Just got back from the Smokies and Cade's Cove. DISMAL color, just depressing. Some splotches here and there, but some trees look like they changed overnight and that was it. I am so disappointed. I should have gone to New ENgland instead.

Too late for the foliage in New England. There are still leaves on the trees but the best part is over. How about next fall?

Don't have too many regrets, Stacey -- the foliage was disappointing in New England this year, too. Here in the Boston area, everything is running about 2 weeks behind schedule, but the trees are making up time by dropping their leaves very quickly. I guess this doesn't give the colors time to develop, or something. As I look out my window, I can see trees that are completely bare, trees that are completely green, and trees that are turning but not very interesting.

Footnote: As I said,the changes are running late this year. BUT as recently as early September, the forecasters were predicting and EARLY season, because the summer had been very hot and dry -- stress would bring on the changes early. But then we had a very warm and damp September., You just can never tell with foliage, I guess!

Stacy:
In a way you sound ungrateful.
What can you do? Write a letter to the Chamber of Commerce?

Actually, after looking at some of the photos members put up in different travel sections of the "colors" they saw, I'll tell you, my pictures are beautiful and I am very grateful for what I did see. Clearly, it's more and prettier than they saw. I was just disappointed because it means a lot to me. I'm over it. Write the COC for me, will ya? I'm busy. Thanks. LOL

Just drove to VA from Columbia,SC today. The colors were great On I77 from about 40 miles west of Charlotte to I81, and north on 81 to about Roanoke. Lots of bright yellows and oranges.

Unfortunately, due to the faltering economy, many states have had a shortfall in their budgets this year. One of the victims in these shortfalls was money for leaf painting. It's quite a shame. Most states should realize that "foliage tours" can bring in a lot of money from vacationers, adding to the general economy of the state.

Stacey and others, you should write to your congressman and explain why money for leaf painting is important. Make sure to note your disappointment in this year's colors. Also, tell them that you would be more likely to spend money in their state if the leaves were better colors in future years.

The state of Vermont has a pending proposition on this year's ballot. If passed, Prop 72 would allocate a set amount of money each year for the practice of leaf painting in the month of September. Other states should follow suit. You can check it out at http://www.SaveThe FallColors.org

Every year I hear that "the colors are not very good this year" and every year I scratch my head and wonder what these people are looking at.

If you expect a Van Gogh painting from horizon to horizon you will be disappointed. (I do know that Van Gogh did not paint fall foliage)

This year in NH I have been excited hundreds of times by a nice stretch along the river, or a patch near some wetlands, or even a single tree on a street corner.

It's all good.

MM

Stacey each year is different. In that area though I have usually found that the first week in October is when it happens. Late October they have already turned for the most part. A lot has to do with climate as well.

Stacey -

If you really want to get some attention and results, go right to the top - direct the letter to God, with a cc to Mother Nature, and tell them exactly how much they disappointed you this year.

Tennessee -
There is no need to call Stacey an idiot, you don't know where she lives. Perhaps she doesn't know all the specs pertaining to leaves changing color. Give her a break. Her post is dated 10/26 I hardly think that is early October. Maybe it is you who is the idiot.

BEauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I spent the weekend in Cincinnati. The drive up and back from Nashville was lovely. The trees were beautiful.

Of course, I have never been in New England for the fall folliage. I wonder if those more spectacular colors would ruin the pleasure I get for our ordinary southern colors.

Stacey, it is true that I'm not familiar with the patterns of leaves changing, but I went to Tennessee the end of the month precisely because I know that in the South, the colors change later in the month. I will say that I doubt that the colors in the South are ever as beautiful and bright as they are in New England, but that is just an opinion. Thank you for coming to my defense, [email protected]. I appreciate it. You are right.

Even when there are not great fall colors to look at, the Smokies are incredible. And we take the trip several times each year to camp there. There are so many glorius waterfalls and back packing trails and the views are breath taking!

Perhaps you were on the wrong side of the Smokies. The colors around Asheville seemed to be at peak earlier this week. Check out some of my shots of our campus.

www.mikehoneycutt.com


Mike Honeycutt

Wow Mike... what beautiful color.
Thanks for sharing.
I was in Ontario last week and was in awe of the "dismal" color on display.
I think it's all a matter of how you look at things. I live in North Central Texas. We do not have well defined seasons and it does not take much to impress me. I travel extensively and have yet to be disappointed with nature. People, yes.

I'm afraid to look Mike. I was there until the 27th and nixed going to Asheville just because the Smokies were green. I was disappointed. Okay, I'll go look at the site and sulk now. Be right back. Okay, that shot you heard was me trying to get myself in the foot (again). LOL

I've e-mailed you in hopes I can purchase the last one on that page. GORGEOUS!

Those ugly green trees, I wish they would go ahead and turn.

(So we can have more months of grey bare trees until, spring. sounds like some great logic!)

Maybe global warming has something to do with lack of fall colors. I believe it needs to get nice and cold for really good displays.

Great pics Mike! I'm down here around th Franklin area of NC and for the last week the colors have been brilliant. This year there might not be as many trees in abundance but the colors immersed with other trees is fantastic! Some of the brightest oranges and reds I have ever seen. The area from Highlands to Franklin to Andrews is very good. I think alot of people dissapointed because they went in mid Oct. This year, because of warm weather, peak has occured later than anticipated.