Covered in Red and Yellow Leaves

In her entry of 14th October 1906, Edith talks about going for a walk in Catherine de Barnes ...

Hips made a great display all along the route, especially on a wild piece of common land we crossed, covered with Gorse and briars. I noticed great numbers of Finches here, feeding on the berries. Some of the Gorse bushes were in flower, these with the bushes of scarlet Rose-berries, and trailing Blackberry briars, covered with red and yellow leaves, made fine patches of colour in the bright sunshine.

Exactly 109 years later, I spent an early hour exploring the rather more manicured surroundings of the NEC.

14 October 2015, Red Oak.

Red Oak and flags at the NEC.

The most spectacular colour comes from the foreign tree varieties planted amongst the NEC gardens.  The leaves of a Red Oak gave me a hint of the spectacular "Fall" that Americans enjoy.

Flags and maple leaves fluttering in the feeble breeze.

Although the flags were barely stirring in the early morning breeze, leaves from the maples beyond were already being blown away.

Native lakeside trees showing golden tones.

Looking back towards the lake, most of the native trees were still green, highlighted with subtle yellows and golds. Nearby a Great-Crested Grebe was dipping below the water and bobbing up to feed her well-grown youngster.

Resort World, Pendigo lake.

I spent a little more time at the lakeside and enjoyed seeing the ripples on the blue waters before going into work.