Hi Paul -- You and others might also want to look around Palo Alto in the next few weeks. There are some magical streets that include everything from bright-yellow gingko trees that rain their leaves onto the street and sidewalk to various multi-colored trees. I've often thought there should be a photo collection of the most colorful streets, blocks or cul-de-sacs. Nominations, anyone?

Some years back I toured Vermont and New Hampshire to catch the magical foliage. I commented on its beauty to an older woman selling maple syrup at a roadside stand, gesturing across the road. "That's the only view I've ever seen," she confided, as she had staffed the syrup stand during "tourist season" since she was a girl. Still a nice view, but a narrow one. -jay

Every year this season,when I was walking on the street full of fallen leaves,listening to the crunching sound of my feet stepping on it, it reminds me the things or people in the past,like broken leaves in a broken pieces of time.So sad.

Jay,

I agree with you that we can take in some pleasant autumnal arboreal experiences right here in Palo Alto. (it does require me to rake leaves where I live!)

The notion of a drive and visits to an area not frequented that displays dramatic colors this time of year is another, different experience.

IMHO, you cannot beat New England, and it is good that we can enjoy the colors of the fall season in "this neck of the woods." Or the grapevines.

Jay, didn't one of your photogs do exactly that - a photo essay on autumn views in the last year or two? I recall she asked online for suggestions & I made one.

At least in this part of Calif. we do have 4 seasons, milder than other places perhaps, but still seasons.

As I type this, I currently have a friend on the east coast on an autumn tour. I hope to witness it some time myself.

I also agree re wine country. I love it there Sept-Nov, even though Sept is hot. Some of the lovely country roads are wonderful to drive on. It does make a lovely road trip! Thanks for the reminder, Paul.

Time for editing...
"beautiful oolors"

I was in Boston last weekend Sept 9 through Oct 2nd, no fall color at all, very disappointing. of course it rained 3 days out of 4 anyway, so not great weather for leaf peeping so to speak! Foliage map says color still not peak in Mass Web Link