In honor of Halloween, a black and orange sunset paddle along Morgan Creek, off the Chesapeake’s Chester River. Fall is one of the best times to take to the Bay’s little coves and inlets by kayak- the geese and ducks cluster in floating rafts of endless chattering, and great clouds of migratory birds feast on the stands of wild rice that have ripened on the stalk. The early sunsets splash color lavishly, and challenge the vibrant leaves, which shade russet, gold, ruby, and bronze. It’s a magical season.

Perhaps the only ghostly specter is that of summer, which still whispers in the last few puffs of cattail, suspended like tiny ghosts over the collapsed salt hay.