There are several good times during the year to be outside in Georgia, but I can think of no better time than October. October’s weather usually is near perfect — not too hot, not too cold, and with a crispness in the air that boosts one’s spirit and energy.
The woods, fields, mountain slopes — even the sky — seem to beckon us outdoors now. To me, there’s no prettier or bluer sky during the year than in October. To walk with a rustle through newly fallen leaves, feel the gentle sun on my face and see the ripeness of summer’s growth all around me is to appreciate the annual miracle of the changing seasons.
Other enticements also make it hard to stay home right now. During the next week, for instance, we'll drive north to Ellijay to pick apples and then south to Luthersville for a couple of baskets of last-of-the-season scuppernongs and muscadines. Then, there will be a visit to the Georgia National Fair, which began this weekend and continues through Oct. 18 in Perry. (As a former 4-H'er, I love to watch the hog and cow judging.)
Driving to these places can be a pleasure in itself (if there are no major traffic problems, of course). All over Georgia, highway roadsides, especially along backroads, are ablaze with the yellows, purples and blues of early fall wildflowers — goldenrods, asters, Joe-pye weed, several sunflower species, thoroughwort, black-eyed Susan, ironweed, boneset, mistflower and others.
The big color show, though, is coming — North Georgia's fall leaf season. It will arrive three or four weeks from now, although I'm told that good color already is appearing at the highest elevations. Tree experts predict a vibrant leaf color display this fall because of favorable weather conditions.
Driving will get you to these places. But the best way to see autumn’s rich colors, ripeness and beautiful sky is to take a walk in the woods or a field or just around your neighborhood.
In the sky: From David Dundee, Tellus Science Museum astronomer: The moon will be new on Monday. Mercury is in the east just before dawn. Three other planets also will appear in the east in the predawn sky next week: brightly shining Venus, about three hours before sunrise; Mars, about two hours before sunrise; and Jupiter, low in the east about two hours before sunrise. Saturn is low in the southwest just after sunset and sets about two hours later. It will appear near the moon next Friday night.
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