Bright fall colors invite you to capture the majesty

“Autumn … the Years last loveliest smile.” …….William Cullen Bryant 1794-1878

I notice the changing color of the leaves and the swift passage of these autumn days.

While driving last weekend along the Kootenai River, past Deep Creek to the Selkirk Mountains, up Myrtle Creek Road and through the Burton Creek drainage I felt a slight chill in the air, shadows are lengthening earlier each day and the rustle of leaves underfoot all signal autumn’s arrival.

As the cool fall weather settles in, rustling tree leaves are prompting me to grab a jacket before going outdoors. This colorful seasonal display is beautiful as Idaho’s trees, native vegetation, wildflowers, rushing rivers, streams and mountains masterfully weave together one unmistakable backdrop. The key to enjoying the vibrant golds, oranges and scarlets is just going outside and enjoying Boundary County.

So much of the spirit of fall is associated with the burnt orange and red leaves falling swiftly from the trees and the satisfactory crunch you can feel with each step. Autumn walks are my favorite kind, strolling in the brisk air while listening to the birds sing and taking in all of the vibrant colors cannot be compared to anything else.

Everywhere you turn there are spooky and creative decorations, from pumpkins on peoples' porches, stores being decorated or the decorations which make downtown become alive, and it is exciting to see all of the different decorations each year.

The smells of fall are nearly indescribable and I long for them each year. Walking into a home filled with warm, spicy air and the scent of freshly-baked apple pie is what it means to smell like fall. All of the different baked goods and scented candles make for a warming environment that is unlike any other season.

Crisp fall air feels like magic to me. There is something about the clear fresh air; being able to feel the chill on your face and seeing your breath while you exhale that is calm and refreshing. Fall is full of rosy cheeks and red noses but being bundled up in fall clothes keeping the rest of you cozy and insulated makes for the most comfortable weather.

Something about it reminds me of simpler times, back when I was a kid and fall meant going back to school. My favorite time is in the afternoon, when the sun is starting to head under the horizon and the sky feels hazy. It’s like bright but not bright at the same time. The air smells crisp and life just comes to a stand-still.

Fall is a nice experience in Boundary County that hopefully inspires you to head outside and feel the leaves crunching under your feet. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to capture the majesty.