Fall colors were showing in the Upper Peninsula, but as we drove across the Mackinac Bridge, the colors dissipated until they completely vanished. Nut is was cold and getting colder and it would only be a matter of time before the oaks and maples would begin to show off their fall color.

Calm days on the lake in October are rare. Along with colder days, the north winds pick up and there are more days with rough, white-capped water than days of calm.

A strange thing happens in Michigan, and I think much of the Midwest, after Labor Day. Everyone begins to mentally prepare for the oncoming winter. In much earlier days, those who didn't prepare went hungry when the inadequate food supplies ran out. I remember getting a trunk load of potatoes to store in the fruit cellar for the winter. So maybe the absence of vacationers on the lake after Labor Day is steeped in old genes. At any rate, we were happy to share the beach and the neighborhood with the other dozen or so people who lived nearby. There are some wonderful days in October, but few people around to enjoy them.

So, welcome to Higgins Lake, Michigan.

The water temperature was around 72, a little chilly for long swims. Guaranteed refreshment.

As mid-October rolled around, there was an explosion of color. Leaf color follows the loss of chlorophyll. That loss is spurred by cool and freezing temperatures. The evaporating wood pile was clear evidence that it had gotten colder. In a short three weeks, we had gone through nearly a half cord of oak in keeping the cottage warm.

Some oaks simply turn brown in the fall. Others, like this one, provide a wonderful addition to the carnival of color.

Maple leaves from the same tree display different colors. What fun to see contrasting bright red and yellow leaves on the same branch.

By Labor Day, most of the docks and boats have been removed from the lake. It's then that the true grandeur of the lake can be appreciated, especially when the October sun brings out the bright colors of the water and the brisk winds whip up the surface.

Anyone blessed with an view of the western skies will see great sunsets. Throw in a lake and even great sunsets get better. The presence of more clouds in October brings along more colorful sunsets than those seen during the summer months. And regardless of how many sunset photos have already been taken, when the call goes out that there's a pretty sunset, the camera is taken to the beach one more time to add even more photos to the archives.

More sunsets, without apology.

Holidays and special events bring out a culture that is classic. The Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day parades in northern Michigan towns should never be missed. We went to a Labor Day parade in the Upper Peninsula last year that was one of the best that we've seen. There's nothing that's commercial. It's all home town stuff. Home-made floats,dressed up dogs, decorated bikes, tow trucks, and more. The winning entry last year was the pick up truck that carried a half barrel of cold beer. Runners ran back and forth from the truck to curb-side watchers. There were plenty of tootsie rolls for the kids - and cold beer for the adults. Only in the north woods would that occur.

Most politicians just walk and wave. Here's Bill Ancer doing it the right way. Climb onto your tractor to greet your neighbors.

There's quite a crowd that shows up for this event!

And there are great bargains too!

Most of the wildflowers had disappeared by the time we arrived. There were a few aster, black-eyed susans, Queen Anne's lace and bee balm blossoms still hanging around where there was full sunlight.

We were grateful for the late bloomers.

A quiet pond, a solitary mallard and the reflection of the surround trees provide an idyllic scene. Makes one want to write some poetry...

For so long, the petals stood out proudly. Now, in the autumn of the year, they begin to droop and sag. Winter is not far away.

The clouds bring a different kind of energy in the fall. The wind pushes them around with more authority. Winter clouds are whiter than most summer clouds.

For those who still enjoy good weather, summer flowers and furniture are maintained and nurtured until the last minute. Understanding of complex issues becomes more clear at interfaces, where differences become more apparent. October and November do just that. They provide some outstanding weather but also show acceleration of change. It's the stuff of life.

And the black-eyed susans sing another encore. Can't have too many of those. More, more...

Could those be...?

The true quality of fruit can only be fully appreciated when given time to savor. Such is life.

We hope to return again next year to do it all again.