Signs of Fall

The changing of the seasons is best captured in nature. Immersed in the glorious sunshine and unusually mild temperatures, I took these photos in my neck of the woods on the last day of summer. Yes, I’ve enjoyed my occasional trips out to the B.C. Coast, or my excursions in Toronto, where the sign of fall is the Film Festival. But I’ve been solidly grounded all these years in Southern Alberta.

Here are the reasons…

These are glimpses of Fish Creek Provincial Park, a natural sanctuary of 13.8 km2 (3,330 acres) right within our City’s boundary. It is one of the largest urban parks in North America. This is where I see the signs of fall, Alberta style.

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I won’t see the red as in B.C. or the East Coast where maples are prevalent, but here our own golden, rusty shades are soothing and ethereal. Remember the colour scheme in that movie “Far From Heaven” with Julianne Moore, or Terrence Malick’s “Days of Heaven“?  Funny that both films have the same word in their title.

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And with succulent fruits ready for the picking, here’s a sure sign of fall:

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All Photos taken by Arti of Ripple Effects, September, 2011.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

For more wonderful fall photos CLICK HERE to my post Looking for ‘Intrusions of Grace’ in Nature

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Arti

If she’s not birding by the Pond, Arti’s likely watching a movie, reading, or writing a review. Creator of Ripple Effects, bylines in Asian American Press, Vague Visages, Curator Magazine.

13 thoughts on “Signs of Fall”

  2. Beautiful colors and scenery! I see why you love it in your corner of the world…

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    Ellen,

    I haven’t even talked about the fresh, crisp air we have, especially in the fall.

    Arti

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  3. So beautiful. We’ll not have anything like this as we move into fall. The forecast is for hot and hotter – the 90s going into October. It’s flat depressing, and a lot of people are suffering. The hot “theft item” these days is hay! What used to be $30 bales are selling for $125 and up, so you know there are a lot of pickups and trailers roaming the back roads at night.

    Do you know what the red berries are? They’re beautiful, as is the mixed forest. And I love that bear sign. It gives the impression that it isn’t just any bear in the area, but a very particular bear. I’d like to meet him – but probably in the company of a ranger. 😉

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    Linda,

    You’re right about the ‘mixed forest’. It’s beautiful this time of the year. Glad you ask about the berries. I must admit, that is from a tree hanging out over a fenced private yard which backs right onto the Park. I have no idea what they are, albeit I see that kind of tree quite often. Anyway, regarding berries in Fish Creek Park, here’s a list of photos of native flowers and berries found there. I think you’ll be interested to browse over.

    And about the bear sign, funny this is the first time I see it there, and I walk in that part of the park often. I better be more careful now. No, you wouldn’t want to meet one on the way… and there are no rangers here. 😉

    Arti

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  4. Arti, I have also been enjoying this spectacular autumn we’re having, bowled over by the brilliance of blue and gold. I’ve rediscovered my city this summer, but Fish Creek Park is still pretty much an unknown to me, I’m embarrassed to admit. Think I’ll take my bike down there before I leave town and head back to France – am will have camera in hand. You’re lucky to live so close to it, although I can’t complain that the NW is lacking green space.

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    Deborah,

    It’s been a wonderful second half of summer, and now at 28C – 30C even today (seen from my car dashboard), we’re blessed indeed. As for Fish Creek Park, I’m only familiar with the SW portion of it where I took the photos on this post. Here’s a link to the trails there. I think this is a beautiful part of the Park. Do take advantage of the balmy weather and enjoy the beauty that’s our own before you leave. 😉

    Arti

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  7. What beautiful pictures! We are supposed to be having a heatwave this week, which distresses me as I do prefer a nip in the air when autumn comes along. But the good news is that the leaves will last a little longer on the trees.The glorious colours of fall never fail to lift my spirits.

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    litlove,

    I visited Cambridge some ten years ago and remember how beautiful it is. Your autumn must be wonderful. Hope to see some photos on your blog/ 😉

    Arti

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  8. Your photos are lovely. I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave.

    We are expected to hit over 100 degrees this week, so Fall hasn’t quite hit Southern California yet.

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    Ti,

    I can’t imagine 100 degrees close to October. We’ve never have such temp. even in July. I suppose you don’t get much winter… so in a way, that’s consolation.

    Arti

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  9. Beautiful photos Arti! We’ll be at our fall color peak in about 2 weeks. The maple in my front yard is at the very beginning of her blush. I so love this time of year!

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    Stefanie,

    I hope you’ll post some photos of your maple in full fall colour!

    Arti

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  11. Oh, Arti, that gold and rust is dazzling — especially against the clear and brilliantly blue sky. I do love fall — the sunny, colorful days, at least (not so fond of our incessant rain these days!). And you captured it perfectly. I suspect I would be spending rather a lot of time in your park — looking for bears with one eye!

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    jeanie,

    I went back to the park the next day and the color grew even more intense. But just a couple more days later, the leaves have turned brown and rusty, and not many were on the trees. So it’s such a transient moment that we capture, these natural beauty.

    Arti

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  12. Living in Los Angeles, I envy you these images of Autumn color and passion. A decade ago in Oxford I saw scarlet leaves in November crawling up brick walls, and I knew I must savor this as it would surely be a long time before I would see anything as lovely again.

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    aubrey,

    This fall we’re particularly fortunate. Usually by Halloween we’ll have our first snow. I’ve taken lots of fall photos this year. May post some more of them later.

    Arti

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