Trees changing color behind the Birch Ridge Inn 

October 5, 2009 at 12:27 PM!

If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you!

Every year at this time, Mary and I get asked by our prospective guests "When will fall colors peak in Vermont?"

Of course, since the answer is based upon the whims of Mother Nature, the answer is inscrutable. However, with hard earned vacation money on the line, people planning trips to Vermont are naturally interested in trying to be here at the right time.

As in the stock market, past performance is not an indicator of future potential. However, pictures do tell a thousand words...so we try to look at the historical record to figure it out.

For the last 4 years I have been taking foliage pictures of the inn. I started in 2006. The first photo's are not great. But I rapidly found a solution to taking consistent pictures which can document the record. If you look at past pictures, it would appear that peak foliage is moving later into the season. From the 2006 gallery, peak happened between October 4th and 6th. In 2007, peak happened between October 7th and 9th. Last year, peak happened between October 11 and 13th.

This years colors, however look like they are reversing the trend. If you look at the intermediate pictures, the color this year today seems more pronounced than last year for mid September. What this means in the grand scheme of things is of course hard to tell.

The weather at Killington this summer (did we have a summer?) has been very damp and cold. If the trend continues for the next couple of weeks, then I would bet that peak color in Killington would fall on the early side of the calendar. Of course, if we get some warm weather, which is not currently forecasted, the change in color would slow down a little and track closer to the last couple of years.

The majesty of it all is that we really have know way of knowing. You typically recognize peak color after you have seen it.

The nice thing about Killington and the fall is that Killington is in the middle of the state of Vermont. Fall foliage hunters can find peak color in the area typically over a 4 week period, from the last week of September through the third week of October, depending upon their desire to drive either north or south of Killington along Vermont's famed Route 100.

So when will peak foliage occur at Killington this year. How about October 5, 2009, at 12:27 PM...It's just a guess of course, but I'm sticking with it!

Turkey Hay Sculpture at Lookout Bar and Grill 

Last night, under a tent at the Mountain Meadows Lodge, the Killington Chamber of Commerce held it's 35th annual meeting. About 100 businesses from Killington and the surrounding towns which make up the Killington Region participated.

Guest speakers at the event included Paul Costello from the Vermont Council on Rural Development, Chris Nyberg, the president of the Killington Resort, and Jeanne Karlhuber, the Chairwomen of the Killington Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Phil Black, owner of the Lookout in Killington, was sworn in as the newly elected President, replacing Chris Karr from Jax's and the Pickle Barrel night clubs. In his opening address, Phil spoke of how the Killington Chamber and the Killington Economic Development and Tourism Committee have had to work together over the last year to define the roles of each organization. The net result has been the creation of a Memo of Understanding between the groups which spells out joint interests and mutual responsibilities. The first fruits of this agreement are hitting the streets as we speak with the creation of a new Discover Killington promotional guide.

Paul Costello spoke of the sense of accomplishment he was feeling for Killington. Paul visited Killington 2 years ago while hosting a series of organizational meetings for the "Grow Killington" initiative. Those activities have now come together under the official auspices of the Town of Killington with the passage of the 1% option tax to fund economic development and the creation of the EDT.

Chris Nyberg gave a very frank talk about the state of the Killington ski resort. He reviewed Powdr's and KSRP's impressions about the business and spoke of some of the successes and challenges the resort faces. He was very forth coming is communicating to people that after 2 years of running an eastern ski resort that they have developed an understanding of the value promoted by the original owner, Preston Smith, in being the first resort to open and the last resort to close. He also understood that driving volume through customer loyalty was important. Last year saw a slight increase in overall skier and rider days at the resort, but it came mostly from an increase in visits from season pass holders, not individual paid tickets.

Jeanne Karlhuber, innkeeper at the Snowed Inn and Chairwomen of the Killington EDT spoke of the work ongoing by the EDT in the community. A new website promoting Killington, "Discoverkillington.com" is due to launch at the end of October. Jeanne also announced plans for a Killington Film Festival in April, and the return of the Killington Stage Race next Memorial Day weekend.

Also at the chambers annual meeting, Andy Reid of the Killington Deli was awarded the chambers Volunteer of the Year award. Andy is stepping down from the Chamber of Commerce board of directors after a long term of service to the community.

Congratulations to Phil on his election as President, Andy as the Volunteer of the Year, and the Killington Chamber of Commerce for 35 years of service to the Killington community.

Raccoon Hay Sculpture at Snowed Inn 

When I got dressed this morning, I naturally reached for a short sleeve shirt and a pair of shorts. I was immediately greeted by Mary with the proclamation: "You do know that the weather forecasters are calling this the last day of summer!"

Now, I'm thinking ...wait a minute. It's only September 15th, not September 22nd. The Autumnal Equinox is not for another week...why are we rushing the season?

Well, come to find out, when I got to my computer this morning and looked at the weather forecast...It looks like Mary is right (as usual.... don't let her know.) This looks like the last day at Killington where the temperature might nudge 70 degrees. The forecast for the rest of the week is calling for temperatures struggling to get over the high 50's during the day with temps in the low 30's most nights.

I don't know about you, but I am not quite ready for winter yet. I have started my ski exercise program to get ready for the ski season, but I would like a few more warm days before the snow flies. But then again, this is New England.

Where ever you may be, keep it in the fairway...and think warm thoughts.

Boss Hog at Moguls Sports Pub in Killington 

The Killington Classic Motorcycle Rally wrapped up today. Riders leaving the Killington region are experiencing partly cloudy and cool conditions for their rides home.

It is hard to get a gauge of the number of riders who took part in the event. The bikes participating came in all different shapes and sizes, and produced varying decibel levels. The ones with loud exhaust systems were easily heard at the inn. But we also saw cycles passing along the Killington Road in front of the inn that were quieter than an average car.

The Rutland Herald reported that about 300 riders took part in the parade to the Vermont Fair in Rutland on Friday night. I am sure we will find out an official count for the event later this week.

In the mean time, Boss Hog will be staying in town on display at Moguls on the Killington road. Boss Hog is one of the hay sculptures that is part of the Killington Hay Festival, which will continue at Killington through out the fall season.

A flock of turkeys on the front porch of the Birch Ridge Inn 

Here is an interesting one for you.

The arrival of colder overnight temperatures is becoming visible both in the foliage on the trees and in the behavior of local animals. Bear reports are coming in from all over town as the search for food prior to going into hibernation. But this one was weirder still....

When Mary woke up to do breakfast for guests, she found a flock of wild turkeys huddled on the front porch of the inn. Since there is no food of any kind on the porch, one can only speculate that they were there to take advantage of the shelter provided by the porch, and the warmth of the slate floor.

For what it's worth...

Have a good weekend.

The stars and stripes of the United States of America 

Today is a solemn day in modern American history.

To all who lost loved ones eight years ago, our hearts go out to you.

And to all of those who have been called to serve to respond to the tragedies of eight years ago, and to their families, you have our gratitude and support.

And to our leaders, whether we have agreed with you or not in how you have lead our countries response, you have our respect.

God Bless America.

The Killington Classic Motorcycle Rally returns this weekend. 

As we enter the fall season, there is a lot going on at Killington this weekend.

The Killington Classic Motorcycle rally returns. "Thunder throught the Mountains" is being produced by Killingtons' Economic Development and Tourism Commission with assistance from the Killington Chamber of Commerce. The Killington Classic begins this afternoon and continues through Sunday with a variety of events around town. See the Killington Classics' website for more details.

Also this weekend, visitors to the region can tour the area and collect pictures of Hay Sculptures placed outside many local businesses. A Hay Sculpture Map has been posted online by the Killington EDTC for people to print out and follow.

Where ever you may be this weekend, hit them straight and don't forget your sun screen.