Philip Slocum Photography

 The west is just so different, not as lush as New England.  In Montana “Big Sky Country”  it seems that the sky never ends, especially in eastern and central Montana, where the lack of trees on the prairie causes  this illusion. Mount Rushmore and The Crazy Horse monument are spectacular as is devils tower where I only saw one alien 👽. The Little Bighorn Battlefield gives you a very somber feeling, not only for the loss of the seventh cavalry but also for the way the Indians were treated by the United States Government. The Government broke most of the treaties they negotiated,  and tried to starve them by slaughtering millions of bison 🦬 that they relied on for subsistence. When they did settle on reservations crooked agents stole the food and supplies the government sent for their subsistence.

Winter in northern New England has not only cold, very cold temperatures but also offers many outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowmachine rides, ice fishing, hunting, and hibernation for us older folks that cannot migrate to warmer climates. The Presidential Range offers hikers gorgeous views, but be aware the weather can be deadly. Be prepared, and if the weather is the least bit questionable stay on the lower slopes, or do not attempt a hike. Ice fishing is often a family affair, pet’s included.                                       ,These kids learn to enjoy the out doors , no electronics needed!!

Fall's official start date the fall equinox was September 23 in 2010, but in Northern New England fall weather starts near the end of August or early in September. This is marked buy cool dry air masses and pleasant temperatures during the day and cool and sometimes frosty nights. Lancaster Fair  Another marker of this seasonal change is the annual Coos and Essex County Agricultural Fair: ( Lancaster Fair ) The fair runs annually over the Labor Day weekend Wednesday through Monday ( Labor Day ). Rocking to the oldies Lancaster Fair 2010 The fair has entertainers from national acts to local bands of many flavors. Roger Irwin,  Wildlife Photographer and retired dairy farmer I always enjoyed this fair yes it has its midway but it still has a rich collection of exhibit halls with displays of vegetables, quilting, photography, and art. Holsteins Barns full of cattle, oxen, chickens, goats, horses, pigs and oh lord most any animal Noa

Crawford Notch NH    Fall in New England's  North Country is as beautiful as anywhere in the world.  The intensity  of the foliage varies somewhat year to year but it never ceases to amaze me.   Mother nature is by far a better designer than the most talented engineer, or architect. Crawford Notch is a great place to view the Foliage, the Flume and Silver Cascades falls can be seen from the road. Leaf Peepers   not to be confused with Spring Peepers ,  drive me nuts! Never drive closer than 50 yards off the rear of a leaf peepers car!  They are a very unpredictable species and can be dangerous, stopping suddenly or changing directions in a moment without warning. While on vacation in Florida several years back I was driving through the central part of the  state, it is cattle country, miles of pasture and woods, I was peeping, ......... when a local Floridian, Florida Cracker honked as he flew by me signaling to me that I was number one? Well he was showing me one fin