Pivot and Pause in New England

CT: New Haven County-Meriden-Guiffrida Park (Winter 2021)

The Covid pandemic pushed me outdoors last spring, summer and fall. Now one of the snowiest winters I can recall I’m searching for cold weather opportunities. Astounded to find each attainable opportunity but add Guiffrida Park to my winter hiking list.

In the other seasons I climbed Chauncey peak. This time with the snow and ice I kept to the left side of crescent lake starting at the colorful benches overlooking the mountain.

I went down the white trail between the canopy of trees following the lake’s edge which was a blanket of ice and snow. I could see animal footprints of various types on top.

I continued just a bit beyond the lake and turned around to feel the heat of the sun over Chauncey Peak as the cold winter winds blew.

I found a small gorge which appeared may be a small waterfall in season. I took many pictures trying to get both the frozen waterfall and the reflecting snow topped rocks in the stream.

I then returned on the blue trail which provided opportunity to try a bit of elevation in the snow. I was wearing micro spikes so felt I could give it a try. I enjoy peeking through the bare trees finding opportunities to use them as a frame to capture the scene below me.

Awesome day! Very rewarding. Below is the link to my visit in the fall of 2020 which includes a trail map and a description of a sunset hike to Chauncey Peak.

https://btographytravels.com/2020/10/27/ct-new-haven-county-meriden-giuffrida-park/

CT: New Haven County-Meriden-Castle Craig (Winter 2021)

I returned to Castle Craig for a winter “hike” using the paved road to the top – although some may not refer to using the road in lieu of the trails as a true hike. This was also a site visit before we took my cousins kids up here (4 and 5 years old), Roman and Laina.

We parked in Hubbard Park by the playground and headed up the main road which is gated off season to the cars. The road was a bit icy so I would walk on the side of the road where there was more snow for traction.

It’s a 2.6 mile out and back road around the reservoir and up the mountain to the castle. Spy the island in the reservoir to compare to the view once at the top.

We spoke to the kids on the cell once we reached the top. They asked if we saw penguins on our ice and snow hike. While we didn’t see penguins, the castle had a huge heart (a darling girl would love) amidst the stone castle and iron gate (for the sweet boy to enjoy).

Spy the island in the reservoir from the castle with the mountains beyond! Our site visit was a success and recommended! Happy Valentine’s Day to Roman and Laina. Love you guys.

Below is the link to my Fall visit which includes a topographical map of the mountain trails and some fun facts about Castle Craig.

https://btographytravels.com/2020/11/22/ct-meriden-new-haven-park-hubbard-park-castle-craig/

CT: Hartford County- Granby- Enders Falls (Winter hike)

Super-magical-icious!

I had been to Enders Falls once before in 2020 in the summer and recognized I would return notwithstanding the drive. It’s part of the larger Enders Forest but if you want to see only the falls it’s a short hike from the lot. Given the amount of snow and there are stairs that are snowed over, I found my micro spikes a necessity.

There were others that started the path with me but stopped at the steeper set of stairs saying they were concerned they wouldn’t make it back up. I can confirm I needed them but I found it worth the effort.

This was definitely a trip that I couldn’t adequately capture in the photos. There is a canopy of trees that line your path along the falls.

With five falls of different types there is a different world to be imagined with each plateau although I couldn’t capture them all.

It was suggested to return after the next rain as the snow dissipates and the icicles will be more pronounced

I captured a few seconds of the babbling brook traversing the snow clouds. While others may be focused on the icicles of the falls for some reason this is the spot I found most magical and serene.

If you’ve chosen to come here during the winter you are either into photography or feel the magic of nature.

Once again those that were on the hike engaged with one another and gave each other tips with where to go, what you’ll see and when to come back!

Given the degree of snow, do stay on the path and hold onto the rail. A step off the path can send you down the ravine! Happy winter hiking!

Inspiration: Amber Glow Amidst the Snow

I often read poetry about the purity of the snow but it hadn’t resonated as much as it does now.

There is something so relaxing to watch it fall so softly.

It hides all the imperfections beneath it.

It provides a canvas on which to shine a glimmer of hope.

You don’t need to go far to find the light. You just need to look with the intent to see it.

CT: New London County- Groton- Sheep Farm (Winter)

Exciting to find a lesser known venue with a waterfall . . . It may be smaller than the more known Connecticut falls but its a dual waterfall and one you can walk around or through and see from the top or the bottom.

The first area you reach on the trail to the falls is the waterfall overlook. It was interesting to watch the water flow through the icy overhangs the water creates.

There’s a pretty vocal controversy in the outdoor groups about the painted rocks found on hikes. Some view it as trash left behind and others view it as motivational. While I do appreciate both sides I lean towards liking the rocks. When I stumbled on the one above I smiled not only by the message but that someone out there made the effort and wanted to make a stranger smile.

I took a short clip of the flow going through the ice and snow formations to share since it’s not a frequent occurrence.

I also enjoyed the wooden bridge held up by zen stacked rocks where you can sit and contemplate the flow of the dual falls. I look forward to returning to the other trails and points of interest on the property.

Couple this day with a visit to Bluff Point in Groton for a walk out on the peninsula onto the Sound. Refer to link below.

https://btographytravels.com/2021/02/07/ct-new-london-county-groton-bluff-point-state-park/

CT: New London County-Waterford- Harkness Memorial (Winter)

Harkness Memorial State Park has panoramic views of Long Island Sound. I discovered this park in the late summer but could see how it would be awesome to take pictures here any time of year. Spring and summer are ideal for photo ops but winter offers more of a challenge to find and can therefore offer you increased focus and attention. I find it magical.

I went straight for the shore! There was a huge amount of foam. So much so that it would break off and fly in the breeze. Magic!

As I walked down the beach, I saw the ferry crossing the sound, a bird hovering over a rock with waves crashing and this small patch of snow which was heart shaped. I have a few friends in particular who love those accidental findings and it has now drawn me to them as well. The moment becomes a bit more rewarding when I am able to see these. Magic!

As you round the corner along the shore you see “Eolia” the former summer residence of the Harkness family built in 1906 and the water tower on the right.

As I’m not a true photographer I am always challenged on how to capture the architecture, layers, angles and shadows the grounds offer.

Each time I go I view it as a learning opportunity to find unique perspectives in the environment.

At the front of the mansion, I saw the water tower and blue sky reflecting in the window while the holiday urns offered a green glow. Magic!

In addition to the man made structures, I have consistently been engaged by two trees that sit in between the mansion and the Sound.

I noticed them with their full set of leaves in the Spring. Once their naked limbs appeared I see their branches outstretched to one another as if to dance together. Magic!

I find some of my outdoor venues to be genuinely inspiring. This one happens to be one of those locations where I consistently see something magical. At those moments I try and capture those inspirations in the blog as well as they are truly motivational to me to find the next magical moment in nature.

Below link captured a couple of those additional moments.

https://btographytravels.com/2020/12/23/inspiration-pivot-and-pause/

CT: New London County-Groton- Bluff Point State Park (Winter)

It was a clear day the day before another snow storm so I decided to drive out where I don’t often go. Out to New London County along the shore.

I have hiked, biked and kayaked at Bluff Point during the warmer months but this is my first season seeking winter hikes.

First, I take much fewer pictures because it’s so cold. This hike was fun as Bluff Point is a peninsula jutting out onto the sound and has a beach strip that juts out from there. It’s a mile and a half out and back so manageable. But on this day quite muddy with loads of puddles. Many who just wore sneakers had to turn back. I had a mission to get to the fun beach strip as I fell in love with that spot when kayaking there as it divides an inlet from the sound and you can see both sides at the same time.

Beach Strip with each side a different color!

Through the brush I finally saw it about a mile out. Immediately I was intrigued by what appeared as different water colors. I enhanced the colors on the photo to share what I could see with only my eyes.

I turned the corner onto the beach strip. Hard to get to as the water was deep to get to the footbridge. It was then a scene from a movie!

The waves were crashing, the birds hovering and diving for fish and there were two boats which appeared abandoned along the shore.

The winds were howling. I just kept snapping pictures barely even looking in hopes I would capture some of what I was seeing and feeling! I then saw a real photographer with a long nature lens and knew I found a good place.

So much fun! So many gifts! I turned back and the return was back on the gravel road away from the cold winds. Anxious to get home to see what I captured.

Dear My Boys: Wear your boots. Love Mom.

CT: New Haven County- Southbury- Bent of River Audubon (Winter Hike)

Discovered Bent of River Audubon Center in Southbury with a beautiful trail by a river.

I’m like a kid in a candy shop when I get river views and fun wooden bridges and benches along a dedicated path.

In the picture below you can see the S shape wooden path on the left with the mirroring serpentine river on the right.

It’s new for me to seek out paths I can walk in the winter. It was traversed just enough to pack the snow down so I can see the intended trail and I didn’t need special gear to navigate it. I could tell someone had snowshoed here earlier. I haven’t tried snow shoes or cross country skiing yet. Typically there isn’t a lot of snow in the past few years in Connecticut to make the investment for me.

My favorite time to walk is a couple of hours before sunset. The reflections and shadows are most pronounced during those hours. The shot of the river with the trees reflecting was captured as a result. The house within the split rail fence is where there apparently are in season events.

I left right before sunset and was so pleasantly surprised as I drove down a road to see the sun setting over a hill. I don’t usually see the sunset in this part of Connecticut. I pulled the car over in a neighborhood and happily took some shots from the road.

What an awesome surprise!! Other cars even slowed down to yell out “awesome opportunity”, “great sunset” out their windows to share in my happiness ! I love these moments. What a gift!

For those who may wish to try Bent of River, here’s the trail map. Looking forward to trying some of the other trails next time.

While in Southbury, I would highly recommend a stop at Southford falls for an awesome hike with a waterfall and covered bridge. Link below to view some pictures and a trail map.

https://btographytravels.com/2021/01/08/ct-new-haven-county-southford-falls-winter/

CT: Fairfield County- Norwalk- Calf Pasture Beach (Winter Sunset)

It can be pretty darn magical to take a stroll around Calf Pasture beach as the sun sets and the colorful time following.

Some people, however, don’t believe in magic. Recognize I am not a photographer but I can share approaches I have used to capture the more colorful or unusual shots.

I have mentioned how different it is to me to see the world through a camera lens. During the colors of sunrise and sunset this could not be more true.

Using a telephoto lens provides you with the most opportunity to focus in on an object or colors far away. By doing so it limits your view to the most colorful aspects and as such once captured in a photo, the observer envisions a full sky with those colors. In reality it may only be a small piece of the sky.

For the inquiring minds, I share how it’s done.

As for myself, I prefer to believe in magic. 🙂

If you’re looking for a warm bit to eat nearby, I highly recommend Mecha Noodle. I take out and drive up to the beach in winter to watch the sunset. They have locations in Stamford, Norwalk and Fairfield.

https://btographytravels.com/2021/01/31/inspiration-take-in-and-take-out/

Inspiration: Snow Glows

It was a winter wonderland for two stormy days with over a foot of snow accumulating.

I was distracted from work when the sun finally appeared. The trees cast its shadows on the untouched white drifts.

When I want to really see what’s around me I pick up my camera. It’s much more deliberate – your senses are enhanced. At times I am fortunate enough to capture and share it.

“Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right”
Jerry Garcia

An everyday scene can suddenly become magical when you find an unexpected sparkle.