October

Yellows are fading, reds and oranges are becoming more exuberant. The grape leaves have yellowed, evidence of hard frost.

The yearly debate of when peak colors occur has been somewhat absent this season. Maybe we just don’t want to let go of Summer, and it doesn’t want to leave. The thermometer just nudged 80 degrees this afternoon, and without any gray or rain, indeed, if the trees were not so brilliant, one could convince themselves that it was still September.

Be that as is may, this will be another excellent weekend to enjoy the calm and beauty of foliage season. Whether by a hike up Elk sometime this week, or a chairlift ride at the Elk Mountain Fall Fest next weekend, one way or another, get out and enjoy this weather and these colors.

Some foliage seasons are somewhat pale, faded by rain and wind. This year, it is not one of those seasons – the colors are spectacular!