Autumn brings a sense of peace that emerges from the quietude of falling leaves and rich colors that paint the landscape. Summer = rest. Fall = tranquility. As the season for harvest progresses, I find that I have to be intentional about recording my experiences in writing as I much prefer the internal ruminations of my mind while crunching leaves underfoot.

This season I had lofty intentions of weekend climbing escapades and multi-day backpacking trips that promised an inordinate amount of time in nature that my body and mind craved. A series of cold viruses have put a wrench in those best laid plans, and there I have been times I’ve reeled with the disappointment of staying at home.

Yet I am learning that I can be with nature without doing in nature. Just this morning, armed with a cup of hot coffee dabbled with pumpkin spice creamer, I sat on my sun porch watching the leaves fall in sync with the rain. The rich yellows, reds, and oranges seem to be giving way to crispy brown colors; my eyes work to follow the dancing foliage as it floats down from high branches.

I simply love fall.

In between my periods of sickness, I have managed to do some pretty nifty hikes and climbs. Although simple day trips, they’ve brought a sense of fulfillment that only comes from being in an outdoor environment unencumbered by the rhythms of modern life.

I spotted a copper head snake in Great Falls.

I climbed some sketchy slab rock at Buzzard Rock.

I spontaneously went to Dinosaur Land in the-middle-of-nowhere Virginia.

And I continue to admire the natural world from my own home.

I simply love fall and the way it awakens my senses, gently offering an invitation to ponder, to contemplate, and to simply be.