Mark Megahan
This is the time of year when all the vibrantly spectacular colors of autumn appear like magic across America. Cooling temperatures signal the transformation and right now, it’s in full swing across most of the northeast and spreading rapidly everywhere else.
The magic of autumn
There is something about the reds and golds of autumn leaves which make us all forget about daily drudgery, to focus on family and celebration. Along with the shorter days and cooler nights come the taste of apples and the smell of cinnamon.
For many, the year’s labor is winding to a close. Most of the business world comes to a virtual stop between Thanksgiving and New Year’s day. Farmers and ranchers, in particular, are harvesting the fruits of their labors and getting it ready for the coming feasts.
Now is a perfect time to pack your particular flavor of family unit into the SUV and hit the highway for a day-trip of spectacular autumn sight seeing.
No matter where you live in America, there should be plenty of nearby opportunity to get out and enjoy nature with family and friends.
Along the way, you’re sure to see spectacular sights and settings.
New England and the former colonies are especially graced with historic mills and covered bridges which seem at their picturesque best with bold red and gold speckled backgrounds.
Last chance for a hike
Along with all that spectacular autumn foliage comes the last good chance for outdoor exercise and recreation before the snow flies.
Unless you’re snowed in under a twelve foot snowbank, there are still a lot of winter recreation options. Those aren’t as visually striking and you’re wearing so many layers of clothing you can’t get your hand into your pants pocket.
Even in the vast deserts of the American southwest, like the Sonoran desert of Arizona, there are autumn colors to be found between the cactus. Sometimes they just take a little patience before they appear. Those living in the low deserts of Phoenix or Tucson can easily make a pilgrimage to places like Oak Creek, near Sedona.
There, summer hangs on tight through October but there will be snow in the higher elevations. By November, “the balmy weather finally begins to settle on the deserts, while winter grips the mountains.” That’s the best time for leaf watching.
No matter where you live in America, those with a penchant for showing off their culinary skills say, “let the baking begin.” Now is the time to lay in supplies and hauling out the specialized equipment. Everything from prep to warming to transport needs to be gathered and readied.
All through the entire autumn season are opportunities for parties and feasts, no matter what your cultural affinities. That’s a great part about this time of year, we can all focus on something everyone can agree on, those colorful leaves are totally awesome.
