October 1

There are far more yellow hues in the woods and roadsides now, making the filtered sunlight appear warmer somehow. The climb up South Road from the reservoir is particularly beautiful, where the trees canopy the street just before it intersects Route 31. In summer, the deep greens of oaks and maples and ash created a darkened tunnel that was a welcome cool spot from the summer swelter. Now the same leaves have lost some of their reflected deep greens, and their slow deterioration permits light enough to pass through, giving each a measure of translucence. Driving up the road is simply warmer now, less about the temperature which has given way to cooler autumn and more of perception, where the diffuse yellow is enveloping.

All around town the delicate leaves are just starting to fall to the ground. The birch especially seem ready to retire, having spent several months tirelessly waving in even the most gentle breeze. They are often among the first to yellow and drop, in groups they give way in the autumn wind falling like giant snow flakes to the ground, continuing their carefree waving as they descend, until they come to rest as a golden carpet waiting to be scattered by the passing cars.