A Few Fall Foliage Photos Fer Folks Like Y'all

Autumn in Western New York is often spectacular.  Due to the hot, dry summer of 2016, the predictions for fall spledor were dim.  However, the colors are not.  

If you can get to these places, you really should go before the inevitable changes spoil the fun.  If not, please enjoy these images of great places on some lovely, late autumn days.

It's a well worth the effort to take a peaceful stroll in Durand Eastman Park.

Ponds and small lakes dot the park, which nestles up to the north shore of the US of A.

Just beyond these trees is Lake Ontario, and beyond that, Canada.

Trails surround the water, with wonderful views around every corner.

The trees are also beautiful up close.

The sunlit weeds appear luminescent beyond the shaded cattails.

Splendid, don't you think?

The trees and the sky, all the more attractive,
reflected in the still water.

Just a fabulous place to walk.

Even the fallen leaves among the algae patterns
provide a colorful tableau.

Durand Eastman Park is a wonderful place to take in the fall colors.  There are many more.  In particular, over 300 miles of the Erie Canal provide ample opportunities to walk, run, ride, fish, paddle, bird-watch, and enjoy nature.

Interesting that a man-made structure is so conducive to nature and those who enjoy its benefits.

Here's one who enjoys the canal.

Do you think he or she is eyeing the bug flying just under beak?

The canal towpath beckons.

One of the staid heron's brethren cruises over the canal.

A remarkable tree aside the canal,
and the sky appearing more sky-like in the water.

Kodak colors?
I can't hold their beauty against them.

One spectacular tree!

No less amazing in tight.

If the number of photos of this tree indicate obsession, so be it.
It was well worth obsessing over.

Not a brilliant blue sky, but the sun and clouds provided bright, diffuse lighting.
All photographs are really light paintings,
and this palette was rich.

Speckled detail worth noting.

And just so you know that the beauty is not limited to the trees...

A few more images from Brooklyn and thereabouts

Photogenic place...but first, Brooklyn's Best.

Here they come!
Amazing how quickly they responded.

Quickly and artfully into the building.

Not in use, this trip.

Ready to go.

On the way out through the narrow street.

We were on our way out of the building where Molly, longtime friend of the family, resides.  Someone phoned in a fire call.  Multiple trucks and a squadron of firemen were there in a flash.  Serious business for them...a photo op for me.

Retrospectively, it was comforting to see the speed and force with which they responded.  The reason?  False alarm, this time.  One of the penthouse folk had a fog machine and the overspill looked like a fire to a passerby.  

Or maybe it was itching, burning feet.

Some fine views the next day.

Impressive view from the Brooklyn waterfront.

Not sure that a stained glass water tower is all that useful,
but lit up by the sun, it sure was pretty.

What is this?
In an old building converted to trendy diner,
original touches remain.

Mary's cookbook presented as an antique.
I still use this cookbook when I have to figure out difficult cooking tasks.
Like boiling water.

As tasty as it was photogenic.
Do you see me taking the picture?

"You took your camera into the bathroom!?!"

Slightly off-Brooklyn, a look across the reservoir in Central Park.

We stopped into Cooper Hewitt, the Smithsonian Design Museum.
In 1935, this pitcher may have sailed on the SS Normandie, a French cruise ship.

Don't you love stainless steel?
This is the most beautiful meat slicer in the world,
looking pretty good at 76 years of age.
I hope all you vegans can appreciate the beauty.

Love it!
What would the Founding Fathers say?

Mr. Wright built an interesting building.

Imposing, up close.

"Klaatu barada nikto"

In support of fledgling industries,
it is now a requirement that all tourists visit a local brewery.

"Mary, I've got a great idea for the decor at the camp!"

It's a really good idea to visit breweries with young people.
They may pick you up if you fall on the way home.
Only my ego was damaged.

All good things must come to an end.
Heading home in the most interesting of mobile melting pots.

Goodnight, Uptown.

Goodnight, Downtown.

Goodnight, Moon!

No Reason to Whine in the Finger Lakes

Or "Russell's big day out."

Rain has little effect on wine tasting.  So we took an unusual jaunt to Seneca Lake to try out a few wineries we had not yet explored.

Even more unusual, we had a designated driver.  Yes, chastise us all for the indiscretions of our youth, and never tell our children about them.  Check that...at this point, never tell our children's children about them.

And most unusual of all, the designated driver was me.  Activities of the prior evening had no influence on my decision to take one for the team.

First you select your wines.

Then you down or dump or...what is he doing?

Not sure if Russ is restocking the winery,
or just over a barrel.

More Monkey Business.
He attracts them wherever he goes.

At the wineries, fine people are always willing to help.
This gentleman was serving at Red Newt,
which was named after a political figure.

Read between the lines.
After a few wineries, the bottles start to look bigger.

After a few more wineries,
the bottles start to glow.

It's not all that bad being a designated driver.  There is much more time for photography.  More fun with photons.

Vegetation for the enjoyment of those
who reach a vegetative state.

Get your pollen while it lasts!

Not generally fond of gnomes,
I made an exception for this little guy.
He's both useful and entertaining.

Hector Falls.
Who knew?  I probably did, but had forgotten all about it.
The road goes right over the center of the cascade,
but this top half is splendid even without the its lower counterpart.
Note the gnome.

Careful, Gnome.  Slippery on the wet rocks.
You might slip and...nevermind.

Hector Falls is uncharacteristic in that the underlying rock appears a lighter color than what is usually supporting falls in the area, and that it does not have much of a gorge.  I wonder if the rock is harder than the usual shale in the area, or if the flow has moved to this location in recent geological time.

Back at Keuka, the rain had stopped,
but the clouds remained.
I was able to get away with SPF 60.

Heron Hill winery in all its glory.
As for the name...Heron Hill?  Really?
Why not name the place for a more likely heron habitat?
"Sir, would you like to taste our Heron Swamp Sauvignon Blanc?
Or our Marsh Meritage? "

I've heard that NY is a blue state.
This shot proves that it's really a white state.
These pretty grapes are pretty great for making Riesling.

The walking stick has either seen better days,
or he is doing rear leg stretches.

Answering a call at Heron Hill.

Another happy server.
Why do you suppose the servers at wineries are so happy?

I think maybe Russ got into some bad wine.
Or perhaps he heard news of the Presidential Campaign.

Someone has a future in hand modeling.

Being a star,
the chef can grab people anywhere he wants.
He'll soon be a politician, no doubt.

Fall foliage?

Our travelers are also happy.
No doubts about why.

Finishing a fine day, all were treated to an amazing Keuka sunset.