The First Ones

October is here, the days are getting cooler, and the annual Fall color show is in its first stages. The overall color of the mountains is still green right now, but there is an increasing yellowish cast beginning to emerge. Here and there one can even find some red and orange on individual trees.

On my way into Waynesville Saturday morning, I decided to explore some back roads to see how things were progressing. I was looking for those first few examples of the emerging Fall show. I found this lone tree in a pasture, side lit by the morning sun. It appeared to glow against the wooded hill behind it which was still in shadow at this early hour. The grass, shrubs, and most of the other trees in the area are still green, but this lone tree is showing off its Fall glory already. Soon it will be joined by thousands upon thousands of others as the mountains erupt in color in a few short weeks. And I'll be watching.

Lone Tree, Waynesville, NC  -  2014

(Click on photo to enlarge,)