Changing seasons, and views from above

I hit 55 this past weekend, and just as I did when I turned 50, I escaped into the woods. Three days of solo contemplation, journaling, reading, hiking, and climbing. One slim bar of cell phone coverage, and sketchy data coverage that I almost never used. Notifications firmly turned OFF.

In other words, heaven.

Couldn’t take the drone in my pack, because the guidelines for both Connecticut State Parks and the Appalachian Trail forbid their use.

After a glorious three days, I emerged from the woods and decided to take a back road home, one that I’d spotted from the peak two days prior. As I drove away, up a small hill, I glanced in the mirror and was taken aback...the view was even better than I'd hoped. I was staring at the full range I'd explored, and so much more, left to right.

The drone was in my trunk, as it often is, so I looped around...twice...looking for a great place to launch. Finally ran into a local, asked, and he gave me a great suggestion.

Within minutes, airspace was checked and my remote eyes took to the skies. I quickly found a great perspective and maneuvered in to get this shot.

And what a shot! Got it in panoramic mode. It came out so much better than I envisioned, even imagined, it could.

The best season, as far as I'm concerned, and an early glimpse of nature adjusting for the cold to come. Another season, for the hills and for me.