After viewing so many great photographers great photos of White Sands National Monument in Alamagordo, New Mexico, I was thrilled a year ago to visit it myself.  The early morning light creates many fine shots.

 
I enjoyed the contrast of sunlight on the still brightly color leaves, behind the grey treetrunks with their interplay of shadow and sunlight.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Rich Mountain Trail Nov 7

Nov. 7, Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain
The striking Fall colors have passed, for the most part.  I love the winter colors, too — the greys and browns and greens.  Muted color that is quiet and peaceful after the invigorating splendor of leaf color at its peak.

 
Even though most of the spectacular Fall leaf color is now brown litter on the ground, some trees have held onto their leaves.  The sunlight struck this oak leaf brightly.  Nov 7 2008

Hiking on the Rich Mountain Trail above Trout Lake, the silence was broken by many birds’ calling out.  Looking around, I saw robins darting swiftly back and forth among the branches and over the trail.  I realized they were gathering to head south for the winter.  I was able to get a couple shots of this robin.  Nov. 3

This show gives you the idea of how colors are going on Oct. 19.  Located on Holloway Mountain Road, off mp 298, Blue Ridge Parkway.

You might like to compare this with the colors shown from this same spot a few days ago.

As you see, most of the leaves have fallen.  In this view, you can see them below the tree.

It’s losing its leaves and the bones are beginning to show.

Rain, still much needed in our area, and fog and Fall color — always seems to create a mysterious feel.