I feel fall(or autumn) is under appreciated. Calling it “The Fall” kind of contempt to the amazing mix of colors it brings to our landscape. I know, its probably depressing that the trees will lose all its leaves and will be followed by the bone shivering winter, but let’s give some credit to nature. When the trees are about to lose all its leaves, they go with a bang. Personally, I am as excited about fall as I am about the spring. I really look forward to the unexciting green trees giving themselves a bit of color before they shed off their cover!

While living in Westchester, one of my favorite places to visit were the Bear Mountains, especially during fall. Just 30 mins drive north and you are surrounded by this fairy tale setting of mountains, river, valley and a pretty bridge. Tucked away into these mountains are many lakes, valleys and enough hiking trails to keep you engaged. But what I relish the most, is a walk across the bear mountain bridge. The views are breathtaking. Its an un-obstructed landscape of tree covered hills, the sun rays penetrating the clouds and lighting them in layers, while the beautiful Hudson river makes its way through the valley. On the edge of the river runs the Hudson River line of metro-north. Like the name suggests- it literally runs by the river! The calm of the place broken by the intermittent passing of the trains reminds me of childhood fantasies where I embarked on long train journeys into far away lands with colorful landscapes.

This carpet of trees that cover these magnificent mountains, interrupted with the spurts of reds, yellows and oranges of tress is what I refer to dollops of ice cream. Imagine a place where the landscape is stacked with scoops and scoops of your favorite ice creams! yummm. Now I will let you enjoy these scapes, I bet you are reaching for that strawberry ice-cream in your freezer now.