Autumn in Maine

I’ve just returned from another long boat trip along the Maine coast, watching as the leaves changed color almost daily. Of course here in Maine we have a lot of evergreen trees, but they serve as wonderful backdrop to the colorful maples, their dark green leaves really making those reds, golds, and purples pop.

It’s officially autumn, but at this time of year we always seem to have one foot still in summer, as if hesitant

The road less traveled is often the most rewarding.
The colors of a Maine autumn.

to jump into fall (and perhaps reluctant to think about what lies ahead in terms of winter weather!). Gardens are still filled with late summer flowers, mixed now with mums, flowering kale and other distinctive fall plants. It’s a busy time in the yard, cutting back everything, drying herbs from my herb garden before the first freeze takes them, laying in a supply of wood for the fireplace, and in general gearing up for the long winter days to come.

For now, though, I’ll enjoy the brisk days, the warm Indian Summer bonus due to arrive later this week, and the smell of wood smoke wafting from my neighbors’ chimneys. My little island is closing in on itself as the last of the summer people say goodbye for this year. They don’t know what they’re missing.  Late fall on a Maine island has a special magic all its own.