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Colorful leaves in the fall are more than a little bit exciting to some folks. Some people actually look forward to it like a holiday season. When the classic colors of autumn begin to peek through the green, you know it is almost time for the landscapes to explode with color. From mountains to lakes and valleys, the seasons begin to change. The temperatures also begin to lower and a bit of a nip tinges the air. All of this makes for the perfect time to plan a fall driving adventure.
Watching the seasons change has always been popular. Every year, people flock to the most popular areas to see the colors and enjoy the beautiful weather. Here are some solid tips to help you maximize your viewing pleasure this fall:
Know your area
Most parts of the country have at least a few areas that provide a colorful explosion during the fall. Reds, yellows and oranges are present almost everywhere that trees are found. That said, some parts of the country are renowned for their foliage. Knowing what the best areas are in your own part of the country is key. Around lakes, mountains and other natural landmarks are extremely popular and a good starting point for your planning.
Bring along a good pair of binoculars
This part of the year is not only a great time for foliage…it is also a great time for animals and wildlife. If you like watching things a bit closer up, a great pair of binoculars are a must. There are so many things to see during the fall and being able to zoom in is extremely important.
Check the car carefully before leaving
Having a vehicle in working order is perhaps the most important part of your fall foliage driving adventure. During the fall season, temperatures often drop to freezing in some parts of the country. At night, it can easily become a very dangerous situation for a broken down vehicle and your family. Have the car checked out from top to bottom and make sure you have safety gear packed in the car. You want a full first aid kit, food and water and survival supplies to sustain you in an emergency.
Map out your route – and stick to it
Knowing where you are going and sticking to a plan is extremely important. This allows you to be found in an emergency and that leads us to our next tip.
Share your route with several people and have a contact plan
Make sure you talk over your route, plan and itinerary before you leave the house and then stick to the route you planned. If you change it, make sure you contact your “at home” person and update them if possible. Have a preplanned date and time to check in and have a plan in place if you don’t. This is vital to make sure you are safe throughout your driving trip. Any time you are traveling in an area that is unfamiliar or remote, you need someone to be an anchor back home.
Bring along a scrap book
Most folks love to keep some leaves in their book and date them for posterity. Why not have a reminder of your trips and the memories that are made along the way? A scrapbook can keep leaves for a very long time if stored properly.
Taking a trip to enjoy the foilage is a great way to spend time with family, relax into the season and enjoy one another one last time before the winter season keeps us cooped up and cold all the time.
What other ways do you enjoy your fall foilage driving trips?