Falling for Fall

Fall is a sensory delight! The landscape turning into a cornucopia of color and tree branches reaching out as if to say, “Look at me, aren’t I beautiful!” 

Then there’s the smell of the crisp cool air and the many flavors of the season: pumpkin spice, cinnamon and apple cider, among them. 

Mid-autumn is also the start of the holidays, which makes me smile in anticipation of the festivities ahead.

But my favorite sense just might be the sound of leaves crunching under your feet. I remember my mom loved it too. When I was a kid we’d walk around our neighborhood on sunny fall days to see who could find the loudest or most interesting crunch.

I’m not the only person who loves the season, myriad writers and poets love it too. Here’s a few of my favorite quotes:

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” - Emily Bronte.

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Great Gatsby”

"It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon." - Sarah Addison Allen, "First Frost”

"Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day." - Shira Tamir

The word fall, meaning the season, dates back to the 1500s. Not surprisingly, it’s believed the name originated during the time deciduous trees began dropping their many leaves. The phrase used back then was, “the fall of the leaf.” 

This third season of the year symbolizes balance and change as we transition from summer to winter. Mother Nature is letting go, so it becomes a time for us to do the same: slow down, reflect, and re-evaluate the direction of our lives.

Fall was also a special time during our bicycle ride across the country. We were in much better shape at that point and the trip was nearly done …. which meant, we were about to meet our goal!

Here’s a few fall excerpts from my book about that journey, “Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing America One Pedal at a Time.”

From day 105, Gouverneur, New York, to Cranberry Lake, New York, chapter title “Another Full Moon and I’m Still in Love with You.”

We turned onto a tiny back road and were unexpectedly transported to Utopia. Sunlight illuminated the bright reds, yellows, and oranges of the changing leaves, creating a heavenly canopy of color above our heads. In this otherworldly cocoon, we were rendered speechless by our glorious wrapping. This dreamland transitioned to a glittering lake, magically throwing sparkles everywhere. We literally got off our bikes and gave the environment a long round of applause. 

From day 114, Claremont, New Hampshire, to New London, New Hampshire chapter title, “An Unexpected Invitation.”

A massive tree, rooted solo next to a busy road, struck a stunning pose against the city backdrop. The silhouette brought us to a full stop, as if it was reaching out for attention, displaying fall colors like a proud peacock. The sun glistened off the leaves, highlighting a range of hues that glowed with inner beauty. We stood under its immense canopy to admire the splendor up close. 

And from day 115, rest days in New London, New Hampshire, chapter title “An Unfortunate Accident and Über Peepers.”

As we headed outside, Carla studied my limp and said, “I think you sprained your ankle for a reason—you were meant to stay longer.” 

What an angel! Done deal.

Carla lent us her car for another day so we could become leaf peepers, the nickname for people who visit New England in fall to enjoy autumn’s splender.

Highway 11 took us toward Franklin and Tilton, then 93 led straight to the mountains. At Lincoln, we branched off onto Highway 112, rounded a sharp curve, and WOW. Clark and I were like kids watching fireworks.

“Ooooooh! Ahhhh!” he’d exclaim over each leafy color palette.

“Wow, wow, wow!” I added.

“Yesssss!” Clark continued, craning his neck and peering into the rearview mirror for a better peep as we drove along.

We were now “Über” Peepers.  

If you want to read more about our autumn adventures, check out, Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing America One Pedal at a Time.

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