The realization has struck that summer is on its waning ebb and before too much very longer fall will arrive. It's only in the last week that we have recognized the inevitable symptoms of approaching fall. Not that the fact that apples are ripening on their overburdened branches, and wild berries are almost depleted of their offerings, but we felt more than a little shock to recognize the lamentable fact that the days are rapidly growing shorter.

At the height of summer dusk didn't arrive until well after nine in the evening. Now, by eight o'clock the emerging darkness is more than evident heralding the dark of night. We simply lacked awareness that the daylight hours have begun slipping by all too quickly. Perhaps, on the other hand, we felt that it was premature to even notice the change.

Of course it's not just the sunlight with the sun dipping under the horizon at a much earlier time, but that night-time temperatures too are falling. It does make for more comfortable sleeping to be sure, but it arouses in us an inner lament for the summer days that are slipping away. Last night we had a low of 11C, with an urgent wind.

And yesterday's high was 21C, the wind bending the tree tops of the forest canopy more than vigorously; the combination of temperature and wind made for a really brisk day. Pleasant of course since we appreciate the cooler atmosphere, but leaving us regretful as well in an old familiar way.

The signature of impending fall is everywhere we look in the forest. Random foliage already turned from green to pale pink. Leaves falling to the forest floor -- not many, but the signal is there. Squirrels have been tearing acorns down off the oak trees, more for mischief, it occurs to us, than to store away for winter. This has been a bumper year for nuts and seeds for the forest wildlife.

And here and there we see fanciful and fascinating mushrooms and fungi erupting out of the decaying mass of long-buried vegetable matter as well as old stumps and dead tree trunks. The colours can be amazing; bright orange, deathly blue, perky yellows and pearly-white. The shapes are various, from perfectly round, to scalloped edges, trumpet shapes and toadstools.

All of which make our rambles along forest trails compelling in their visual treats, day after day, irrespective of the weather and the season.