Now that summer is finally winding down, you may be thinking of getting out and enjoying the coolness of the onset of fall and the beautiful fall colors with the changing of the leaves in the mountains.
Beautiful colors as the leaves are beginning to change along the Blue Ridge
Well, think no more, just get out there and take in all the beauty of the colors that await you.
There are also plenty of other fun time activities in the fall as well. Think camping, fishing, football and tailgating. Personally I love camping in the fall. I camp year round, but fall is special with its brisk mornings and cool days.
Nothing like the wonderful smell of brewing coffee and bacon and eggs wafting up from a campfire.
Like anything else, preparation is key. Even though summer has just ended, fall weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. It can get quite warm during the day, but once the sun sets, it can become very chilly or downright cold. Therefore, make sure you're prepared by bringing appropriate clothing and bedding with you. Make sure your sleeping bag is adequate for the location you choose.
Keep in mind too, that in the fall and depending on where you are, the time may have already changed and you don't want to get caught beginning your evening meal as the sun catches you off guard and sets before you can get your camp site cleaned up before the sun sets.
If you're a seasoned camper, you already know that safety is a concern in the mountains as there are wildlife to consider. You want to be very careful about leaving food or food scraps out which could attract bears or other critters looking for a free meal. I was camping in the Smoky Mountains recently and rangers had posted quite a few signs around in the camping area where I was camped, warning of bear activity in the area and to take precautions.
Black bear in the mountains
I didn't happen to spot any bears, but while out on short hikes, I did see fresh signs of where bears had been. It's a good idea to keep food in sealed containers and stored away and make sure to dispose of all garbage in a proper manner.
If you have your family with you, it's a wonderful time to get your kids involved in leaf collecting and identifying the various types. It can be a very educational experience for them and you. Just another way to make your camping trip more enjoyable.
Source: Most of the photos in this blog are provided courtesy of pixabay.com.
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