2024 Fall Foliage Trip to New York- Driving to Indian Lake - 2024/10/03

We're in New York! We've already been to an apple orchard and seen some other things, but now it's time to see what we flew all the way up here for. Leaves changing colors! We're all piled into the car and ready to go! 

But where to go. Hmm. The night before, Theresa was looking at the different reviews and recommendations for the area. 

The site ExploreFall.com was helpful in determining what parts of the USA were starting to change, were peaking, were in peak, and even past peak. 

But, it's not enough for an area to be in peak color. If you're driving down an area where it's 90% pine trees, it's still gonna look green, even though everything around them in turning. NYFallFoliage.com was helpful in determining a route to take as we explore. 

Off we go! 

Our first stop, around a city called The Glen, you can see things are just starting to change, but it's not there yet. Nevertheless, we stop to look around anyway. 

Theresa had a goal this year to find beautiful fall foliage, but with a water feature in front of it. Something that would make it even more beautiful. Here we see the Hudson River flowing past the changing trees. 

Back in the van to drive further up the road. 

The trees along the road weren't bad to look at either. 

And every once in a while, you get surprised by something that really stands out. 

But there. There in the distance. I see a lot more color. 

Yes! Route us to there! 

Along the way, there's still the Hudson river flowing through the cities, so we got out and stopped to take pictures. 

Little back roads that had trees overhanging the road. 

But there's that mountain again. Let's go up that! 

Gore Mountain. Normally a ski resort, but this early in the season there is no snow. 

But look at those hills. 

Wow. Those just might be the most beautiful colors on a hillside that I have seen. 

Shall we get closer? 

Even though it's early in the season, the picnic tables and chairs are still out. They even run the ski lifts on the weekends for people who want to ride up the mountain to see the trees closer. 

Everyone pulled up an Adirondack chair, fitting since we're in the Adirondack mountain range, and quietly enjoyed the peaceful beauty. 

Which was pleasant, but it feels like we're too close to the trees here. It's a better view to be a little further away. 

So we all took turns getting our photos. 

Gore Mountain was a great stop. Good find T! 

Who is hungry? Let's eat some lunch. 

We bought a few snacks, and earlier in the day ordered a pizza which we figured would keep just fine as we drove up into the mountains. 

It was an enjoyable lunch on the bank of the Hudson River, with the water flowing, the cooler wind blowing, and the quiet peace of the mountains. 

A Monarch! 

Every time we see a monarch, we like to pretend that it was the one we raised an saw change from a caterpillar to a butterfly in our California house. 

Theresa - I have to get a photo of that fiery red tree. 

All along our drive to Indian Lake, there were places to pull off. 

One of the ways Theresa "hedged her bets" was that we were going to New York, and there were lots of places at different elevations that we could go. One of them was bound to be in High Peak Color when we were there. The trick was just figuring out where. 

This tree almost looks like it's on fire. 

Finally we have arrived at Indian Lake! Oh wow, it's beautiful here. 

Excellent idea finding a water feature along with changing leaves Theresa. 

Jacob even caught a bird in flight. 

It's interesting to me how the pictures change depending on which way the sun is hitting the trees. This is in the same location, about 3 minutes after the photos above, but looking towards the sun. 

Driving around Indian lake, there are a few interesting features.

Like this sand beach!

The kids went right to the swingset. 

They've been real troopers today. Never complaining, or asking when we were going to be done. It might not be the most exciting day for them, but they know Mommy is in her happy place right now. 

I joined them on the swings too. 

Come swing Theresa! 

Actually, wait. Just one second. I see a big spider on that swing. 

Theresa - That's not my swing. That's your swing. 

Of course. 

There was even a volleyball court! What a beautiful place to play! We weren't in the truck, so I didn't have a volleyball with, and there were no other people around... but I'm always ready to play! 

Stoplight trees. Red, Yellow, and Green. 

Just a little down the road was another park that was worth stopping at. 

The greens, reds, and yellows make for a nice contrast. Love it! 

And here we found tons of leaves on the ground. 

If I had a rake, I would have made a big pile for the kids to dive into. Instead, we shuffled as many as we could with our feet into a pile and jumped into that. 

Ooh, a surprise visitor! 

Everyone good? Is that enough leaves? 

No? One more stop? Fair enough. 

This has been a wonderful day with lots of amazing views. 

Ooh, a small plane! There's an idea for next time... We could fly above all the trees. 

Yeah, no. T wouldn't go for that at all. One of her comments on this drive was that she was very happy we haven't been traveling along winding mountain roads. And there's been hardly any traffic. Our timing couldn't have been better.  

Great job Theresa for planning all this out! Fall foliage and all the associated treats that go with it are one of the highlights of Fall! 

Time to head back to the hotel!