Color Season Underway

“The high country out west may be getting snow, but here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, it's the beginning of autumn splendor. High winds (possible tornado nearby) and hard rains last night (we got 4 inches, 1.5 of it in a half hour) knocked off many early changing leaves, but overall I'd say we're at 2% change and accelerating quickly; there was a noticeable change in some trees even overnight, despite the leaf drop. We seem right on pace to hit peak around the last week of September.

That will be an incredible time to hit the trails and paths up here. How's color season looking elsewhere?”

“Here in south-eastern Pennsylvania, the leaves aren't even thinking about changing yet. Our peak colors (I think) is not until October.”

“How do you think it will be on the Superior Trail in Minnesota in a week? One week from right now I leave to do the northern 100 miles.”

“We are getting a lot of rain now -- supposed to get more today and over the weekend throughout the north. Considering the extra mileage north and higher elevations of some parts of that area, I'd guess you will start to see significant colors in the hardwoods. The exposed edges are going first as usual, which makes river banks and lake shores so beautiful up here. Watch the forecasts and temps on the Weather Channel to see if the Arrowhead gets any frosts. That will really trigger changes.

Right now, northern Wisconsin is supposed to be in the upper 60s this weekend and the low 50s at night. We were 80 yesterday. Two cold fronts are moving through Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan during the next day or so, and may start a downward trend.”

“I talked to my folks in Cloquet, MN last night and they are telling me that it is so dry, the leaves aren't changing colors, they are just falling off the trees.”

“Chief, tell your folks to come get some of our rain. They can start by manning the ShopVac in my basement, LOL.”

“I miss autumn in New England. The lanscape looks as colorful as an oil painting.”

“Hyper heard that it's supposed to turn early here in MI and last long this year. We've got a few trees starting already! Seems like autumn is on her way! :o) It's the most wonderful time of the year!”

“I can't get any of my "colored" friends to hike with me. It's only a matter of time. I am a persistant SOB.”

“Pekka, they would love to have it. The lake they live on is as low as they have ever seen it.

p.s. Go Vikings!!!!”

“Chief, I could get in trouble just for having your "p.s." post come up on my screen here in da land uh da Pack.

Yeah, it's hard to believe that others are dusty when you are drenched. I don't mind some gentle fall rains since the colors are enhanced when the leaves are wet -- photo tip: shoot your fall color pics on overcast or rainy days when the light is diffused and the colors are saturated; also, find backlighted trees or branches, rather than those directly reflecting sunlight, which can wash out the colors.”

“thank you for the tip!”

“We had a crappy Fall last year, because of the dry conditions. The leaves just turned brown.”

“Lucky us, it just started raining again, along with a bit of thunder. I guess if the rest of you are suffering "brown outs" this fall, you will just have to come up here and enjoy the show, LOL.”

“We just had a storm move through and it dumped hail for about five minutes. Temp around 55 degrees.

So much for golf this weekend. I guess I'll have to get some firewood split.”

“Chief, I'm just back on line after ducking out because of lightning etc. The weather radar shows that the same system that just swept through here extended all the way up to NE Minnesota, including the Cloquet, Duluth and Arrowhead areas. So maybe the drought is over up there.”

“My parents won't be too happy about that. Not that they don't need it, but because they are headed to Breezy Resort by Brainerd to golf for the next two weeks.”

“Here in Louisiana the leaves don't peak until November or December. But I'm heading to Slickrock/Joyce Kilmer in a week or so and the leaves should be turning at the higher elevations.

Also, leaves should be at peak for the Red River Gorge II trip Oct. 19-21.”

“It's just starting in the mountains of PA. with a few trees changing. For me, the backpacking season is about to begin.”

“It won't start here in Kentucky for probably another 3 or 4 weeks.”

“pekka, thanks for the inspiration. The time is coming for us to get out there and get some stunning photos. Eye candy.

mountainchick- I'd imagine the Rockies blossom pretty nicely too. Can't miss out on that.”