Simply Ledyard CT

Fall Foliage in Connecticut

I don't think I'm alone when I say that fall is my favorite time of year in Connecticut.  Hot weather has never been my cup of tea, so I really look forward to the crisp clean fall air.  And while the fall clean up comes as a shock to many new homeowners, the changing of the leaves is the very best part of my favorite time of year.

A few years ago, a friend from the south, asked me about the best time to come visit Connecticut.  Rather than go into scientific detail about how moisture and temperature effect the changing of the leaves, I referred her to the Yankee Foliage website.  Complete with foliage cams, this great little site also offers an interactive peak color map. There are also comments from folks all over New England reporting from their own back yard.  I love when someone wrote that their drive along Interstate 95 reminded them of "a box of Crayola Crayons."

It is no wonder that Robert Frost who lived and studied much of his life in New England, referenced trees so much in his poetry.  I bet Fall in New England was his favorite time of year too!

After Irene, Predicting Fall Foliage

A few weeks before the foliage is supposed to change to brilliant reds and yellows, some trees are looking—brownish. Could there be a link to the rain in August and tropical storm Irene?

Within 100 yards of the shoreline and estuaries, yes.

via newlondon.patch.com

People have asked what effect Irene is going to have on our fall colors. You'll find a good explanation here.

Ledyard Photo Friday – Fall comes to Ledyard

It isn’t officially fall yet, that happens next week.  I’m hoping Irene didn’t spoil our colors but time will tell. For now, much of the fall color comes in the form of pumpkins and mums. The photo below was taken last year at Alice Acres in Gales Ferry.

Ledyard Photo Friday - Sandy Hollow Road

There is an interesting discussion going on over at the Ledyard Patch about a simple request from the Tri-Town Trail Committee to meet with the Groton City council. The committee would like to give a presentation about their proposed 14 mile recreational trail which would need approval from the council to use land at the Groton Reservoir. The Groton Council is not interested.

I’m from Pennsylvania where many of the reservoir lands are used for swimming, boating and camping.  Seems that the Groton City Council should at least hear the committee's presentation.

Found on Flickr - Providence & Worcester Railroad

I love hunting through Flickr looking for Gales Ferry Photos. Occasionally I find a gem like the one shown below of the Providence & Worcester train  traveling through Gales Ferry.  If you enjoy this one, you’ll love the Complete Set. 

Reprinted with permission

Ledyard Skies

Despite a weather warning and dark ominous skies on Monday night, Ledyard never received the rain and hail predicted.  What we did get were some magnificent orange skies once the non-storm passed. Andrea Rodolico McKenzie was kind enough to share the photos that she shot from her home in Ledyard.

Photo Friday - Gales Ferry Rainbow

I took this photo about two years ago around the time the Town of Ledyard was hoping a drug store would be built on property at  the old Gales Ferry School.  I said when I posted this double rainbow photo over the school, that perhaps it would be a good luck sign. It wasn’t good luck then but maybe now.  On April 13th, voters at the Ledyard Town Meeting approved a sale to CVS.  In case you missed the news, you can read it at Ledyard Patch

Ledyard Photo Friday - Gales Ferry Firehouse

Despite the cold temperatures, there are signs of spring all over Ledyard this week including this patch of daffodils at the Gales Ferry Firehouse.
 

Walking on Smith Pond in Gales Ferry

It’s been a very long time since walking on Smith Pond was safe.  This year the cold weather and snow cover made it possible.

Ledyard Photo Friday

I’m thinking that this sign will probably not be changed until the spring thaw.