As much as I love the long, hot summers here in Northern California, I have to admit that I always look forward to autumn. Temperatures begin to drop, storms move in off the Pacific, frost collects in the stream bottoms and, almost overnight, the woods explode in vivid color. Mushrooms grow from beneath the leaf litter and lichens come alive with the cold and the wet.

It is an introspective time of the year for most people. It is a time when we at least think about slowing the pace of our lives. It is a time for reflection and, of course, a time to celebrate our most favored holidays. We dig out the flannel sheets, rummage through the closets for  jackets and sweatshirts, light the wood stove and start thinking about eggnog.

I hope this collection of photographs puts you in the mood for a glorious autumn season…