I wanted to make the most of the only full day we had in Franconia, New Hampshire. Add to it the craze of watching at least one of Sunrise or Sunset, though I had planned for both.
We were staying quite close to the ski area of famous Cannon Mountain and its Aerial Tramway. The only concern was the chilly temperatures owing to the cyclone blasting most of the states we were covering (stretching from Canada to the United States). However, I consider it an opportunity to witness some gorgeous views that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise!
I got up early (no surprise for guessing), got ready, and made my way to our car parked right behind the Hillwinds Lodge we were put up in. The temperature on the dashboard showed -27 degree Celsius, which only meant for me that I had to keep the car running for about 15 minutes. It was still dark when I drove to the base of the aerial tramway. They open up at 8.30AM, so I was early even by their standards. Also, I couldn’t see anybody skiing either, which is what I love – just the place to myself! When we left the place next day morning, we could see many people skiing the same slopes just around 8.30.
Since the parking lot was empty (maintenance was cleaning up snow, though), I took my time to admire the beauty of snow-capped mountains. Being surrounded by mountains with they showing me the best they have to offer is quite overwhelming for me. I take it with both hands!I couldn’t spend a lot of time there – the temperatures are hard to imagine even for me now. I had read about a couple of small lakes around, one of them being Echo Lake just a couple of kilometers away (another one being Profile Lake), and I quickly made my way to it. If you’ve read me for long, you would know I don’t miss lakes, for they provide stunning reflections of subjects around – here they were the mountains. By that time, the activity of people arriving for their work had started. I asked for the Echo Lake and was told it just a walkable distance but that it is all frozen, so no point of going there. I have heard such arguments earlier also, they don’t matter for me now – I like to take my own call!Well, I was standing by the Echo Lake (the entire frozen section in above shot) in no time. And guess what, I have no regrets! It might not look to be a setting that would keep in you awe, but you can’t ask for the best every time. I am still thankful to have been there and done that because I was the only one around fighting the tough conditions. On my walk back from the Echo Lake, I did see a few skiers just starting off their day.I love going the extra mile to find views that make for killer shots. On my drive back to the hotel, I saw a long patch of icicles along the road, and I was quick enough to take turn and park in a safe spot. As you can make out, some seemed to have brought down quite a lot of dirt!Being early morning, the traffic was calm, and I went to a bridge close by that provided for an unobstructed view of the skiing runways. I now consider the below frame to be one of the best that I would ever see!Later that day, we took the tramway up the Cannon mountain and then watched the sunset at Omni resort, where we had a gem of a time in the fall of 2016 (you should not miss both those posts).
Ah, these breathtaking beauty all by yourself… You definitely had a great time exploring the landscapes. You had some amazing shots, Alok. 🙂
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I should say i got lucky seeing those sights 🙂
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These are some amazing shots of the cold winter, Alok. You did great and moved fast in the space of a few moments in the early morning when it was still quite. It seems to be your skill. No traffic and people to get in your way 😀 The skiing runways look fantastic from afar. Great memories 🙂
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Yes, the entire highway seemed to be available to me. I stopped wherever i wanted to 🙂
Thank you, Mabel.
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Wow, those skiing runways look absolutely amazing Alok. Spectacular photos
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Yes, somehow they look much better in the pics 🙂
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Amazing pics Alok… great post👏
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Thanks a lot.
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The last pic with the roads is too good. Great capture 🙂
Destination Infinity
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Yes, that’s my favorite from the trip 😊
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Unbelievable that you are doing such adventure at -27 degree Celsius! It’s not just a matter of passion, but also of physical fitness and internal strength. For a person like me, who has never sighted snow, it is like reading about another planet! Thanks for this virtual tour and for the glimpse of what you saw. Stunning views and brilliant shots!
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I am humbled, Sindhu.
Once you get used to freezing temperatures (like in Canada), you don’t feel zero degree that bad. It is just that that got me going there. But, yes, -27 is another ball game altogether!
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🙂
But, many can’t do it. I can’t imagine myself doing that kind of adventure. So, I must congratulate you and thank you for the visual adventure opportunity 🙂
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Thank you 😍
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Your dedication to capture the serenity in early morning hours come what may is inspiring, Alok!
Going out for a shoot at -27 degrees is unthinkable for me but you’ve aced it (like always).
More power to you & your will to photograph the unthinkable.
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Hahaha. I somehow get excited in extreme weather. It is challenging for sure but not undo-able.
Much thanks for a wonderful comment.
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Early morning is the best time to click pictures and more so, when there is freezing cold 😀 You can expect absolute solitude. Beautiful captures…the last one, I like most… 🙂
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I agree. That’s what i most enjoyed in the trip.
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– 27 Celsius. Oh my God!! I’m Australian. 15 Celsius is freezing for me. Gorgeous photos though, and the frozen lake is just beautiful.
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I guess once you start experiencing such bizarre temperatures often, you sort of get used to them. People live in Antarctica also 😊
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-27 degree C! Gosh, I know how cold it is 😀 However looking at the view and the stunning mountain and frozen lake, I can see it was an amazing experience despite the cold!
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I think the freezing temperatures added that extra charm to the clicks 🙂
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So Beautiful captures with detailed narration !!
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Thank you!
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Lovely pictures 🙂
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Thanks
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Beautiful pics with nice write up.
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Much thanks!
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Thoroughly enjoyed seeing those snow covered hills.
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My pleasure 🙂
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Amazing shots.
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Thank you
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I can feel the peace! Lovely shots.
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Thanks 👍
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Those are some great shots, Alok. That must have been a satisfying morning.
Frozen lakes are cool sights, too. I remember the first time I saw one — it was in CO and I was so fascinated by it.:)
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I would have loved if it was a bit thaw…that would have made it identifiable. It just looks a sheet of ice otherwise.
Thank you, though.
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These pics are awesome, you are a great photographer. The last pic is so-so nice, I even liked it on your twitter page. How did you manage to go out when the temperature was too low. The frozen lake it so cool.
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I have a habit of doing the unthinkable 😊
I guess it just feels ok when you are out for long…I feel so.
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What beautiful snow covered landscape..bathed in soft hues of blue…the last one is mesmeric!
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Thanks a lot, Kokila.
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Wow! The surroundings look grim but am sure seeing landscapes like this is quite amazing in its own way. The last pic takes the cake :).
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You are very right. Thanks!
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Beautiful is not enough for this. Stunning shots. I also love snow-capped mountains. Thoroughly enjoyed the post.
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Glad to hear. Pleasure 😊
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