with it that have continued all day. Foliage in this area was essentially at or near peak, and I saw lots of leaf drop already this morning driving around Rt.9 and Rt 71. And with a frost predicted for Friday night, peak color may not last long here. This season came early, and is advancing rapidly.....

Click photos to see a larger version.

[ctyanky]

Wow Ed, just WOW! I'm so happy that all the elements came together for you. We had huge winds in Peacham but I didn't think there was a lot of damage as we drove all over the area today. I had surmised earlier in another post that this might be a stellar but short season. We take what we get and so far, this season has not disappointed! Where are you going next?

[minnesotaman]

Great images Ed.

[minnesotaman]

Great images Ed.

[MrBumps]

Very Nice! That middle one is my favorite

[MinnieB]

Stunning, Ed!

[Pentaxguy]

Great stuff! I'm surprised at the color that far South in the state.

[Utah Baker]

Thanks for sharing some photos, love seeing them, beautiful all!

[edmcguirk]

Great stuff! I'm surprised at the color that far South in the state.

Pentaxguy, the Hogback overlook on Rt. 9 is at pretty high elevation, similar to Kelly Stand Road, and the Somerset reservoir, which I visited on Thursday. While these locations are in southern Vermont, they are at high enough elevation that they turn much earlier than the rest of southern Vermont. The area right around Brattleboro is still all green, even though it is only 15 miles from Hogback. The reason for this is that Brat is down low in the Connecticut River valley and the lower elevation and water from the river moderate temperatures. Brattleboro is actually one of the last places in the state to turn each year.

Thanks to everyone for stopping by to look at these shots, I appreciate it. The conditions Friday morning were special enough, that I thought it worthwhile to share here.