It always amazes me how much beauty can be found in the world.  There is so much variety; jagged spires of rock in Bryce Canyon and mystical red mountains and mesas in Sedona.  There are rivers and streams and lakes of ethereal beauty.  And there is the popular view of paradise as white sandy beaches leading out to clear azure colored ocean waters.   There is also the paradise of Vermont in autumn.
 
This fall I became an official peeper.  That is what we, who seek to view the rich autumn colors of New England trees, are called.  We are leaf peepers.  If there is a fan club I want to join.  We left the crowds and kinetic energy of New York and headed to the calm gentle hills of Vermont.  I imagine that when all those trees are leafed in shades of green that they are stunning.  I imagine that when all those trees are bare and grey against white snow that one can feel utter peace or a stark, quiet loneliness.  The fall however is the true fashion season for the rolling hills of Vermont.  The hills are afire with color.  Shades of gold and green and orange and red and orange red and vermillion…the hills are dressed in the richest arrays of riotous color.  Every time I looked up I felt a sense of celebration and gladness at the rich display of the foliage.
 
Besides the beauty of the trees, Vermont also feels a bit like middle earth in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Towns are small and filled with character.  White steeple churches and wood covered bridges add to the uniqueness of this area. Hay stacks and pumpkins can be found decorating doorsteps amidst fall flowers.  Buildings are sturdy and elderly and rich with our nation’s heritage.  Barns and silos and tractors and horses abound.  There is very little tract housing.  Everything feels as if these people have worked hard to carve out habitats that reflect the spirit of hardworking, land loving people who take great pride in there independence and individuality.