Fall is definitely the time of year that I enjoy the most. To some, fall means that winter is way too close, but, to me, it’s time to stop and take in the beauty of autumn and enjoy the cooler weather. I know folks who seem always to have a glass that is only half full, meaning that, when we have a nice day, they will already be worrying that the weather will turn bad instead of savoring the moment.
For many years, I have enjoyed spending some time on a lake enjoying the fall colors while in search of fish. If you’ve read any of my columns, you know that I frequently mention Spider Lake, which is definitely my favorite lake at any time of the year. This is a beautiful lake in the middle of the Chippewa National Forest with scenery that just gets better as the leaves start to turn.
I am excited for my next trip north because a couple of my old service friends will be joining me at the cabin for a few days. We had a reunion of sorts in 2011 and it was probably the last time that all of us will be getting together. I do know that there will be a lot of laughter coming from the cabin while we are there.
Minnesota has many state parks that offer hiking trails and much more for you to visit in the fall. All it takes is a $35 State Park sticker and you will be on your way to visiting as many parks as you desire. If you purchase a sticker, it will be good for one year from the time of purchase and it is definitely well worth it. Fall is a perfect time to visit a state park and take in the colors of autumn while hiking many of the trails. You may also enjoy fishing, kayaking or canoeing on one of the many bodies of water within our many state parks.
Driving through our state forests in fall is a unique experience each year. No two autumn displays are identical. The best mix of color is often found in hilly or rugged areas dominated by yellow, orange, and red of deciduous trees, with green accent from conifer needles.
Fall color drives are perfect for people of all abilities and interests, providing great opportunities to picnic, hike, or snap some photos along the way. This year in particular, they might be a welcome excuse for families to leave the house!
I guess that the sad part of fall is once the trees start to change colors, it seems like the change happens overnight and then, just like that, it’s over. If you want to take a scenic drive, head up Hwy. 38 north out of Grand Rapid. It definitely lives up to its name, Scenic Highway 38.
Quite a few years ago I was camping at Spider lake in late September with a friend and neighbor, Gene, who enjoyed fishing as much as I did. In one of the weeks that we were there, the colors peaked and it was probably one of the most memorable experiences as far as colors go. This lake is already beautiful, but when you add the colors of autumn to that it is definitely an experience to savor. There was no better feeling than coming off of the lake, cleaning fish and settling down in my pickup camper, which had a heater that kept it nice and toasty while we were on the lake.
We did catch some fish that week and, although the weather was plenty cold, we hit it hard, which is how we rolled back in the day. I have hopes of repeating this experience when I am up there, but only on a day trip. Day trips are how I have been fishing Spider for the last few years. That lake holds so many memories of family vacations and great fishing and camping trips that I will always be visiting it whenever possible and, when I can’t visit, memories of those great times will suffice.
Until next time: I am looking forward to seeing my grandson Taylor and his long-time girlfriend Lynzee get married this weekend and I will definitely be playing the part of the proud Grandpa.
Please take a few moments to honor those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Also take a little extra time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served and those troops who are serving today.