Indian Summer is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs in autumn. It refers to a period of above normal temperatures after the first frost, or killing frost.
The name Indian summer is related to the American Indian. Raiding parties would use this time between cold spells to attack settlers without having to worry about being tracked, hence the name Indian summer.
I don’t get out in the mountains much after the snow starts falling. Hiking alone in the backwoods has a lot of hazards even on a good day. When you add snow and possible frostbite to the list the need for a hike goes quietly into hibernation… setting me up for a severe case of cabin fever in early spring.
I thoroughly enjoy an Indian summer. It is one last chance to visit the mountains before the winter freeze sets in. It is warm enough to be comfortable but with an undeniable crispness to the air. The smell of decaying leaves, fiery oranges and reds, leaving no doubt winter is on the way.
I took advantage of today’s warm temperatures and took the dogs for a hike along Beaver Creek. I don’t know if it was our last hike for the season but it kind of felt like it.
You can feel the preparations for winter taking place in the woods. The piece and quiet of the mountains in autumn is positively deafening. Leaves falling, squirrels barking, chipmunks scampering about, deer roaming around… even crossed paths with a hunter.
The photographer in me was a little let down. There is a whole lot going on in the mountains but nothing you can really capture with a photograph. It is something that has to be experienced.
As far as Indian summer, I hope it lasts till spring. Which, by the way, is something you would not have heard when the term was first used. ;)
Maple Leafs
Photos best viewed in high definition!!
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When one tugs at a single thing in nature; he finds it attached to the rest of the world.
