Fall’s Splendor from atop Mount Battie
A recent visit to the summit of Mount Battie inspired some interesting thoughts about the fall season.
Peering out in every direction, it was obvious to me why the state’s fall foliage attracts thousands of visitors to Maine each year. The season is so alluring with its random swaths of reds, yellows and oranges splashed about along valleys and mountaintops. Like others, I find the colorful views instantly riveting and a sense of admiration, irresistible.
But for all the beauty of fall foliage, it occurred to me that the season is not only fleeting, it is also intent on concealing, even for a little while longer, what lies ahead in the coming months. For autumn can stir our emotions in conflicting fashion like no other season.
In retrospect, by fall’s arrival, gone are the playful days of summer when fun in the sun is right there for the taking.
Yet, the colorful leaves adorning many a tree seem to comfort our thoughts when it comes to the transition of seasons. Autumn has a unique way of conjuring up the flickering embers of summer memories now beyond our grasp but still not too distant in our minds to forget.
Behind this gorgeous cloak of a backdrop and its invigorating crisp air is where the fall season conceals its secrets in an almost compassionate fashion.
As I looked intently at the sea of color around me – suddenly – and without a sound, I noticed a falling leaf descend within my view. With its texture withered and its color stripped of recent brilliance, the leaf lands without fanfare on the earthy brown tones of the ground. The scene is a delicate warning that warmer temperatures, like the leaf’s one-time beauty, will soon disappear.
Such a melancholy feeling is exasperated by a stiff breeze in the air. Though the wind is still warm enough to linger about without discomfort, it contains a subtle touch of chill that one hopes the sun’s warmth will douse just a little while longer.
At this point, I turned to leave Mount Battie, but not before I was reminded that fall is my favorite season of all despite its conflicting nature. As much as autumn’s beauty is irresistible, I also enjoy the season immensely for the feelings it inspires.
To me, it transforms the many happy moments of summer just past into bright, colorful, lasting memories in my mind – memories with family and friends out and about in Maine that I’ll cherish and recall when later this year, winter’s cold and snow sets in for its annual stay.
Driving down the mountain, leaves continued to fall about the landscape, but for now, there is still more than a trace of color on the trees, crisp air to soak up and Maine’s one-of-a-kind scenery to be enjoyed. Winter can wait for a little while longer!
Absolutely gorgeous shots of our beautiful state.Although the lighthouse here is closed, the memories of the wonderful people I met this past summer will warm my thoughts for what I know lies ahead. I will be looking at these pictures again and again to remind me that the beauty of the fall has to be paid for in terrible weather for a few bad months.
WOW, Bob, absolutely breathtaking photos and write-up!
Bob, Thanks for sharing these lovely photos! The colors you captured are gorgeous,especially the water reflection shots. I hope you and your family have a great Winter,since it is pending, and Fall is coming to conclusion. Looking forward to sharing future lighthouse events with you. Kathleen
Beautiful photography and nicely stated sentiments, Bob. I agree that fall is the most beautiful season, and its fleeting, melancholy quality is part of the attraction.
You really got the essence of the fall season. The photos are excellent in composition and content. I especially like the one with the bridge and water fall. I feel like I could just walk right in and enjoy the scene. It is the type of picture taht you can hange on the wall and look at it again and agin and each time see something different.
Great stuff Bob and Ann! See you guys soon!
The pictures are beautiful. Both of you take really nice pictures and capture nature at its best. We wish you a windy, cold and snowy old fashion New England winter which will provide you both many opportunities to take great pictures!
Splendid photos and sentiment Bob. Wish we were able to come up to visit with you all. Thank you for sharing.
Bob and Ann, these are absolutely beautiful photographs and your words, as usual, draw such wonderful pictures. Maine is such an amazingly visual state. We are looking forward to our visit in November and seeing it yet another seasonal state. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Hey Bob & Anne & Kids,
Wonderful photos and sentiments.
Hope all is well up north.
Best
Karen
Hi Bob,Ann and Family,
Great photos and sentiments! You have captured the true feeling of fall in New England! Hoping all is well. We’ll be in touch!