“Color is past peak at the park, of course, the skywalk is amazing leaves or no leaves! Color is just peaking in the ANF. We suggest visiting the park for the skywalk experience and then drive Route 6 to just east of Kane, head north on Route 321 to cruise the Longhouse National Scenic Byway … for stunning fall colors!,” the post said.
They contain great sources of protein, unsaturated fats, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamins A, E and B6. Acorns are hard to beat for preparing wildlife extra fat layers for the winter months. Until they are all eaten look for elk to be spending more time foraging in the woods than fields,” said an Oct. 11 Facebook post by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Additionally, the day we sauntered up there was quite warm. So, who wouldn’t rather spend their time in the shade of oak trees preparing for winter. Nonetheless, the early fall display did not disappoint.
In the Oct. 12 release, the district manager in Cornplanter State Forest, based in Warren County, reported that the colors of fall are on full display.
In the Oct. 5 report, the manager said, “continued cooler nights have encouraged the transition to fall colors in northwestern Pennsylvania.
“The region is approaching best color with maples putting on a fine show of yellow, orange, and red. Oaks are changing in a few areas, and there is still color on birch, aspen, walnut, and elm. Peak for the region is expected on about Oct. 18,” the forester said.
I found this to be true on my treks, too. The goldenrod radiated its brilliance for a short time at the end of September and early October. However now, even the purple New England asters have started to go to seed. Nonetheless, there were still some very persistent calico asters providing sustenance for area pollinators.
In other weather news, the U.S. Drought monitor released last Thursday listed most of Venango County as abnormally dry.
Franklin was still running at a deficit with an accumulation of 32.67 inches compared to the normal of 37.31 inches.
The region has a chance to catch up with several days of rain in the forecast.
Around the neighbor’s pond, many of the early maples had already shed their colors.
My Facebook memories from 2013, showed that the maple tree in the front yard was in its full golden glory on Oct. 12. However, this year, the tree there was little sign of color change.
Last year’s photos showed leaves remaining on the early trees while some of the trees that usually turn later were sporting some color. I thought that last fall was one of the most brilliant. This fall seemed to be turned around a little. The earlier trees were bright, but short lived. I feared that the forecasted rain for next week may dull some of this fall’s colors as the leaves depart from the trees. Nonetheless, there were still plenty of colorful leaves to capture my attention. I got so distracted one day that I got turned around on a path and it took me a while to get my bearings. Even though I had walked off trail before, the new colorful appearance of the trees made me lose sight of several landmarks. While I struggled with some temporary confusion, Sherman, was not so lucky. As the seasons progress, another page turned over for the 10-year-old Saint Bernard. Time has not been kind to him. The wages of old age have stolen his sight and ability to move. He struggled to move about proficiently through the woods and fields. On two separate occasions, Sherman did not have the strength to make it back home from the neighbor’s pond. With the help of a cart. a sled and a garden tractor, he was delivered home both times. However, I did not relish a repeat of those episodes. So, Sherman has retired from walking with the rest of the group. |
That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.