Nature's Palette.

    In Southern Ontario, the late summer and early fall of 2013 has provided some of the best cycling weather that I can remember. From early September, day followed day of warm, largely sunny conditions in which I was more than happy to immerse myself as I pedalled northward towards the undulations of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Although this situation was frequently accompanied by strong winds it did little to adversely impact the idyllic environment; indeed the increase in pedalling effort required probably imparted additional fitness benefits. During this time, it was particularly rewarding to observe the progressive colour changes of a range of greenery to an amalgam of gold, red and yellow. 
   Why is nature's palette of colours is so appealing? In the height of summer the beautiful Canadian Shield country to the north to which full campgrounds and summer cottages bear witness, its rocks, shimmering lakes and green woodlands (with hopefully blue skies above!) provide highly desirable holiday locations for all but the most ardent of "townies".  Regardless of personal circumstances, virtually everyone enjoys this spiritually uplifting panoply of shades and tints, which collectively all provide such a restorative environment to those in need of an annual "recharging of the batteries".

Burleigh Falls.

    I have often wondered whether this universally positive response is an acquired taste or hard-wired into the system. Would we feel the same if the palette was revised? Would we feel the same if leaves were red, grass was blue and the sky green? Although entirely hypothetical could this combination ever produce such an equally positive response as the existing colour combination?

    Several years ago I had occasion to view the tar sands at Sydney N.S. where the water was of a decidedly different hue from that existing in the lakes of the Algonquin Highlands!! In fact the only likely thing to uplift the spirit in Sydney would be a glass containing a stiff shot of Scotch to overcome the shock of witnessing this lake of poisonous effluent.
    That being said, should there ever be (however unlikely), an occurrence of nature changing its colour protocol, I will immediately acquire some rose coloured spectacles and happily continue as if nothing had happened!