Feel it, Smell it and Live it, Fall is Here!

Time for a season change, and seemed to happen so suddenly. Fall is here, you can feel it, smell it and live it! Ready or not, time for a change.

As the days get shorter and cooler, the nights get longer. What a gorgeous time to get outdoors! Hike, play, garden, walk or just go looking for wildlife. Nature senses the change. Animals start preparing for winter, birds migrate, animals harvest the forest and store up for the cold months to come, even the bugs settle down.

In the garden flowers start to retreat until next spring, the seeds fall to the ground and keep the squirrels and turkeys busy.

Cool crisp mornings with dew leave a serene sound as the turkeys make a daily trek across the yard, the chipmunks scurry and the osprey return south and the eagles are more abundant.

The woods are busy with hunters and hikers, bears forging as they gain as many calories possible before a winter nap. This is also a time to sight more cougars and bobcats. The cats do not hibernate for winter but sense the change of prey and come down lower off the mountain.

Whether you work, live or play in the woods, remember you are entering the home of wildlife. If doesn't mean we can't hike, hunt or play outdoors. It means be smart, be aware as you venture out. Always pay attention to your surroundings, the sounds, what you see and smell. Watch for signs of wildlife and know what to do if you cross paths with a cougar, elk or bear. Be prepared.

Fall is a beautiful time of the year, the season is upon us and we can enjoy and share the great outdoors with those who live in it.

Prepare, even if you plan to only be out a couple hours, be prepared incase its a lot longer. Be prepared for cold frosty nights, wildlife and other people. Pack out your garbage, be respectful. Be respectful of not only wildlife, nature but the neighborhoods you cross to get to your destination. Many side roads in Skamania County are 25 mph. The nights are cooler and we have had a little rain, but campfires should never be left unattended, put them dead out when you leave. Leave the woods the way you found it, like you were never there!. Enjoy your adventure, enjoy Fall, be safe and prepare for emergencies that can happen.