Fall is a great time of year but a busy time as the urgency of winter is fast approaching.

Spring was always my favorite time of year.  The warm sun and new growth of spring was welcome after a long dark wet cold winter.  There are seeds to sow and rivers to run and the whole world turns green.  But as I have grown older, Fall has nudged its way to the top.

Fall is a great time of the year.  It is a very busy time as we ready for winter.  It is a time for harvest and preparation.  Life must be winterized before the cold and dark wet days of winter set in.  There is wood to split and stack from the previous winters cut.  Tools and equipment must be stored for the rains yet to come.  Water lines to drain, wood to paint, and roof’s to repair in preparation of the accumulating snow and ice.  The sun rises later and sets earlier each and every day to further the urgency.  Yet it is a time of bounty.

Fall brings the rewards of your summer efforts.  The bounty of the garden is picked and processed. The empty pantry is once again stocked with jars and the freezer is once again full.  There is game to be harvested and butcher as they have fattened up from the summers grain preparing for winter.  And even though the days are shorter and there is much to be completed, it is a great time to explore.

As fall sinks in and the kids go back to school, the shoulder season is the time to vacation.  The summer crowds are gone and the woods, lakes, and rivers are once again quiet.  The days are cool and a relief after the hot days of summer.  Unlike the busyness of spring recovering from a long winter, nature is at peace.  It is a tranquil time of year and the time to go fishing.

I love to fish the fall.  The rivers are low and peaceful unlike the torrents of spring.   Scraping across the rocks in a kayak to get to the next place to throw a fly is truly is truly where I am most at peace.  The rapids are just a nuisance delaying your next cast and the kayak is just transportation for the needed gear for the next several days.  The rocks can make a great perch mid stream for you and your boat.  Unlike the days of summer, you have the river to yourself and the fish.  And as fall leads into winter, you depart the river leaving nothing but memories and sore mouth trout!

And then comes the snow, the skiers, and the tourists- The shoulder season has ended!

The World According to Jeff!