Color in the Neighborhood

Mid-autumn and leaf color has peaked. In fact over the weekend when 1.5 inches of rain fell, most of the fall color is now brown, turning brown and on the ground. At the 42N latitude its been a short color season this fall. However, just a week ago this maple tree displayed its brilliant yellows just five houses away. Those leaves are now done, racked to the curb, and ready for pickup by the city's services. See you next fall.

A Wisp of Fall is Evident

See that? Look harder. Its the changing of the summer greens to other shades on Labor Day weekend. In Marquette, Iowa along the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa just across from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the bluffs are covered in trees. This summer has seen above normal precipitation in much of the region, which has kept greener greens around from crops to lawns to cliff clinging trees. But as the sun angle changes and the amount of sunlight diminished daily, the leaves know what to do next.

Smile, You Are Being Watched

No approach to wooded areas during recent weeks goes without a set of eyes looking at you. Deer seem to be all over the place as harvest disrupts protected retreats. In this case the large amounts of fallen oak leaves provide a camouflage background for the winter coat sporting deer population. The deer seem curious as to why they are being approached by a 42N photographer but wait only seconds before fleeing. That's okay, I got the photo.

Fall Harvest Color on the Volga River

Tons of ice leveled ground during the last glaciation period over most of Iowa. Fortunately the northeast part of the state was spared from these ice mountains, leaving some of the most scenic lands around. And of course, at this time of year, colors from tree-lined valleys are always spectacular.

This is the Volga River which runs near the small,unincorporated town of Littleport, Iowa. Spring fed flows become even more clear in the fall since most water-borne algae have died away. Now, colorful fallen leaves dot the water from below the surface before yielding to sediment coverage.

In 1999 the Volga flooded to a historic level. Most people abandoned the town once the water receded, leaving only a few structures. Some people still live in the area and get to enjoy this scene daily.

Late Fall in Echo Valley

Oak leaves float along a spring-fed waterway in Iowa's Echo Valley State Park near Fayette. While air temperatures are certainly cold enough for ice and snow formation, the lack of falling precipitation continues to reinforce the year old drought. Last week Iowa's state climatologist actually predicted a worse drought in 2013 based on over a hundred years of state climate records. Hope not.

Fall Camping Can Be Fun

Camping in the great outdoors means different styles. This camper parked below the fall colors and in return accumulated a bunch of dust and droppings. While other campers sheltered in large RV-type vehicles complete with digital satellite TV and rugged outdoor mats, only a few hearty souls elected to overnight in their pickup campers. One brave camper pitched a tent. Overnight lows for that evening fell to freezing. Good for them - that type of weather builds character.

Swaying in the Autumn Winds

At this time of the season in 42N latitudes, most leaves have fallen and many of the formerly green plants are now yellow or brown. Still there is beauty that can be found in the final phases of autumn. Here the tall grasses of a county fairgrounds sway in the breeze. We received the first snow of the season last week which later melted that day. Its surely a prelude of what's coming in the weeks ahead. Know that.