Earlier this fall I went in search of beautiful fall landscapes with my family. I’m addicted ever since my camping trip to the North Shore last fall and the colors put on a spectacular show. This year is a different year, as they all are, and the colors were more challenging to find but they were there, just had to be found. There were pockets here and there as some trees had changed and quickly lost those leaves while others  remained green. It may not have been as grand s sight as a year ago, but it was still enjoyable to explore the North Shore of Minnesota as it’s a beautiful area nearly all of the time.

Finding areas more protected from the wind allowing the trees to keep their vibrant leaves yielded those beautiful sights I was searching for. It was an amazing fall day with temperatures reaching the lower 70’s Fahrenheit under mostly sunny skies. Being able to see some incredible fall leaves only added to a relaxing day in the North woods. Much of the day was spent driving around gravel roads taking in the views, stopping on occasion to admire the show being put on by trees here and there.

My photos tended to be more concentrated on these pockets of vibrant colors and the changing leaves themselves as a result of what was available. Still a beautiful sight as even these pockets were uncertain after a very dry summer. It was expected that the trees may just drop their leaves once cooler nights approached with shorter days. Fortunately there were some timely rains to provide enough moisture for these leaves to change and stay on the trees for many to see.

We came across an area which I thought was available only to people participating in activities there but turned out to be open to visitors. This area had some amazing autumn displays, some of the best we came across on this afternoon. And there weren’t a lot of people using the trails and overlooks available to explore making it even more peaceful and enjoyable.

While on one of these trails, a grouse came on to the trail as if to lead us on a fall color tour for awhile. Eventually it decided to abandon the tour and continue on its way. A nice addition to this already beautiful afternoon!