Tootling around the Back Roads - Oct 18, 2008

A little late for the best of the autumn color, but an interesting drive nonetheless. Hampton to the Ravine Road, then indirectly to somewhere on the Bellisle, then to Springfield, then up an unknown road network to some very high hills overlooking the Sussex Valley, finding our way to Pearsonville, and the Irish Settlement Road and eventually back to the "old" TCH to Sussex then back home via the "old" road on the North side of the Kennebecasis.

From a photography point of view, the late afternoon fall light is quite lovely, though the bright sun is helped along quite a bit when one remembers the polarizing filter in the kitbag.

Blueberries are grown commercially in this area, and this a about the best time of year to see the fields in autumnal glory. The reds in the forests are gone now, and the rusts of oak and beech are coming into their own. Reflections are still a favorite of mine to search out and experiment with.

Side Trip - Waterfall Erb's Cove

It's great fun seeking out waterfalls, especially those hidden close to the roadside. This one is less than a 2-minute walk from the roadside. When the water flow is not too heavy, you can climb out onto the various rock formations to get really close to the action.

These pictures show a waterfall near Erb's Cove on the Bellisle River. They were taken on two different dates, one in early spring before the leaves have come out, and one later when the woods are in full spring greenery.

It's a small waterfall, with an old concrete fish ladder along one side. This is in farming country, and is undoubtedly on private property. However, there seems to be a well-worn trail, and often people are seen fishing there.

The bridge crossing the stream offers a pleasant view of the stream, but only a hint of the waterfall below.

Connecting to my Picasa albums allows you to see the pictures in a larger format slideshow, and/or to see the locations mapped by Google Maps and Google Earth.