Capturing the Moment

  I had to rock-hop out into the middle of the river to get this photo. Stowe is such a picturesque place at this time of year. Today was the perfect day to get out and enjoy the fall season here in Stowe, Vermont. Yesterday was a bit blustery, and the town was packed full of out-of-town leaf peepers visiting. The traffic was horrendous. We did see a black bear in the middle of town, which was pretty cool, as we were stuck in traffic on our way to the playground. Today started out pretty cool, but warmed up enough for what may be the last family bike ride of the year. Snow is right around the corner... although hopefully still a little longer before winter. The three kids and I hit up the Stowe bike path near our house for some morning fun. Catalina wanted to go check out the Stowe Farmers Market, I think she had a cinnamon roll on her mind. So we headed off in that direction. Dela is still on a push bike, so a bit slower. The other kids would just zoom off ahead and then race back. We

Check out some of the best views from this leaf peeping season here in Stowe. I tried to get off the beaten path to avoid the crowds and I think the end result is pretty fun. I am really enjoying the different perspective that I can get with the drone. It can look very cinematic when done right. 

  The beautiful Fall colors started even before I got to the Stowe pinnacle parking area. The hike up through the hardwood forest was like walking through a kaleidoscope landscape. The morning sun burned off the early mist, and the view from the top was truly awe inspiring. According to my All Trails app, the complete hike was 3.47 miles with a 1,063ft elevation gain. It only took me 1hr, although I did spend some time at the summit flying my drone. Soaking in peaceful, Fall vibes. Luckily the Stowe Land Trust saved a bunch of this land from development. I wanted to see what the hike looked like with all the Fall colors. It did not disappoint. Fall Colors ahead! Another hiker, lost in the colors. Heading higher in the forest. Almost there. I am about to leave the colorful forest behind, and enter a high elevation evergreen forest. Get ready for a couple of steep sections shortly after this sign. A tunnel of trees, with colorful leaves above and below. Some trees stand above the rest. A

  Another angle that only a drone can provide. I really like having this new, different perspective to help capture the feel of the area. Vermont is famous for its old wooden covered bridges and its amazing display of Fall foliage. So I thought to myself, what better way to photograph Vermont than to combine these two amazing things. I took my dji mini 4k drone and my iPhone 12 pro max out for a spin to see what I could get. The Brookdale Bridge was originally built in 1964 and spans the West Branch Little River. It is right at the end of the Stowe bike path, which winds for over five miles to downtown Stowe. It is October 7th, and we are still in prime 'leaf peeping' season here in Stowe. The traffic is pretty wild. People drive from all over to come see the leaves. They are all getting a very good show at the moment. I imagine that we are going to move into stick season pretty soon, however, so now is the time to get out there and get these shots! Beautiful Fall colors abound

  Famous view of downtown Stowe. This is the little village where I live. There were several other photographers at this spot when I stopped here this morning. I jumped out quickly enough to take this photo, then jumped back in to get the kids to school. Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Stowe is a quintessential New England town that truly comes alive during the fall. From late September through October, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change color. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along winding country roads, with each bend revealing a new vista of colorful hillsides and charming rural farms. A stroll through the town of Stowe itself offers a picture-perfect experience, with its white-steepled church, cozy cafes, and boutique shops that invite you to slow down and soak in the charm. Beyond the beauty of the town, Stowe is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails like those on Mount Man

  Thanks to the drone you can get a better idea of just how amazing, gorgeous, and secluded this area is.     It can get pretty crowded here in Stowe during the peak changing of the leaves season. But if you know where to go, you can find some dramatic fall scenery, without the crowds. The Nebraska Notch hike is one of these places. It starts all the way at the end of Nebraska Valley road. The road dead ends into the members-only Mansfield Trout Club, but there is a separate parking area for day hikers, just above the building. The hike winds its way along the banks of Lake Mansfield, before angling up towards the Nebraska Notch. It is about 2 miles and 800ft elevation gain. At the top you find yourself on the famous Long Trail, and an overnight shelter for hikers.    The Fall colors were amazing around the lake, and only got better as I climbed higher on the trail. I didn't see another soul, all the way to the top. It was just pure, natural serenity. The shelter had some very cool