It’s no secret, 2020 has brought very little in the way of joy and plenty of anxiety.

Let’s face it, it’s been kind of a grey – or at least muted – year.

The second wave of the global pandemic continues to beat down – though surely not taking all the fun out of Halloween for the kids. But, especially for adults, finding moments of delight this autumn takes some energy and imagination.

I’ve been pausing long enough recently to notice the small but important things – including the fall colours. Since our trains and buses stretch across great swaths of Ontario, including rolling beside tree-lined streets and through rural communities, we have a good view of the spectrum of change.

The level of wow every autumn is hit and miss each year, depending on the whims of Mother Nature. But right now, 2020 is delivering the colours. I believe it’s been the best season in years to lose yourself in the beauty of the kaleidoscope of fall hues and tones – pure eye candy for the soul.

Head to a walking or biking trail or grab your PRESTO card to jump on a train to visit one of Ontario’s amazing parks or wineries. Peak colours are even tracked by Ontario Parks.  Many Toronto neighbourhoods are just gorgeous now as well.

The spectacular colours were abundantly evident this Thanksgiving weekend on a trip I took to Barrie. The shades along the Don River and rail corridor took my breath away.

So spontaneously I asked our customers and rail fans over Twitter for their best fall pics from their recent trips along the rail corridors across the greater Toronto and Hamilton area. And you came through – from Guelph, Niagara, Welland Canal, Union Station Rail Corridor, the Don, Rouge Hill – the photos were a treat to view.

Rob Williamson, a young St. Catharines resident and avid rail fan, shared some great shots – all photographed safely and legally – that he managed to grab over the holiday weekend. He loves to shoot adjacent to one of the many lift bridges that carries Niagara GO trains across the Welland Canal and his pics didn’t disappoint.

Some say the crisp autumn air can often trigger a bit of panic knowing the long frigid winter months are on the way. And being forced indoors for a good part of the winter season carries with it some added dread thanks to COVID-19 this year.

So we need reminders that we’re moving forward – and there’s still joy to be found in the air.

The fall splendor is fleeting so get out and drink in the rich and vibrant, multi-coloured leaves while you can – you’ll be exchanging your hiking boots for snowshoes soon enough.

And yes, I’ll likely come asking you for those chilly pictures as well.