If it weren't for the gorgeous displays of Autumn leaves, those of us who aren't so keen on our long Winter would be in tough shape come October. Our killing frosts sometimes start in late September and it's a long, dark time 'til Spring's renewal.

But there is the splendor of the Fall to keep us enthralled a while longer. It IS a shock to see the bare tree branches of November against the darkening skies, but the blow is softened by the memory of the colors which preceeded.

If you look closely, most years you will see the first touches of color at the tops of certain maples around the last few days of August. This is especially noticable on Route 2 west of Route 128. And that's just the start: by early-to-mid October, the maples are in fullest vibrance, as in the photos below. (click on any photo to see an enlarged version)