Twig season on the way. From Hole 2 at Green Mountain National Golf Course.

Twig season on the way. From Hole 2 at Green Mountain National Golf Course.

Although the crisp temperatures demanded long pants and a "jumper" (to borrow a term from our British guests) this morning, the beautiful blue sky around the inn held out the promise for a nice morning for a round of golf at Green Mountain National.

As one would expect with the departure of the majority of fall foliage visitors, Green Mountain this morning was left primarily to pass holders and staff trying to catch one more round for the season. Aeration of the greens was done several days ago, demanding attention to putting. Some of the fairways also saw a vari-cut machine to help soften them up. But for the most part, the fairways and the rough are plenty soft enough with all of the wet weather we have had in the area over the last several months.

The blue skies of the early morning were, unfortunately, only a fake out. By the 4th hole a not so friendly overcast covered the area in a foreboding gloom. It was a classic example of the change in seasons in Killington. With the leaves mostly off of the trees around the course, the twigs matched the grey skies to cast a pall across the landscape. A cool breeze only helped emphasize the changing seasons.

The doom and gloom, brought on by an approaching storm front, lasted until we reached the ninth green, at which point glimmers of sunshine streaked across the sky. It was clearly a sign that we should play on, versus retiring to the club house for an early lunch and some warming beverages. By the time we had reached the 13th hole, blue sky was once again in attendance. We had made the right call in continuing on.

I would like to pretend that my golf game was good today (it wasn't); if only because I am not sure that there will be many more opportunities to play this year. It has been a spotty year for golf with family obligations and the weather event in late August. But golf is a great game, and there is always next year if there is not one more round in my future for this season.

Right now, of course, we are caught between the best of both worlds for recreation, without having either. Golf is more enjoyable with warm temperatures. Skiing, on the other hand, requires cold temperatures and some snow. Right now my mind is switching to winter, so a little snow would be just fine for me. I look forward to heading out on the slopes of Killington this winter.

So I guess it is time to clear the brain of thoughts of green fairways and rolling greens, at least until we start thinking about a vacation to some warm climate next spring. With twig season signaling the end of fall and the onset of winter in Killington, its time to switch gears and think snow...

Fall season is definitely winding down at Killington. If you want to catch the last of fall colors, now is the time before the onset of the winter season. We at the Birch Ridge Inn look forward to greeting you when you visit.