Smithawaiting October in Georgia
Last weekend was such a pleasant weekend. First, the weather was so delightful — early fall weather, which, unfortunately, could be an anomaly. A burdensome hot spell has often been linked to past Septembers. Maybe we will get a break this year.
In a fortnight, it will be October, the most emotionally rewarding month of the year. April, with its floral splendor, is a favorite month, but the fourth month of the year brings about a flood of pollen which is my sworn enemy. I can’t enjoy the dogwoods and the azaleas without pain and suffering, although last year I got by with a pill that seems to make a difference.
Even when pollen does not compromise and complicate my life, April is subordinated to October when it comes to favorite months.
Fall color is something we look forward to with the greatest of anticipation. You can find splendorous foliage out west. You can find it in New England, which most rank as the best in America, but you can also find it in North Georgia: Blairsville, Hiawassee, Brasstown Bald and, in many cases, your own back yard. Or, your neighbor’s.
With the abundant rain we have had this year, I have been wondering what the prospects are for inviting leaf color that might take place in late October, when fall color usually peaks in Georgia. I reached out to Walter Reeves, Georgia’s Gardener, for an expert opinion.
He said it better than a professor of landscaping: “Warm days and clear, cool nights and dry weather are best. Warm, sunny days in early fall keep photosynthesis going and make ample chlorophyll in the leaves to begin with. When the nights get cool, chlorophyll breaks down, revealing red, orange and yellow colors.”
This means that the rain showers we have had this summer should go away. We have about six weeks left before our peak color usually comes about.
Naturally, I am hoping for best results. Irregardless (that is a word), there are options to renew such as fly fishing for a rainbow on the Chattahoochee and visiting the various North Georgia communities that organize a festival of some type on an annual basis. Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega, Apple Festival in Ellijay, Moonshine Festival in Dawsonville, Sorghum Festival in Blairsville, Georgia Mountain Festival in Hiawassee and Octoberfest in Helen.
While having had the good fortune of visiting the Rockies and New England in the fall — and that is an unforgettable experience — North Georgia has much to enjoy and appreciate. Our Appalachians don’t have the majesty of the Rockies, and we don’t have the abundance of hardwoods that you find in New England — but drive the Richard Russell Scenic Highway and you will find color and beauty that will take your breath away.
Hike the Yonah Mountain Trail, spend time at one of the many falls such as the stepping stone Minnehaha Falls in Tallulah Falls, Anna Ruby Falls at Helen, Toccoa Falls on the campus of Toccoa Falls College and the highest falls (729 feet), Amicalola Falls, near Dawsonville. You will vow to return when you depart. (Amicacola in the Cherokee language means tumbling waters, by the way.)
If you should experience sunrise at Brasstown Bald, you will enjoy a rich experience that will linger in your mind’s eye as long as you draw a breath.
There are camping options for those who want to cuddle up with nature and enjoy a restful night under the stars. There are several state parks including Cloudland Canyon and Vogel and communities such as Suches.
Vineyards abound in the northern sector of our state. An Italian friend, graduate of Georgia, is in the wine business in Cortona, Italy, which has deep UGA ties.
He gives Georgia wines high marks. My favorite is Tiger Mountain Vineyards in Tiger.
With Georgia enjoying a robust start in football, one can combine an attachment to the Dawgs and the best of the fall in North Georgia, a doubling of your pleasure.
Soon there will be a need for firewood. C’mon October. I’m ready for you.