What a perfect time of year it is for hiking in the White Mountains!  A refreshing cool breeze, crisp sunshine, and virtually no bugs is a beautiful thing.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking a solo day hike to the Sugarloaves, off of Zealand Road in Twin Mountain.  I met a few smiling faces along the way, but for the most part enjoyed only the sound of the wind, the river, and birds overhead… oh, and my jagged breathing and grunting up the few steep inclines to the top!  Boy was I glad to have brought plenty of water and snacks!

This was a great hike to start off the season.  Mostly gradual elevation gain with a couple of challenging sections that lead to not one, but two amazing views to enjoy.  It’s a double reward.  Three quarters of the way up, the trail splits, one way to Middle Sugarloaf peak, and the other to North Sugarloaf summit.

So after reaching one beautiful, bare open ledge with 360 degree views, relatively little effort took me to the other one.

View of Mount Washington

Hiking the Sugarloaf Summits, Twin Mountain, NH

Sugarloaves, Twin Mountain, NH

What a treat!  The trail is well maintained and is speckled with huge boulders left behind by glaciers, long stone staircases, and a carefully crafted wooden ladder near the summit.  Round trip to both ledges is about three and a half miles long, taking about three hours total with plenty of time to rest, relax and have a picnic lunch at one of the peaks.

North Sugarloaf even has an old abandoned smoky quartz quarry to check out.  There is so much beauty in this area, and I am grateful to be able to get out there and appreciate it.  Just a reminder, if you do hike alone, don’t forget to tell someone where you are going and to bring a cell phone and first aid kit just in case.  Also, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack some rain gear and warm layers and plenty of water and snacks.  Stretching your hamstrings, quads and calves before and after your hike will also prevent injury.  Happy trails!

Tamar Smookler, LMT

www.innertruthmassage.com

Without mentioning the town that this happened in, a good friend related this story to me.

Seems my friend and her neighbor spotted a man that appeared to be disoriented, walking up and down the street, this went on for about 20 minutes, they then realized that this man had no shoes on his feet but just socks, it was about 10 degrees outside. Obviously, they believed this man was in need of help.

My friends neighbor called the local police, related the story to them, watched and waited for the police to come rescue this man. They waited for about half an hour and realized that the police didn’t take the story seriously.

At that point, my friends neighbor, told my friend, “that’s it, I’ll handle this now!” and called the “Mother” of the Chief of Police and told her that they weren’t getting any response to this situation.

At that point it didn’t take but  a few minutes, Mom called her son (police chief), he called his crew on duty, at which point, the police arrived and the situation was taken care of. If we lived in the city, would we even know who the mom of the police chief was? Could we call her to get help?

One more reason that I love this North Country, we’re not six degrees of separation here, it’s more like zero degrees of separation!

I realized that only in the North Country of Northern NH can you call the police chief’s mom and get business done!

Since my last post, the weather has been anything but predictable! As far as I’m concerned, it’s all good, as spring is change.

The weather acts accordingly, the people on the other hand, do not!
Everyone is now done with winter, they want spring-time weather (which they think is sunshine, all the time!) Instead, we’re getting  real spring weather!
Rain, sun, sprinkles, clouds, some frost, some wonderful blue skies, warmth, rain (again) and sun.

I love spring, I love to see the earth awakening, I love to see the surprises that crop up on the back country roads and the main roads through town.

Yesterday, while driving through Sugar Hill and Franconia, I found the back roads to be adorned with “Forget-Me_Nots”.

I realize that my pics don’t do justice to the scene that I experienced; Just  giving you a glimpse as I’m not an ace photographer.

While driving,  a back country road was splattered with this blue color along the sides of the road, intermingled with the woods. It was very dreamy, a rainy day, but not gloomy,  then, this incredible blue color is strutting along the edge of the forest, laying down across the ground like a smokey blue haze, dazzling! I felt as if I was in a dream world.

In my pics, I regret that it doesn’t give the full effect of driving and seeing this blue haze on both sides of the road, please trust me on this, it felt other worldly.

In my travels I encountered, Marsh Mallow,  a beautiful, vibrant yellow flower that grows along streams and brooks, Foam Flower,

and a Tamarack Tree,  I love how fuzzy they look. Did you know that the Tamarack Tree is the last to get it’s new needles and is the last to lose them?

While driving in Sugar Hill , I came across the longest stone wall that I’ve yet to see, check out these photos:

I also, found Lady Slippers! I love the lady slippers as they range in color from an almost white to a deep rosy pink. I think it depends on the soil.

More shots of the Lady Slippers, one pic shows four Lady Slippers growing but just the one blooming.

Another favorite of mine is the lowly, moss/lichen. I’ve always had an attraction to moss. If you’ve taken the time to really look at moss/lichen, it’s incredible despite it’s small size.

Orange Soldiers, these are very beautiful in their color.

I also found, on the same country road, Lupine’s coming in to their own:

How about some wild Apple Trees blossoming?

Also, what I think is an old Maple Sugar House:

Another view

I almost forgot the Mama Bear and her cubs, not a great pic as once I pulled over, so did other cars and she became spooked.

There she is just on the edge of the woods, not a good pic at all. Maybe next time!

Today, on Main Street, Franconia, there was a baby moose,

lost from it’s mother.

This is very heartbreaking as the poor baby was running back and forth across Main Street, into a yard then back again across the street to the other side, then back again, over and over. Crying all the time, calling out to it’s mom. 

Everyone in town was so supportive, the police were there due to a road construction project. Police and residents trying to gently guide this baby to the river or the woods to find her mom.

I don’t know the end of the story as I had to get going to work. I’ve already sent my prayers to mom and baby to be re-united. I love that all people are caring for our wildlife here in Northern NH!  Remember to double click on the photos to see them in a larger view.

I’ll be posting soon! Feel free to send me your photos of the North Country!

Georgianna Falls, Franconia Notch NH

May 8, 2010… Georgianna Falls, Franconia Notch, NH. The Franconia Notch Vacations Report.

We had been wanting to re-visit one of our ‘ole favorites’ this past week, to rekindle the memories of why it’s a favorite… and glad we did. The walk in to Georgianna Falls follows along the Harvard Brook, which is laden with smaller falls along the way. The Photo below is where you get the first good look at Harvard Brook.

This next photo is one of many smaller rivulets along the way. The side streams are best and some times only seen during spring run-off and after torrential rains. See, there is an up side to rain in the mountains yet please always use caution near the water. White Mountain river rocks get extremely slippery!!

The first set of falls which are spectacular in their own right, and as seen below, are but a taste of what lies ahead. The trail does get steep at times and may be difficult to follow. Wear a good pair of hikers and if you drift too far of stream, you know you are off trail. Just keep this in mind as you work your way up through the rocks that have “washed up” during previous floods. There’s lots of ‘em, you’ll see.

From the mid-spring weeks of about April 27 to May 15, give or take a bit for location, south vs. north, and you are most sure to see some of the most beautiful Spring Trillium along the way.

On-ward and upward and after about 35 to 40 minutes you ought to be nearing the top and main set of falls. Careful on the climb up and no goofin’ around near the edges allowed. The price of slipping will be a hefty if not a life threatening one. Just be safe and you will be fine however.

This tour is brought to you by the experts at Franconia Notch Vacations, a professional vacation rental accommodation and concierge serve serving the Franconia Notch and surrounding White Mountain locations.  http://www.franconiares.com or call toll free. 800-247-5536.

It is our pleasure helping you plan and enjoy yours. We understand… your vacations are precious and your comfort is key.

Sincerely,

Cort Roussel
Franconia Notch Vacation Specialist
& Owner-Broker
Franconia Notch Vacations
Franconia Notch Vacation Rental & Realty LLC
info@franconiares.com
800-247-5536

If  you feel inclined, please leave a comment, as it is a compliment to our blogger!

Oh, you say that happens where you live?

Interestingly enough, because of all these beautiful mountains, our weather will change from day to day, then again, again, and again, sometimes in minutes! The old saying is “wait five minutes” and the weather will change.

On the most beautiful days in spring, our weather stays for a day, maybe a few, sometimes a week!  Blue skies (in winter, skiers call that a Blue Bird Day), the green of the trees against that Cerulean Blue; breathtaking, I don’t know how else to describe these days.

Spring in Northern NH is exciting, a bit frustrating, something we all crave, waiting for, on the edge of our seats.

Ya know, it’s a gamble; we want the perfection, we know it never comes, but we bet that it will, but we always get caught short cause the cold comes back as a tease, just when we’ve settled into that beautiful, blue bird kinda day, where it’s an eternal vacation, we’re free, our spirits soar, our hearts open up, joy filled, blue sky, sunshine warming our faces, gardener’s are ready to plant early. Life is sooooo good.

Slam!

Snow tomorrow! Everyone grunts, ugh, my garden. Oh no! I’ve already taken the snow tires off my car, etc. It’s kinda funny cause all winter everyone prayed for snow.  Ya know, those die hard skiers?, they did snow dances for lots of snow, yes they did!  Someday, I’ll catch that on video! It’s fun to watch!

Now that winter is officially over, it’s spring, and it should be good weather!

This past month our spring weather’s been a mixed bag.  Mud season, didn’t amount to much, the warm weather in the beginning of spring, dried up most roads, rather quickly.  We’ve had incredible warmth and sunshine with cold the next day, wind, snow, rain, hail, sun again, two feet of snow (just two weeks ago), sunshine, warm days and nights, peepers singing wildly and now here it is, Mother’s Day, with snow flurries flying left and right!

The plants are blooming, trees are spreading their leaves with that beautiful “spring green” color. It’s an incredible sight to see when driving down a country road. I’m especially amazed to see how much the green shows through on the rainy days, it becomes a kind of “glowing spring green”! On rainy days, if you take a walk into the woods, the lichen on the trees shows it’s green color more deeply.

I’ve always found the “process” of spring to be exciting as we never know what to expect weather wise, it’s all fun and tantalizing to the eyes.

As I write this post, my wood stove is blazing, it’s toasty and I slip back into that winter mode of baking bread, making stew, knowing that a in a couple of days I’ll be back to planting my garden and thinking of eating salads.

Having an extended spring works for me as I’m in the middle of making my dandelion wine, and violet jam. I’ll be able to harvest more blossoms from both plants to make many more batches as the cooler spring weather is prolonging the harvest time for flower heads.

On the up side, the frost heaves are gone, it’s now possible to drive and drink coffee/tea at the same time without wearing you’re beverage of choice!

The bear, birds, deer and moose are all coming out of the deep woods where they spent the long winter. They too are eager for spring as they can now dine on the new growth of spring.

The rain and snow are blessing us with the most beautiful waterfalls! Life really is good in the North Country!

Here are some pics that I taken over the past month.

How could I forget? I have some pics from a friend that hiked up Cannon Mt. on 4.28/10 to ski the 2 ft of snow that we received!

Hiking up Cannon

Winter Wonderland in April 2010

Knee Deep Snow on Cannon Mt. 4/2010

More Snow Hiking!

Frost Heave Sign

Tree Lichen

Tree Moss

Great Pine Early Spring

Burls Growing in Tree

Bloodroot Plant

Coltsfoot Plant

Trillium in Bloom

Clouds Hover Over Cannon Mt.

Late April Snowstorm

Snowstorm Late April

Profile Lake, Franconia Notch, Opening Day Fly Fishing

Spring Green Against Snow Mountains

Spring Green Leaves and Cherry Tree Blossom

Spring Growth

Many of our visitors have purchased second homes, in order to live and become a part of this beauty, called the “North Country”.  Those that cannot purchase, come back every year to their favorite rental location, B&B’s, Hotels, Motels, Cabins, Campgrounds and Vacation Rentals.

This past week I was thinking that I will interview these faithful visitors, part-time residents, lover’s of rural New Hampshire and ask them about their perceptions of the full-time residents, the life-long, born at home (some not), “locals” that are the backbone of Northern New Hampshire. I’ll ask them “What do you think of our lifestyle? Our shops? What it means to be a hunter”? Do you like the quaintness? Would you miss the shopping malls if you lived here full-time? Do you love our covered bridges and visualize the horse and buggies that used to cross over? How about the wonderful old churches with their exquisite, architectural designs and gingerbread trims. I’ll write a blog post about this in the next few weeks.

I’m curious to see if they/you (our visitors), have a clear perception of what it takes to be a full-time resident, a local, of the North Country.

New Hampshirites, by nature, are tough, strong, maybe a bit stubborn, community and family oriented but above all, survivors!

We know how to camp, hike, ski, snowmobile, split wood, live without power when a big nor’easter hits. How to cook on a wood stove, how to collect water when the pump doesn’t work, how to travel on snowshoes when it isn’t a good idea to drive or it’s just too damn deep!

I’m wondering if the visitors and part-time residents realize that many North Country folk, if ever they wrote a resume, would have so many talents under their belts.

I move now to this down economy, we’ve been here before, in the North Country, we survive because we’re adaptable. I can’t talk about the southern part of New Hampshire but I can talk about Northern NH, we adjust to the situation. If you use me as an example, I’ve got a cleaning business, an online directory for Northern NH, a community social network for NH (The Granite Matrix), a blog for the North Country, I’m a Social Media Consultant, I’ve shampooed carpets, stained decks, power washed homes, fixed skylights, garden to sell vegetables (I do keep many for myself), have taken care of the elderly and quadriplegic, wash windows, I’m an Astrologer, Reiki/Energy Healer, etc…You get the picture. If I was a man, I’d be doing plumbing, electrical, stone work, carpentry, plowing, mowing, etc. (this is not dictated by sex, men and women do many of these things).

This is what makes NH North Country people a different breed of people, strong, capable, responsible. We always come through the tough times, maybe a bit weary and wiser but oh, so much stronger.

A year ago, I couldn’t afford to heat with oil. I decided to disconnect my oil furnace, get a wood stove, an electric water heater and make do with that.

True to the people of the North Country, friends told friends, I was given a used water heater in perfect condition, a used wood stove that nobody was using, I now have heat, hot water without worrying if I can afford it. I’ve actually come to enjoy stacking and moving the wood (many times), loading the stove with coffee in hand. Yeah, I do feel all fuzzy and warm when doing this. I’ve come to appreciate what it takes to live a different lifestyle, a more down to earth, lifestyle where I’m conscious of what it takes to heat my home, etc. Canning vegetables, baking bread, raising chickens; for some it’s all part of the North Country lifestyle.

Why am I telling you part of my personal story? It’s about transparency as a blogger, it’s about the community spirit of the people that live in Northern NH.  We’ve all helped many others, it feels good, the good goes around, we share, we’re good neighbors, the love is there.  We’re strong, in body, heart, and mind.

I moved here from New Jersey, in 1989. There was one traffic light, at that time, between Woodsville and Littleton, now, I’m not sure how many lights we have, I try not to think about it. We’ve changed a bit, to accommodate the changes in the world, to become more global. I hope we stay here, where we are now. I realize growth is good but I also don’t want to lose the charm that is North of the Notch (Franconia Notch State Park), Northern NH, otherwise we become just like the rest of the urban areas where all our history, talents, beauty and strength will just become a distant memory.  Would you want to visit us then? Or move here? Can you, become a part of us? Do you have the stuff of which we are made?

What do you think? What is your take on the North Country of Northern New Hampshire?

My next post will be a Business Spotlight on Karma Balm. NH made, organic products to heal and satisfy your body and spirit!
I realize that many of our visitors love the products and services that we have here in Northern NH. I’d like to open you up to some great businesses that can benefit you while you visit, ergo, the Business Spotlights.

Posting soon, Robin

In spite of the wind, rain and snow, the foliage colors in Littleton, Sugar Hill, Franconia, are still quite beautiful. Oranges and yellows still have that bright glow.
Cannon Mountain has some snow cover. If you go to their site you’ll see a short video of someone taking their first ski run down the mountain! Check it out here: www.cannonmt.com.

Robin Anderson
www.NorthernNH.com
www.GraniteMatrtix.com

Here’s the foliage update from Richard Tessier in Stratford:

We are past peak and got beat up most of the early part of the weekend -
with wind and rain.

Despite some stripping due to the wind we still have some color and guests
who visited Santa’s Village yesterday, despite the cool temp’s, reported
that the color remains good through the Route 2 area and along the
Presidential ranges northern slope sides.

Only as couple foxes and some turkey’s have been spotted, the moose are
definitely rutting, even heard a cow calling the other night.

Likely the best color will be in the Carroll area and south of that,
suggesting a gondola ride at either Wildcat or Cannon.

Til Soon,
Richard Tessier
Great Northern Moose Lodge
Come Get Away From It All…!
603-449-2300
info@GreatNorthernMoose.com
www.greatnorthernmoose.com
Rustic Charm – Always Personalized!

Here’s the foliage update from Carla Lapierre of Gorham:

We are past peak, but don’t let that stop you!!  There are still pockets of drama on the hills and along the rivers.  The Androscoggin River through Berlin & Gorham is still beautiful, especially under a blue sky and once again in the early to mid morning and late afternoon.  The snow we received made for particularly dramatic views in the morning.   The high peaks are now draped in a veil of white which heightens the color on the lower slopes.  The light coating of snow also reveals the ruggedness of the terrain above tree line allowing the “bones” of the land to show through cover of vegetation.

Come, explore the dynamics of the changing seasons, light and weather that are uniquely Northern New Hampshire!

Carla Lapierre
Broman Photography
www.BromanPhotography.com
Gateway Gallery & Gifts
36 Exchange Street
Gorham, NH 03581
603-466-9900

Here’s the full foliage report for the state of NH, from www.visitnh.gov

Fall Foliage Report for Monday, October 12th, 2009
Recorded Report: 1-800-258-3608

Great North Woods Region: There’s still a good amount of color in the Great North Woods region despite being just past peak. The wind and frost has taken down some of the leaves, but the good news is that the remaining colors are still strong, and there are expanded views now. Travelers to the region may even see some snow fall this week, which will contrast nicely with the lasting reds and oranges. There’s still plenty of hiking and wildlife watching to do in this area, so consider coming up for a quiet vacation or plan a hunting weekend with friends. Enjoy the solitude of this pristine part of the state.

White Mountains Region: Most of the White Mountains region remains at peak fall foliage, with the exception of parts of the Kancamagus Highway, which retains most of its color on its east side. There are lots of colorful patches throughout the region, including the panoramic views from Lincoln, the area around Franconia Notch State Park, and the Mount Washington Valley. There’s nothing like seeing the fall foliage from a train – please visit www.visitwhitemountains.com and click ‘Things to Do’ for a list of fall foliage train rides and other attractions. Traveling around this region will still reward you with beautiful fall color, so enjoy it while you can.

Lakes Region: The Lakes region is right on time with its near peak fall foliage conditions. We’re told that Lake Winnipesaukee is 80% changed right now. It seems every year this area reaches peak after Columbus Day, which extends the fall season for everyone. Now is the time to plan a scenic cruise on one of the lakes – please visit www.lakesregion.org for a list of cruise options. Click “Where to Play” on the home page, and choose Cruises and Boat Tours. You can see the leaves from any vessel, from a six passenger private charter boat to the high and mighty M/S Mount Washington.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region: Although the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region is mostly at peak, some areas are just past. Still, the colors are bright and stunning, and a drive around this region will showcase a mix of sunny yellows, burnt oranges, and vibrant reds. A favorite scenic drive is Route 103 from Newport through Claremont, north on Route 12A to the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge. The foliage surrounding the bridge is vibrant and beautiful – it’s truly a photographer’s dream. Meander north on 12A for a taste of New Hampshire agriculture, as this road passes a number of farms and farms stands.

Monadnock Region: Colorful foliage awaits you in the Monadnock region, as the majority of the area is in its height of color. Although some of the early maples have dropped their leaves, the remaining colors are brilliant. Our leaf peepers are reporting that the oranges, reds and yellows are gorgeous, and it doesn’t matter if you’re driving or walking, the views are spectacular. From a distance, Mount Monadnock appears to be bathed in a smoky red haze, and the colors just pop as you get closer and closer. One leaf peeper described the forest as being lit from within when the sunlight shines through it.
Travel back roads through this region for rewarding panoramic views. The streets of Jaffrey are lined with scarecrows right now in celebration of the harvest season.

Merrimack Valley Region: The red oaks have just begun to turn in the Merrimack Valley Region, and will join the myriad of bright reds, deep burgundies, golden yellows and bright oranges that have pushed this region into peak color. We are told that any road you travel in this area now is drenched with beautiful fall foliage. Look for stone walls lining these roads for vibrant sugar maples flashing stunning orange leaves. Narrower roads have trees arching over them, making you feel like you’re traveling through a tunnel of colors! Take a right, take a left, and enjoy the scenery.

Seacoast Region: Colors abound in the Seacoast region of the state. Although the area is not quite at peak, the foliage is very advanced in some areas and just beginning in others. Routes 27, 107, 108 and 16 provide stunning views and frequent patches of well-established color. Route 101 west from Hampton to Epping is displaying a mix of vibrant reds, sharp oranges, and deep yellows right now; so is Route 4 from Durham to Nottingham. This part of the state is best explored with no particular destination in mind.
Travel back roads and look for farm stands, natural areas, and beautiful scenic views.

Today I was on the very top of Dalton Mountain. Looking out into the distance you will see Cannon Mountain, Mt. Lafayette and the Presidential Range. The foliage colors are fantastic! Peak foliage is here! Although, it was a bit overcast you can still see how wide spread the foliage colors have traveled up and across the mountains.  Somehow I missed the shots when the sun was shinning on all those beautiful colors.

Cannon Mountain, Mt. Lafayette

From Blake Rd., Sugar Hill Looking Out to Presi Range

Overlooking Forest Lake State Park, Dalton, NH

I just received this foliage post from Carla LaPierre of Browman Photography:

BERLIN, NH

We are at PEAK!!  It is a glorious Autumn!..I hope the moisture we’ve gotten will prolong the show and the winds will go away.  This is the most beautiful autumn I’ve seen in years.  Get out there and soak it up, it is truly a feast for the eye and the heart.

The pictures don’t do it justice, but I included them anyway – especially the one with the rainbow.

Rainbow/Foliage over Berlin, NH

Fantistic Foliage in Berlin/Gorham, NH

From Richard Tessier of Great Northern Moose Lodge, Dummer, NH:

We’ll I am calling us at just before or at peak on the North Eastern side of the state – We have had a slow progression to this point, with some early changers and with the high winds last week as the weather pattern changed, we lost some of those leaves completely.  All said an done, I think we are just about a week behind last year, but the colors are good this year.  The reds and oranges are brilliant, likely a result of WAY to mush rain this summer.  We still have some mostly green stand outs as well, but the majority of the color is in!

I rode over to Groveton late last week along NH Route 110 and I have to say looking at the Percy Peaks and Long Mountain was a pleasure, but I am sure Lake Umbagog is very nice right now as well.  From here to Berlin through Milan (- the detour) along the rivers edge provides plenty of opportunities to break out the camera.  When your out of car, be sure to take really deep breath through through your nose, the smell that the forest gives of this time of year is awesome.

Wildlife – The local Moose population is just entering the rut, so be cautions around any “bull” sightings, they are marking of territory and can be a bit aggressive.  But with them rutting, they don’t move around much and keep the girls pretty close by, safe from any wondering males – So, sightings are less frequent and they are a little hard to locate.

However, I had a very special treat provided to me over the weekend, I was visited by an immature Bald Eagle on Friday and Saturday, literally in the backyard and I got within 30’ or so from him in his perch of about 15’ or 20’ high.  When he was flying around, the shadows from his spread wings was almost intimidating, and it was driving the two bird dogs absolutely crazy.  Haven’t seen him in a couple days, but he can’t be far either.

A few pictures of my encounter are attached – I didn’t see a band, so I am assuming he is a NH Native from this years hatch – Wahoo!

Young Bald Eagle

Young Bald Eagle 2

Young Bald Eagle 3

Til Soon,
Richard Tessier
Great Northern Moose Lodge
Come Get Away From It All…!
603-449-2300
info@GreatNorthernMoose.com
www.greatnorthernmoose.com
Rustic Charm – Always Personalized!

Richard Tessier In collaboration with New Hampshire Dept. of Economic Resources:

Great North Woods Region: Beautiful foliage has overtaken the Great North Woods region. All roads throughout this area lead to explosive color. Bring your camera for plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities, especially near edges of rivers, lakes and ponds. Our leaf peepers are reporting 100% color everywhere! Deep oranges and reds, along with a few golden yellows, are dominating the landscape from the mountains to the valleys. Some wind has hit the area, which has created colorful carpets of leaves on the ground, but most trees are holding on firmly to the vivid autumn foliage. All lakes are reported to look stunning as the colors reflect onto the water’s surface.

White Mountains Region: The White Mountains region is on the brink of reaching peak fall foliage color, and is expected to be there by this weekend. Reports from our leaf peepers in this area are saying that the colors are great everywhere! Several mountain passes and notches have reached the height of grand autumn color, including the west end of the Kancamagus Highway, Pinkham Notch, Kinsman Notch, and Crawford Notch. Waterville Valley is 90% changed and is showcasing vibrant reds, clear oranges, and lemon yellows, all against a backdrop of green pines. Most any road you travel in this region will reward you with visions of beautiful fall colors.

Lakes Region: Our leaf peepers in the Lakes Region are reporting a mix of colors here and there. Some roads have well-established color, while other areas have just begun to change. The Ossipee Mountain Range is nearly 50% changed, while the Belknap Mountains are still predominantly green. The land surrounding the northern part of Lake Winnipesaukee is showcasing a blend of deep reds and oranges with scattered yellows, while the southern end is 20 to 30% turned. The good news is that the area still has plenty of green, which means lots of change to come.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region: The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region is near peak, with flashy reds, burnt oranges and fine yellows showing up everywhere. Our leaf peepers in this area are reporting great splashes of color throughout, with a fair amount of green trees yet to turn. This area has a number of covered bridges and scenic drives, so don’t be afraid to explore the back roads – the most unexpected scenic vistas can be found by taking a right here and a left there. Overall, the region is about 80% turned and will be near peak by this weekend.

Monadnock Region: If you travel the Monadnock Region this week, you will find that fall foliage color is everywhere. The contrast of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows among the green is stunning. The colors below the summit of Mount Monadnock are coming in very nicely, and all areas surrounding waterways and ponds are reported to be magnificent. Some trees are showing several colors during this transformation – it’s not unusual to find a blend of harvest golds, warm russets and peachy oranges on some trees. Lakes and ponds are reflective pools of color. The region is about 70% changed, and will look spectacular as the season progresses.

Merrimack Valley Region: In the Merrimack Valley region, the hillsides are ablaze with autumn color. All the fall colors are on display throughout this area, from pastels to bright oranges, strong reds, and shy yellows, and the shades are more vibrant in the northern parts of the region than in the southern parts. Generally the edges of meadows and along the banks of rivers and ponds are showing bright colors, while distances beyond are holding on to the greens of summer. This region overall still has some time to go before reaching its full peak of color.

Seacoast Region: The leaves in the Seacoast region are nearly 50% changed now, with some areas more colorful than others. The red and sugar maples are still vibrant, with areas surrounding waterways showing remarkable colors. The oranges and yellows throughout natural areas are most dramatic when viewed in the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun glows through the trees. The eastern side of the region is still mostly green, but that will change in the days ahead, especially with the cold nights and warm days of autumn to help push things along.

Enjoy your foliage adventure!

We’re losing leaves from the trees but not enough to make the landscape bare, just enough to give a collage of color to the lawns and streets.

Although, we’re at peak foliage, these colors will last us a good couple of weeks.

I just received a foliage report from Richard Tessier of Great Northern Moose Lodge in Dummer, NH. Here’s what Richard has to report:

The foliage was snapped in as a result of a fair frost late last week and
things have been changing pretty quickly since – We are very near peak, with
some green to yellow trees remaining but most of the oranges and reds are
out strong, with a nice yellow background to all of that.

Moose almost seem to have disappeared, a good sign for the up coming moose
hunt in fact as it signals the beginning of the moose rut.  A few deer
spotted about, but they will be rutting soon as well, so they are reluctant
to come out to the road side and visit with us much – LOL!  I have had an
immature Bald Eagle hanging around the house for days, standing on high
perches and preening his feathers, what a sight when 6 plus feet flies off
to another location.

This weekend’s pick for a drive would be in and around the Lake Umbagog
National Wildlife refuge – Up through Magalloway and around the eastern lake
shore.

Til Soon,

Richard Tessier
Great Northern Moose Lodge
Come Get Away From It All…!
603-449-2300
info@GreatNorthernMoose.com
www.greatnorthernmoose.com

Rustic Charm – Always Personalized!

I’ll be back soon with some pics of interesting rock sculptures! Enjoy your foliage adventures here in the North Country. If you have photos that you would like to share, just email me here and I’ll post them in a blog with credit to you.

Robin

I’m really grateful for this split in the foliage display as I, like you, want the foliage season to last as long as it can.

I don’t remember foliage splitting this way in the past, for now I’ll accept it and be grateful!

Today I received an email with foliage photos from a friend, Cort Roussel of Franconia Notch Vacations. Check out his website for vacation rentals here in Northern NH.  www.franconiarentals.com

Doesn’t life work out they way it should? Today, I was sorta bumming about the fact that I could see snow on the Presidential Range but didn’t have time to take some pics. Then Cort emails me with some great pics of the North Country and the Franconia / Sugar Hill area.

Let me just say, peak is not over, it’s just beginning, we have a good way to go!  Enjoy! Thank you, Cort!

Snow on the mountain tops!

Snow in Foliage 2

This is snow! Not Rime Ice. We have a saying here in Northern NH, when the snow is on the mountain tops there will be snow in the lower, valley areas in six weeks. Yikes! That would be the 2nd week in November! That’s early but I sure like the idea of the ski season getting an early start.

Snow & Foliage Color

Look at those colors! Guess the rain didn’t hurt that much.

Tunnel of Foliage Color

Foliage Tunnel

This is what you’ll find when you drive many of the side roads. Of course, the main roads are beautiful without the tunnel effect.

Hot Foliage Colors

Thank you again, Cort, for sharing your photos of today’s foliage!

Robin