First Fall Color

Here are a few leaves I picked up outside my office this afternoon, from a small blackgum tree that just began to turn brilliant color in the past few days. Some folks say it will be a dismal fall color season due to the late freeze and dry conditions now, but I suspect it will be quite spectacular. In fact, since we have actually had so much rain here in the Ozarks this summer (it rained nearly every day the first half of July), the forest is going into this normally dry end-of-summer season in very good condition, so it is healthy and ready to sing. I'm hoping for a dry September - that often produces the most dramatic color changes. Too much rain and the colors will most likely be muted. Either way it will be great I bet!

Yesterday I drove to White Rock Mountain. On the way back, I found several of these trees with red leaves. I didn't know what to make of it. Early fall or sick tree? Like everyone, I am more than ready for fall colors.

Those are young black gums - they always start to turn this time of the year. Looks pretty healthy to me! One of the neat things about black gums this time of the year is that they can have so many different colors on the same tree at the same time from bright yellow to deep blood red.

By the way, unlike everyone else, I am not sick of summer, and I rather like it - you just have to know when to get out and enjoy it! Few things are as wonderful as being out at first light when the forest comes to life. This is true of any season, but especially so in the summertime.

I've often wondered what kind of trees those were...nice shots guys. I'm thinking it's going to be a blue ribbon year for the fall color too, and am still planning on Richland Creek Oct 19-21 (and probably the weekend after too).

Tim nice prediction on fall color. You cerntainly have alot of experience on watching what affects the color and I agree with you. We won't rush fall by dreaming about it and the last couple of days have been pleasant.

Hey Bill, Richland Creek sounds good - but - all I have is a sleeping bag and I can borrow a small tent. Is there anywhere around there for food/drink etc ? Never been to the area and "roughing it" to my wife normally means slow room service. Thus, I am not supplied with the normal camping gear.

Merle:

Richland Creek is a terrific place, but it is a wilderness area and there are no facilities of any kind for probably 30 miles in any direction (the last ten miles to the campground are gravel forest road). Your last civilization would be Jasper, about a 45-minute drive away. The campground at Richland Creek sometimes has drinkable water (but not always), with pit toilets, and a few picnic tables, and that is about it. It is a great jumping off point to explore the creek and surrounding wilderness area. This is one of the best photo spots at any time of the year (even right now), and especially when there is color in the trees...