When I was growing up I remember being told this time of year as being one of the best times of the year to catch a cold or otherwise get sick. At least according to mom.

Especially a day like yesterday, when the temperature approaches the 70s and above and it seems warm enough to get by without a jacket. “This is Fall and those are just the times when you can open your body to sickness!” mom used to say.

Well, I broke the rules yesterday and went out in short-sleeves, and I’ll have to wait and see how my immune system fares. But, nonetheless, after the better part of Saturday was rather rain-soaked, the second half of the weekend in Roanoke was near optimal for various outdoor activities.

Yesterday, I had business to attend to that required travel up the mountain along Catawba Valley Road some 30 miles from Roanoke. I only wish I had remembered to bring my camera along for the journey, because the color changing of the leaves on the mountain in the distance was nothing short of remarkable.

The way each leaf was probably just slightly out of sync with the others in the transformation of color, but from a distance and looking on how it all seems to come together like nature’s own masaic masterpiece.

(Note to self: bring your camera next time and let the photos speak for themselves.)

Also along the way is a trailhead and parking lot for the Appalachian Trail. I don’t think I saw one open parking space out of the few dozen available.

Great day to just be outside or take a drive.