Sweater Weather!

It’s officially the first day of autumn…and it is gorgeous weather out there! Sunny and a little breezy, perfect for a light sweater or if you’re like me, a good ol’ cozy sweatshirt with a pair of shorts. As I am typing (I am working outside this afternoon) the leaves on the neighbours tree are starting to turn a bright red. I can hear some of the ones that have fallen already cartwheeling down the driveway. It is a fun time of year; I start the baking routine, lots of dark chocolate, apple anything, and getting ready to pick our pumpkins for pie. It is a time of the year to get out and get hiking again. I found we don’t hike too much in the late summer because the mosquitos in the forest will carry you away. Now that the evenings are cooler, they have calmed down a bit. Not that the wasps have. They are pesky this time of year because they have done their wasp thing during the summer and are now taking a break and bothering us instead.

Autumn Hiking

There are so many trails around the Tri City area, it’s fun trying a different one each week. Whether you like a good workout challenger hike or just a straight run stroll, check out your local parks and trails. It’s also fun to collect treasures as you go (fallen acorns, pinecones, leaves, etc.) but please don’t pull branches off trees, pick any flowers, or destroy any type of mounds or holes that may be the home of a small animal. Try and identify a bird just by its song, or stand still for awhile and see what wildlife may appear (you may be surprised at what you find). Oh, and don’t forget your water bottle, even though it isn’t as hot out anymore, you can easily get dehydrated.

Safety Tips When Hiking

Now that the leaves have started falling, hiking just got a little trickier. First, start with a good pair of hiking boots or shoes that have a sturdy sole and walls that support the ankle well. Leaves that have fallen will hide obstacles such as rocks, tree roots, holes and such. Lots of tripping hazards out there! Also the ground can be more slippery due to any rainfall or water that has collected underneath the leaves creating mud.

Another thing that you don’t really think about when hiking is the seeds and nuts that fall off the trees. I hear the thunk, thunk, thunk of the black walnuts hitting a neigbours shed in the morning. These can give you a good clonk on the head if not mindful of the trees around. And you don’t want to roll an ankle if you happen to step on one in the forest. Watch for falling acorns as well.

Windy days are another area of concern, as branches big and small can come down (although that can happen anytime). Just some things to point out before heading out to explore, always stay safe. Happy hiking!

October Promo!

October 15 through to the 22nd

Book ‘The Worx” manicure or ‘Pamper Me!’ pedicure and receive a trial size small-batch handmade Chai Hand/Foot Polish and Ginger Spice Hand/Foot Lotion. Made with all natural organic ingredients, these 2 products will make your hands and feet soft and supple and help protect them from the drying effects of the colder weather that will soon be here.

Gem of the Month

Australian Opal

The beautiful colours in this gemstone are exquisite as the light shines on them. Their metaphysical properties are said to have a special way to promote mental and physical healing as well as emotional and spiritual healing.