At one time there were two sugar maples atop Mount Pollux that had achieved local iconic status. But sitting on top of any elevation can be hazardous to your health during stormy weather and both had their bouts with lightning. This one has survived while its partner slowly decayed over the years and eventually was cut down for safety as the hill is visited quite heavily. If you’d like to see the two together here is a post with several views.
Yesterday morning I visited the hill again hoping for some color to hit the wispy clouds over the Holyoke Mountain Range but that wasn’t happening. However the clouds to the west were coloring up a bit and the moon was still high in the sky. I lined the composition up so the moon was framed within the almost bare branches and made a few exposures.
Although still dark, a click allows a better view and light.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
While not what you hoped for, the overall blue tone is still nice.
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In the not what you expected department, this is what is called sometimes what’s unexpected turns out better than the expected. While a nice sunrise or southern twilight sky would have been nice, this is different and pleasing so you may not always get what you want, but sometimes you just might, get what you need.
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The dark blue with just a hint of pink gives a very moody feel and an effective contrast to the glow of the moon. I like it!
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Those pink clouds are not quite as pronounced as I wanted but subtle works well too and I am pleased with the result. Thanks, Ann!
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What a beautiful view after the click!
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Thanks, Peter.
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I couldn’t help thinking, “That could be the scarf of Venus!”
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Considering her pose in a clamshell the scarf, especially a boa, would be handy.
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That’s a big change in color scheme from your more recent autumnal hues. It’s gorgeous though–very nice photo!
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There’ll be some more of the previous color from this same day but it was still dark. 🙂 Thanks, Tina!
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Beautiful image Steve! Like the moon peeking through the opening in the trees leaves!
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Thanks, Reed!
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Beautiful – these colors are special, as is the placement of the moon. Subtle and mysterious. I could look at this for a long time.
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I was very pleased to see this while waiting for the sun to rise behind me. Not exactly lemonade. 🙂 Thanks, Lynn!
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I love the darkness of this photograph.
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Thanks, Linda! Thankfully not too dark to make a photograph.
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