The perfect fall weather has continued. There are some leaves falling, but not so many that I’ve gotten out the leaf blower, although it won’t be long. Most of the dogwoods have changed, and we have a few hickories turning yellow-gold, but so far the colors have been pretty muted. I’m beginning to doubt that the peak will be next week, as we really haven’t had any cooler mornings. The lowest temperature we’ve had at our place in the morning is about 50°.
I missed Fall Arts in the Park, because I had a deck job that’s been waiting for a long time for weather dry enough to stain. I was very happy to have gotten that in, as one thing I’ve learned the hard way is to keep with the deck work.
I did see the Buckner Brothers Band at the Whistlestop Friday evening. They turned in a good performance, but it was a challenging night for Carle Vickers, the sax player. His alto was in the shop because someone had stolen his mouthpiece, and his tenor lost a spring on stage. He was able to repair that with a rubber band and turn in a solid performance, a testimony to his experience and musicianship.
There’s a list in one of the columns below of the fall festivals, some of which are still going on this weekend. When the leaves get good, I recommend a drive out through the Cohuttas. From Blue Ridge, the easiest way to go in in on Old Hwy 2, off Hwy 5 north of Blue Ridge. You go back until the road turns to dirt and go up to the top of the rim. Once you are there, you can go left toward Ellijay, riding around the rim, or right toward Dally Gap, Grassy Creek, and – ultimately – the Sylco Campground. Either way, it’s a very rewarding ride when the leaves reach their peak.