We just got back from a trip to the East Coast during a time that is called “Fall.” I’ve always heard good things about Fall — it’s beautiful, the leaves of trees change colors, the air is crisp, it’s cold-but-not-too-cold — and it sounded lovely. I enjoy a typical Fall color palate of burnt oranges, mahogany reds, and mustard yellows. I have partaken of an apple cider or two during the Fall months. And I even knew that acorns were somehow associated with it. But OMG I was not prepared for how fucking Fall Fall can be.
Here are the five things that New York, Boston, and Maine taught me about Fall…
1. Fall doesn’t happen everywhere at once
Our trip started in New York, and I saw some tree colors that I wasn’t used to seeing. Ben then we got to Boston and I was super excited to spot even more Fall foliage…
It wasn’t until we got on the Train To Maine that my jaw dropped and it kept dropping. The more we wound our way up the coast, the more the trees were becoming Fall AF.
2. Leaves can turn colors that I had no idea existed in nature
As I said, I was expecting reds, oranges, and yellows, but I wasn’t expecting purples, pinks, and neons! I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the leaves on the ground, these colors were just so gorgeous and unexpected.
3. Acorns don’t fuck around when they fall from trees
At first I was all, “Aw! How cute. There are all these real acorns scattered on the ground. I forgot that acorns were always included amongst the Fall accoutrements.” Then we went on a couple of nature walks, and heard their jarring SLAMS as they plummeted to the ground all around our ears. I never knew that acorns were adorable little bombs.
4. Crab apples are so tiny
At first I thought they were just big cherries.
5. Squashes are weirder than I thought
My initial reaction to this ragtag group of squashes was:
- OMG! Are they sick!? Why are they so grey?
- Is “squashes” really the plural of squash?
And that was my first encounter with Fall! My ultimate take-away: It was even more amazing than everyone makes it out to be. A+. Would Fall again.
Thankfully two of my favorite people — Lisa and Alex — live in Belfast, Maine, and have an amazing home that you can visit if you also want to experience this whole Fall thing.
