Fall-time in the Beaches of 59

Photo by Brooklynn Smith

by Laura Kemp

From back to school, to sport team tryouts, Fall can become a hectic and stressful season. But then you step outside into nature and the noise of everyday life is taken over by the sound of the wind or waves. 

 Fall is my favourite season. I can’t place it for sure, but I love bundling in layers, the smell in the air, the colours of the trees, and spotting my favourite wildlife critters. Back to indoor fires, and blankets on the couch, while reading a book, or doing a puzzle. 

 It is fun looking in my closet and pulling out clothes I forgot I had, my favourite jacket, and my leather boots. Don’t forget my favourite rust coloured toque. 

I like cooking soups, and stews, with all the local vegetables before they are gone. Making muffins for school or pumpkin bread for snacks.  

Then the planning begins for Halloween. Me and my son love Halloween and there is always a custom homemade costume involved. I say you’re never too old for Halloween.  

Some people postpone their leaves for the spring but it is a weekly clean up at our place until the snow falls. We wash and put away all the beach towels and winterize the boat. Don’t forget to blow out the lines to the outdoor shower. I keep my kayak out till last, hoping for one last calm, and warm day, to go for a paddle. 

 I’m lucky that my dog will get me outside every day. We go walking on the beach in hiking boots instead of flip flops and looking at the driftwood, forts made by the summer kids, and sand designs left by the water and waves. Sometimes we are the only two on the beach. Once a year we walk to Elk Island if the water is low enough. I watch my dog carefully as the Bald Eagle flys over us. The hummingbirds have left and so have the Pelicans. 

 The sun is setting earlier and the lake water is getting colder. The only boat on the water is the commercial fisherman going to check his nets. 

 The stars seem brighter at this time of year and the sky darker. But I will enjoy every day of Fall hoping it hangs on as long as possible before the snow arrives.