October Belongs to Emily

Fall foliage photos from yesterday's hike

Foliage season has begun!

This rainy October Saturday has its comforts. Having hiked under bright blue skies dressed with dramatic white clouds yesterday and having put in five miles between raindrops this morning, it feels good to while away the afternoon inside on this raw day. It’s one of those raw afternoons that calls for fleece pants and a sweater. And for the first time since last winter, the heat is on.

Sliced apples, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg simmer lazily in a pot on the stove, infusing our home with hints of the season. Next to my writing desk, Samwise and Emily are curled like cozy cats in their respective beds. Meanwhile, a mug of green tea and the whimsical flame of a smoked maple candle flickers are next to me.

I feel content when we hike the day before a storm rolls in. In the coming days, we will pick our spots, trying to squeeze walks in when we can stay somewhat dry. When the sun returns, we’ll be walking up hills again.

Yesterday, it was in the high thirties when we…