New England is known for many things but I would say the fall foliage is something that brings in more tourists than anything we can offer. The best part is that it’s free. There is no cover charge for this show and it happens every single year. The big uncertainty is the timing of this event and the quality of the color. Unfortunately, that is an element which is completely unpredictable and sometimes frustrating for those that have traveled across the country to witness this blaze of color that we call our own. To be told that you should have been here last week is generally not what people want to hear. Sometimes I think it might be better to say that I hope you enjoy what you see because you hit it perfectly. At least that way, people walk away happy.
In Chronicle we deal with timing issues constantly when it comes to planning the shooting schedule for the fall series of Mainstreets and Backroads. In fact, it is the hardest season to work with because we need color in those leaves. Summer looks like summer whenever you shoot it and so doesn’t winter. Spring can fluctuate a little but pretty much dependable. We spoke to so many people on the road this fall and some felt that because the summer was so hot and dry, the leaves will just turn brown and fall off the trees. Others felt that stress is good for a tree when it comes to color so this should be a banner year. It is truly a crap shoot because there are so many elements that will affect the color but it’s interesting to hear the predictions whether they come true or not.
I had a Forest Ranger up in New Hampshire tell me once that a couple approached him and asked when was the best time to see the fall foliage. He gave them a window of time but they insisted on knowing more details so he picked out a certain week. Then came the question of the best time of day. He said, ” ya know, from what everything I am hearing, next Tuesday at 2:00am will be perfect but make sure you bring a flashlight”. They just smiled and thanked him and drove away. This Ranger after years of answering questions like this, felt pretty confident that this couple will be out there with a flashlight on that night.
As New Englanders, we know that fall is just a pathway to winter. At this point we have to make a choice. Do we pack everything up and head south for the next six months and spend the time lying on the beach sipping pina coladas or do we stay and appreciate the beauty that winter can bring. Either way, you can’t go wrong. There is one thing however that we all can agree on and that is it is truly amazing to experience the transformation of fall colors right before our eyes. For a brief moment of time, it is truly magical.
