Autumn at Squabetty

Of all the times of year, I love being at Squabetty in the autumn the best. Of course it brings back fond memories of falls past: cutting, splitting and stacking wood as well as burning bonfires with my family. I still enjoy these activities, but I really love being out on the mountain trails. When the bluebird skies come, with temperatures in the 50's and 60s, it’s time to hike or wander the trails, all of which are right out the front door. Sometimes I need a strenuous hike to Bear Claw ridge, the summit or the rock ledges. At other times, I’m more in the mood for a longer, but less demanding walk - my crazy eight creation of trails above and below the house. Regardless, the views and the changing trees are stunning. Look up: blue skies, red maples, bright yellow aspen, the flaming oranges of the sugar maple, creating mountain sides in the sweeping colors of autumn. I almost dance in the shower of leaves when the breeze blows. Look down: the purple gentian is blooming, as is the aster. I forage seed pods and interesting shaped and textured pieces of nature for wild wreathes: turkey tail fungus, small pieces of wood, beechnuts (the ones the bears have left behind), butternuts and clubmoss shoots. I love the crunch of dry leaves underfoot. I am full of gratitude during my adventures, for the beauty of this world, but especially when I rest in a certain place, soaking in the bluest of skies, this grand mountain and the vibrant basin decked out in its finest attire. There is no greater beauty than Vermont in the autumn and no better place to spend it than at Squabetty.