The seasonal changes are often if not most of the time associated with visual cues. The color green reappearing in the spring alongside early flowers, the rich flowerbeds of the summer with lush forests and meadows, the turning leaves in the fall and browns and greys that eventually get covered by snow in the winter. Fall is here and it comes with these visual cues. We are approaching the point where the Deschutes River will be lowered to its winter level. The stream is part of an irrigation system, and the water flow is regulated. The water level has been dropping gradually, and a bright stripe appeared on the reed-covered shore, confirming the arrival of fall. That is an additional visual cue. A couple of days ago I was out by the river late. It had gotten dark so none of the colored leaves or the bright stripe in the reed along the water surface were visible any longer. It was a quiet evening and then I noticed a smell -the smell of decay of plant matter. It was not overwhelming and probably would be hardly discernable if there was any wind. But it was quiet that night. This smell had not been there in the weeks before when we were out there at similar times. With the water receding parts of plants that have been underwater are now exposed, floating grass and water plants settle on the emerging bank. It is only natural that these plant pieces disintegrate after exposure and along with it comes this smell. A smell that is clearly associated with fall. So, I find it interesting that one can smell the season also – right now the arrival of fall. I need to pay attention going forward, what it will be like in three months when winter arrives, perhaps with a deliberate trip to the river since at that time it won’t be as comfortable, likewise during the arrival of spring. I can imagine on a quiet day there might also be a unique fragrance in the air then.