I have to admit. I’m a fall kind of guy. Sure, the dog days of summer are good, but growing up in Revelstoke, BC, I always looked forward to the mountains getting a fresh dusting of snow and the Kokanee spawning in the local creeks. Some of my fondest memories are hiking through the woods on a crisp fall morning with a couple friends.
I’m sure that many people living in Northern British Columbia share a similar memory.
Get out there and embrace fall
Now, I know this can be a busy time of year, school has started and there’s still a few projects around the house to finish up before winter gets here. However, why not spare some time to explore your local waking and hiking trails. The days are cooler and hints of color are starting to show in the trees. Salmon are spawning and there’s still abundant wildlife to be seen. Northern British Columbia has a lot of diversity and the outdoors can be spectacular this time of year.
Hiking may be a popular summertime activity, but there’s no reason why it can’t be enjoyed through the fall and into the early winter. Eventually hiking can become snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, but that’s another blog post.
However, there are some things to consider before heading out on your favorite trail.
- Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Northern BC is bear country. Be bear aware, especially if you’re in an area where salmon are spawning.
- Remember that the days are getting shorter this time of year. Make sure you take that into account when planning your hikes so you can be off the trail before it gets dark
- Be prepared. While the days might still be warm and pleasant, nights are getting cooler. Pack some warm clothing, an emergency blanket, flashlight, signalling device and fire starter with you.
- Hunting season is underway, be aware that hunters may be sharing the outdoors with you.
- Take your camera or smartphone; this time of year can be great for photos.
One of my fondest memories from growing up in Revelstoke was watching the snowline on the mountains get lower and lower as fall waned and winter approached. When it was about halfway half way down the mountains, a few friends and I would go hiking and meet the snow. It became a fall ritual.
To be honest I still watch the snow creeping down the mountains here in Terrace. I still laugh at an old memory of a snowball fight that pitted my friends Richard and Ken against me and another friend on one of those hikes. What sticks out most from that day was Richard nailing Ken at point blank range with a snowball that was actually meant for Jim or I. But I guess you had to be there!
Go ahead, get out there and embrace fall in Northern British Columbia. You just might create some wonderful new memories with your friends and family.
Northern Health is sponsoring a great way to get to know (or share!) your community's healthy features - The Great Northern Scavenger Hunt! Answering clues gets you out in your community and a chance to win great prizes.
Comments