Late summer and early fall seemed unusually warm and dry to me. Experience, as a well documented “fall lover,” tells me that this is not a good combination for much color in the trees, which is another nostalgic favorite of mine.

But, so far, it seems my past recollections are incorrect — imagine! This fall is turning up some dandy color, in sort of fits and starts, as it were.

Autumn color along the shore has always seemed elusive around here, for me at least. There’s something about the proximity to the ocean and lack of trees that produce leafy fall displays.

That could be it. There are not many brilliant maples on the water's edge. And the pines, spruce and hemlock don't often change color, except at our house, where they turn brown.

Tree color can be a surprise. I have always had favorite spots. Appleton Ridge, for example, can be spectacular. But, locally, it is often a tree alone, not a hillside that lights up.

There are some great swamp maples off Beath Road, down in the hollow across from where the old spring used to be. Remember filling saved milk jugs? And along the eastern side of the marsh at the “big dip” on the way to East Boothbay. There’s pretty color lining the road up to the old Giles farm property. Down in back of Corinne McIntyre's place at Ocean Point can be nice too.

The batch of color I enjoy most though, comes later, when the oaks stir up the yellows. That’s in November, generally. When the sun hits those golden leaves they glow. Back in the old film days, especially with black and white (and a filter here and there) those trees could be a real thrill in just the right light.

If you get out and poke around a little, I'm sure you will find some interesting color. Don't be shy about sharing your favorite spots with me — I'd be grateful.