What a difference a few days make!

Today was a bitter sweet day. Everyone was home from school for the long weekend and it was great having all the kids here. Unfortunately today was the day it all came to an end. Vincent returned to Bucknell, Peter to Taft and Megan to our towns middle school. So I needed to get out and take my mind off the fact that the kids were gone. I bet you know where I went! Back to Kent to see if the foliage colors had intensified. It is amazing what a difference a few days can make.

Storm Approaching

Kent Falls before the storm

I decided to head a little further north today, up to Kent Falls State Park. It is a beautiful place. The falls offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Before I left I checked the forecast. Rain was not in the cards for at least 12 hours. Unfortunately the heavens opened a 1/2 an hour after I arrived.

Kent Falls foliage in the rain

Many people shy away from photographing during the rain, I love it. There are different photographic looks and textures you can only get when things are wet. I believe the first and second pictures would not be as striking if they weren’t front lit with dark grey ominous looking clouds in the background. I think this area is worthy of another trip next week!

Birds, Landscapes

Kent, Connecticut

10.10.09 | Permalink | Post a Comment

I thought I would spend some time checking out the fall foliage in northwestern Connecticut. After all, the CT DEP Fall Foliage report (link) showed moderate leaf color in this region. I decided my destination would be Kent, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. My first stop was Macedonia Brook State Park, listed as one of the best places to view the changing foliage in CT. This was my first time to the park. As I drove along RTE 7, I realized that I was too early for good leaf color. I suspect that if I return next week, I might have some better luck.

Fall Foliage at Macedonia Brook State Park

After trudging around for a few hours I just wasn’t feeling it. I know I can’t find inspiration every time I go out but I try. I decided to head down the road to Bull’s Bridge. There is a dam that runs under the bridge and I thought I might be able to find some great water views given the heavy rain we have had as of late. Unfortunately I was stumped again, I just didn’t feel it.

As I was walking around I did find a flock of Black Vultures circling a fresh kill. I was unable to find the carcass but I did get this shot of one of the vultures.

Black Vulture

The good thing about not finding an image I think is a keeper means I try harder next time I go out. It also means I will attempt fall foliage photography soon because I don’t like being stumped!