[at-l] Sort of Trail Related Question---

[Art Cloutman]

Peak color is when the largest number of trees have most recently 
turned from green to their most vibrant fall color.  It is a very 
subjective determination.  There is no one authority to make that 
declaration.  And to top it off, different areas peak at different 
times.  Some areas to our south peaked about a week before the lakes 
region of NH peaked.  The Lakes region is at peak right now according 
to the local weather service and tourist information centers.  Often 
predictions of peak foliage coincide with an upcoming weekend or 
holiday to attract leaf peepers.  Fall foliage observers constitute 
the largest influx of money to the local economy during the shortest 
period of time.

Usually lots of red and orange as apposed to a predominance of 
yellows and browns is considered peak.  Once we get to yellows and 
browns which I consider very beautiful we are past peak.

One of the things I love about fall foliage is how well defined the 
evergreens appear on mountainsides and valleys because they have the 
reds, yellows, oranges and greens to backdrop each tree.  This fall 
has been the best for fall color that I have experienced since I 
retired and moved to NH year round.  Think I better go for another 
walk it is so amazing.

Art




>When the fall color is described as being at "peak", just what 
>exactly does that mean?  Does someone balance the colored leaves 
>against the green, the amount of color before it all falls off, 
>what?  Who decides when peak is?  Couldn't this week be declared as 
>being peak color, then next week might be prettier?  We in the lower 
>states aren't quite as In the Know as you New Englanders.  We're 
>having an awfully pretty season, though.  a'bear
>
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-- 

Life is Good!!!
Art Cloutman
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