Fall Foilage Reports

We headed Northwest of town, into the Northern part of the Connecticut River valley, for a hike up in Greenfield, MA.

I was really surprised to see that, if anything, the trees up in this area are less changed than those in the Central part of the state. Just a few spots of color here and there. The weather has been quite warm for the past week, reaching into the 80's today in some locations, and rather humid, too. We need some cold snaps to get things motivated (though I'm perfectly content to hang on to the warmth...)

We did find, however, a great place for some really spectacular 360-degree views - Poet's Seat Tower in Greenfield. You can see for miles from up there, and it's really accessible from route 2A and US-5/MA-10.

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Originally Posted by Mass Tim

We did find, however, a great place for some really spectacular 360-degree views - Poet's Seat Tower in Greenfield. You can see for miles from up there, and it's really accessible from route 2A and US-5/MA-10.

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Good to know, that is a spot I wasn't familiar with.

Mark

Just to say that Zion Kolob Canyon looked amazing today. On the canyon sides there are some amazing reds and oranges to be seen. Spectacular!

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Originally Posted by jw133

Just to say that Zion Kolob Canyon looked amazing today. On the canyon sides there are some amazing reds and oranges to be seen. Spectacular!

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Sitting here in the RTA office working on tomorrow's edition, -- glad to know someone is out there enjoying the fall bloom!

Mark

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Originally Posted by Mass Tim

Our colors are changing slowly, with more noticeable hues of red and orange creating a "halo" on many of the trees around the area.

Reminds me of Hostess Sno-Balls.

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Hostess Sno-balls? Are you hungry per chance?

Mark

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Originally Posted by Editor

Hostess Sno-balls? Are you hungry per chance?

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Nah, just thinking of a way to describe it and that's what came to mind!

Some slow changes here - after a significant weekend rainstorm, some colors are becoming more vibrant. This year's rumor was that the leaves were just going to turn brown and fall off. This is every year's rumor, based on speculation and not much else. So far it doesn't appear this is true.

I forgot to mention another good and easily accessible place for views of the Connecticut River Valley - Skinner State Park. This is on top of Mount Holyoke in the uniquely-laid out Holyoke Mountain Range.

So far this Fall the weather has been nicer than usual (and definitely nicer than last year's deluge). Today we were fortunate enough to be able to hike the trails at Northfield Mountain.

From the summit you can see miles into the Vermont mountains (Haystack, Stratton, etc). This is a hydroelectric plant that utilizes gravity in the same vein as that of the Kinzua facility in Pennsylvania.

I haven't seen a great increase in the vibrancy of color since a few weeks ago. There's definitely -more- color, but it's not yet that stunningly beautiful scene of photographs.

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Originally Posted by Mass Tim

From the summit you can see miles into the Vermont mountains (Haystack, Stratton, etc). This is a hydroelectric plant that utilizes gravity in the same vein as that of the Kinzua facility in Pennsylvania.

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Thanks for the report -- reminds me I should get away from this desk and go for a walk soon. I suspect that Midwest Michael is overwise engaged, but it is supposed to be peaking in his back-yard this week. It would be nice to see this year.

Mark

Thanks to everyone who helped me with the information. Looks like this was one of the not too good seasons for fall colours. Some were still green while others had fallen off due to rain.
Tioga pass was temporarily closed in the morning. We did skid a lil in the ice, even. But it was fine. A lil snow -got some good shots.
We checked out initially in the Bishop area. Bishop creek canyon was real cool. North lake was the best. South lake and lake Sabrina not that much colour. While in Bishop, we got to see the car show-people in all different custom-made/designed cars showing off... It was a delight to see.

Mammoth lakes basin did not have anything interesting. So, we visited the Rock creek canyon, Convict lake & Mcgee creek canyon. Mcgee creek was magical. Yellow leaves on the ground with a creek closeby.

June lake did not have much. But, Silver Lake was very pretty.
Lundy canyon was disappointing, though. We did not have time to go any further.

So, anyone planning a trip, make hay while the sun shines.

cool

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Originally Posted by cool

Mcgee creek was magical. Yellow leaves on the ground with a creek closeby.

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Thahks for this field report.

Mark