|
This Autumn has been the
warmest on record in most places on the earth
where temperature is recorded. Here in
New England
, the trees seem to have held on to their leaves
far beyond the past years. The oaks always hold on
to their leaves until the end of the November and
can even hang on through most of the winter. This
year the Norway Maples, the birch trees, the
Linden
trees are holding on as though summer was forever.
So familiar in September, many of the wild
mushrooms arose in October. It is difficult to
know what this portends for
New England
climate except that perhaps it will be decidedly
warmer here in years to come. |
| New England
has some of the most changeable weather in the
world. We are subject to hurricanes, tornadoes,
floods, droughts, ice storms, blizzards to name
just a few. The old adage, “If you don’t like
the weather, wait a minute,” applies best to
New England
. The weather is under the influence of at least
three upper atmospheric air streams which can
shift almost on a daily basis. One is from the
south, the other from the west and the last one
from the polar North. These air currents collide
over
New England
and often invite extremes. Mark Twain is said to
have noted this in a speech: “Now as to the size
of the weather in
New England
, lengths I mean. It is utterly disproportionate
to the size of that little country”.
|
Old Cemetery on Hill Street,
Whitinsville
© 2005 Michelle Fontaine
Photographed in November (!)
|
|
Many scientists believe that
a worldwide warming trend is occurring. While they
have only such evidence as core samples in the
glacier ice and samples from the ocean floor, they
may well be correct. However, we have only kept
accurate records of the temperature and other
weather conditions for a relatively short period
in geologic history. Therefore it is not taken as
seriously as maybe it should. I do know that
weather can be seriously altered by volcano
eruptions. Depending upon the size of the
eruption, the volcanic dust flows around the world
in the upper atmosphere partially blocking the
sunlight. The world is said to have cooled one
half a degree after the eruption of Pinatubo in
the
Philippines.
|
|
This change caused subsequent change in upper
level currents and then ultimately affected
New England
weather. We had a number of snowstorms and endless
winters in the 1990s. Pinatubo first erupted in
1991 and the so-called snow “storm of the
century occurred in 1993.”\Despite the hazards
and the extremes of weather, I look forward to
each season and even this year with the slowed
change of tree color, the beauty of New England in
Autumn, is unrivaled anywhere in the world. No
where else in the world has the red maples and
sugar which turn so brilliant red. Autumn brings
some other pleasures as well. Walking in the
woodlands becomes such a pleasure when the
mosquitoes and other bugs have diminished or even
disappeared. Suddenly the boggy areas are
accessible without a layer of mosquito repellent.
|
Couple enjoying a warm November day
© 2005 Michelle Fontaine
|
|
Please note, though, that deer
hunting season has begun. Archery season in
Massachusetts
runs from October 17 to November 26. Shotgun
season opens November 28 and ends in December 10.
Muzzleloader deer hunting season runs from
December 12-31. It is true that there is hunting
for some animal all year long. However, one of the
most popular animals to hunt is the deer. Also,
duck hunters are pointing their guns toward the
sky. Some basic safety tips will keep you safe in
and about the woods.
Remember to wear an orange
vest and/or an orange hat. These can be purchased
in sporting goods stores or on line at Cabelas.
Remember to buy an orange vest for your dog as it
can become the accidental target of a hunter. Also
can be purchased at Cabelas. Do not wear brown for
obvious reasons. There was a sad case of a woman
in
Maine
who was shot while hanging clothes on a line close
to the woods and wearing a brown hat decorated
with white tassels looking very close to a white
tailed deer’s rear end. Add bells to your
dog’s collar – even sleigh bells are a good
idea. Sing, shout, and laugh loudly so that
hunters will know that you are there. Finally, no
hunting is allowed on Sunday in
Massachusetts
. That is generally when I will go for woodland
walks during hunting season. While hunting is not
allowed on Paul Revere property hunters may use
this property to reach areas deeper in the woods
where hunting is permitted.
Please have a happy Thanksgiving surrounded by those
you love.
|
|
