On the Water: Finding the best lakes for foliage viewing

Autumn, fall, the change of seasons in New England. It starts with that magical light of September when the afternoon sunlight takes on a yellowish green hue and everything still green glows. Then, as the leaves begin to pass, the bright reds, oranges and yellows pop, the air turns crisp and our thoughts turn to wood stacking, snow tires and Thanksgiving.

For kayakers, it means double magic. So we lose a little daylight; it is worth it to see the mist rise in the morning in the cool air and give way to the gorgeous colors reflected in the water. The turtles have mostly made their way into the mud, although you might see one or two hanging out on a rock in the sun. The turtles and frogs go into the mud for the winter, and the fish go into a state of reduced activity called “brumation.” Some species, catfish being one, actually freeze for the winter and then thaw in spring!