Zen: Remembering Colors of Fall

October 20th, 2012. It’s sunny today but it’s 48F and ‘blowing a gale’ as they say. It’s nice to relax and remember the warm colors of Fall.

Yellows…

Reds…

Across a field, and

by the road.

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Fort Yargo State Park: Another Beautiful Morning

Fall color is progressing. Unfortunately the color this year at Fort Yargo State Park isn’t as good as in the last couple of years. Many trees are changing color but dropping leaves quickly. Some faithful trees are putting on their usual color display. One of the great things about Fall color here is that we have a range of colors that make each trip out interesting.

Another view of the bridge by the boat launch (segment 1). The tree to the left is now distinctly yellow-brown compared with last week when the tree, at the far left is just starting to change color. Hopefully all of the trees along this section of the lake will change color

The view from the dam (segment 5) looking back past the lake overflow tower to the beach (segment 14).

Looking towards the dock by the camping area (segment 7). More color than last week.

The observation deck off the Bird Berry Trail (segment 10a).

The lake shore south of the Fishing Area (at the far right). Most of the trees are pines; the accents are deciduous trees (segment 14).

The lake shore just north of the bridge midway between the Fishing Area and Picnic Area #1 (segment 13).

A close up of the ‘yellow’ tree (segment 13).

At the point just below Picnic Area #1 (Segment 13).

The group shelter at Picnic Area #2 (segment 15).

Packed up ready to leave. Not knowing when I’ll return. I noticed the lake level was about 6 inches lower than normal this morning. At the lake overflow, the tell-tale sound of water rushing out of the lake was clear. I check the park website when I got home. They are lowering the lake level by six feet between November and January for some bridge construction. Just when I was planning to spend the Fall and Winter on the lake to make up for not being able to get out over the Summer. Arrrrrrrrgh! But to tell the truth, I enjoyed walking the beach that was exposed last Winter and will enjoy walking it again.
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Related posts:
- First Fall Row
- Fort Yargo State Park: Early Fall Color
- Beautiful Fall Morning

Fort Yargo State Park: Last Of The Fall Color

Most of the trees – even the oaks – have lost their leaves. Only this type, perhaps a birch, is still hanging on. Its leaves don’t turn yellow or red. The tips of leaves turn from green directly to brown – a most unusual and attractive change.

*****

This day was cloudy but, occasionally, the sun would break through and catch the leaves.
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Japanese Maple: Fall Color

Usually, this maple turns from green to deep red without much ‘in-between’ color. This year, it displayed a wide variety of colors - not sure it every made it to completely deep red. The colors were brilliant – particularly on the many gray days this fall.

*****

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Fort Yargo State Park: More Fall Color

The cove at the juncture of Segments 15-16 has a cluster of trees that were more muted in color than those in the previous post.

The vista



















Close up of the right side
























Close-up of the left side






Today, the prominent tree on the point – on the right side in the first and second photos - has lost its leaves but is still photogenic.
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Related Post.
Fort Yargo State Park: Fall Color

Fort Yargo State Park: Fall Color

Pines are the dominant tree in the park. As a result fall color is, for the most part, the contrast of deciduous trees against a green background. At the moment, the west end of Picnic Area #2 is one of the most colorful areas in the park.

This photo was taken from the beginning of Segment 2 looking toward the island (Segment 16). The following photos were taken from left to right.


These trees were on the shore of the lake at the far left-hand side of the first photograph.

This tree is on the west side of the island.

These trees are on the shoreline behind the island. This photo was taken from in front of the Picnic Area (Segment 15) looking behind the island.

This tree is on the shore at the west end of the picnic area.

Although the view from the water is unique, it is possible to view all of these trees from the trail that runs from the Boat Launch to Picnic Area #2.
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Great Blue Heron

Some sunny weather at last. The temperature was 47F and the lake was smooth – to start with at least. The Blackgums (Nyssa sylvatica; Black Tupelo) started to change color a few weeks ago but other trees had shown little inclination to follow suit. In the last couple of days, however, many trees have started to change color in earnest.

This is a view of the shoreline above the boat launch (Segment 18) on Marburg Creek reservoir in Fort Yargo State Park.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) flew to the point at Segment 11-12 when I entered Segment 11 and didn’t fly off when I rowed back. I pulled wide of the point and floated towards the point in the wind. The heron watched me closely but didn’t fly away until I was quite close.
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