New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) is known for its Fall foliage, and to the locals this time of year is one of the reasons they love their four seasons. Connecticut was the last of the six New England states we would visit while here, and we were looking forward to seeing some fall colors. However, we were advised upon our arrival in Clinton, CT, that it was still “low and pre-peak.”  We were here two weeks early – bummer!

So why do the leaves change color?

Leaves on the trees already possess these spectacular colors, but they are hidden.  Leaves contain a chemical substance called chlorophyll, which gives leaves their inherent green color.  As the season starts to turn cold, trees begin to block the flow of water to their leaves.  Without water, the chlorophyll breaks down and vibrant colors are revealed in all their splendor.

We really wanted to become “leaf peepers”, as they are called here.  So, I asked our campground host where to best see the colors in the area.  She said, “Don’t worry about missing “peak” color.  You’ll still be able to enjoy a full array of colors that can be found before “peak”, which is just right around the corner.”  At the same time she pointed me behind the office.

While at Clinton, we stayed at River Dale Farm Campsites (Steve’s campground review is here).  Had I not asked at the office, I might have missed the nearby “pond.”  And as I continued walking around the body of water, viola – more colors appeared.

Turning around to take another photo, I managed to include Betsy in the frame…

…and in another area of the park was more beautiful fall foliage.  We’re happy with all the colors we saw, but we know they will be out in full force soon after we leave 😦

I was satisfied with my first experience as a leaf peeker.  We may have missed some of the splendor of New England, but we’ll certainly see more of this awesome beauty as we continue our slow trek south.

After enjoying the fall foliage at our campground, we set out for the beach!  Again?  Well, Hammonasset State Beach Park was only 5 miles south of us, so why not?  Being late in the season, we got free parking.  Check Steve out, as he tries to find “just the right spot” in the completely empty and vast parking lot.

Our walk at the beach park was quite interesting.  We strolled along the shoreline on the newly-installed boardwalk, then followed the trail leading to extensive salt marshes at the mouth of the Hammonassett River.  This was the Hammonassett Salt Marsh, a nature preserve area.

This nature preserve area is also popular with artists, who were busy doing their work near the rocky coastline.  On this day we witnessed four of them engrossed with their craft.

And just like the birds who stopped here on their way south, we will continue our southward migration.

It was a great fall day to enjoy the gorgeous weather while leaf peeping and beach walking.

 

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