exploring around Montalban Ridge area

[forestgnome]

This is the time of year when I really like to get back into the forest and down from the open alpine zones. The flowers are all gone and it's getting wintery cold while it's early autumn just below in the forest. From now until late November is my favorite time.

Unfortunately, I forgot my orange gaiters and shirts but I made due with what I had for orange. I stayed on trails for the first mile or so to get beyond where most hunters venture.

Hobblebush now has nice clumps of berries.

caterpillar

I was very happy to find lots of birch glades, which are just beautiful this time of year.

There's lots of interesting moose sign; here's one of two rutting pits I found

I found a ledgy outcrop with some nice views...

After a nice long nap in the warm sun I continued and slowly made my way through more excellent moose habitat...

14 pointer...

had the good fortune of seeing a nice healthy yearling bull in an old clearing down lower...they love pin cherry leaves...

just a great sparkling early autumn day in the White Mountains!

happy trails

 

[1HappyHiker]

Although short on words, your amazing photos speak volumes, and they tell the entire story of your adventure in great detail.

Thank you for another excellent report!

 

[SAR-EMT40]

Great photos as always. One of my favorite hikes is that ridge.

Keith

 

[sapblatt]

great shots yet again - loved the birch shot!

 

[mtruman]

Although short on words, your amazing photos speak volumes, and they tell the entire story of your adventure in great detail.

How true John! Patrick seldom needs words to tell the story. Great stuff!

 

[Cymbidium]

Enjoyed your report! Like that caterpillar close up! What camera and lens do you use?

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Thanks again!

Great TR and pics! Confidential to Cymbidium: Its not the camera or the lens!

KDT

 

[forestgnome]

Enjoyed your report! Like that caterpillar close up! What camera and lens do you use?

Thanks! I use a Canon XSi with a Sigma 17-70mm lens for close-up and scenic, and a Canon XTi with a Canon 75-300mm for wildlife (last shot of this TR).

happy trails